Montclair Kimberley Academy’s inaugural Alumni Innovation Summit from April 24-25 marked a milestone in the school’s 50-year history. The Summit was designed to bring together some of the brightest minds in technology, media, finance, medicine, and the creative arts. An extraordinary celebration, the gathering connected students with accomplished and visionary alumni across industries to explore the future of innovation.

The event featured 25 alumni panelists from around the country with discussions spanning topics from the ethical landscape of technology and healthcare innovation to navigating new media, starting businesses for impact, the future of money, mental health innovation, STEM+, and celebrating women in STEM through the "She Roars" session just to name a few. The Summit also included 16 student moderators, 15 student-led interest groups, and a series of faculty/admin think tanks.

Through this immersive experience, students were given a firsthand look into emerging fields and career paths, along with opportunities to engage directly with alumni who are leading innovation in their respective areas. The Summit not only honored MKA’s legacy but also advanced its mission to prepare students for a rapidly evolving world—one that demands interdisciplinary thinking, creativity, and collaboration across fields.

The Summit was a resounding success and stands as a powerful example of the school’s commitment to academic excellence, fostering future-ready learners, and building a dynamic learning ecosystem. Experiences like this keep students at their growing edge—connected to a supportive community where they are prepared to be excellent in all spaces. MKA is deeply grateful to the alumni and many volunteers, faculty, and staff who brought this initiative to life, and look forward to continuing these conversations that connect generations and spark meaningful change.

View more photos from the event. Questions? Contact alumni@mka.org.

Alumni participants shared their reflections on the experience, highlighting the impact of the event and the strength of the MKA community:

I knew the event was going to be good — but that was next level.

It was humbling to see what this community has developed over the years. And it was an inspiring reminder to see the level of excellence we all stand for.

Hopefully, we can continue to inspire the next generation of leaders and trailblazers.

I found myself wondering over the past few days why I had stayed away. Nothing in particular kept me away, but nothing really drew me back to MKA either. These past two days have been an eye-opener and I am so proud of the school, the education we all got, and the people that we have all become. It was such a pleasure getting to know each and every one of you. Amazing to think back on those days passing notes in class and not paying attention in Weiss Auditorium and then seeing us all now!! The school surely did something right!

The conference renewed my pride in our school and inspired deep admiration for the teachers, administrators, students, and distinguished alumni.

It was amazing to see such accomplished alumni, old friends, energized young minds, and a thoughtfully renovated learning space that preserved its DNA. Wow! Such an honor to be involved in this inaugural summit. Thank you.

I've always been proud to be an MKA graduate, but never as much as these past two days, standing among such an esteemed, genuine, fascinating, and wildly accomplished group.