Founded in memory of Jessica Hobby Catto, ACES’ Jessica Catto Dialogues (JCD) lecture series brings environmental luminaries to Aspen to inspire positive change.
Each year, over 1,000 Aspen residents and visitors come together to engage in an open dialogue about our most pressing environmental concerns. With past presenters including Carl Safina, Joel Salatin, Bill McKibben, Terry Tempest Williams and others, this series highlights the work of leaders in environmental and climate science, regenerative agriculture, economics, and ecosystem health, specifically focusing on those who are involved in promoting civic action and social justice.
The series is funded by the Catto Charitable Foundation in Jessica’s memory and is curated in partnership with Jessica’s daughter and son-in-law, Isa and Daniel Shaw. Jessica was a staunch environmental and social rights advocate, courageous in her resolve to be an effective voice for change. She served on the Boards of Conservation International, the National Parks Conservation Association, World Resources Institute, the Conservation Fund, the Environmental Defense Fund, and ACES. As a longstanding member at The Aspen Institute, she also established the Catto Fellowship for a Sustainable Future.
