Human Intelligence in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
The Power of Words® and Relational Emotional Development as a Framework for Human Flourishing.
A moderated cross-sector dialogue and applied human-capability session led by founder Deborah Sawaf, at the Celeste Bartos Theater, The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Panelists are being confirmed and will be published here.
Deborah Sawaf
Twice nominee for the Rising Star Award by the Accessories Council of America
Recipient of the Angelino Award for 'True Altruism'
Nominee by the Italian Fashion Chamber and United Nations for the 'First Social Sustainable Movement through Fashion for Mental Health'
Deborah Sawaf's journey from a trailblazing career in luxury fashion to founding the Power of Words Foundation is a testament to purpose-driven transformation. With nearly three decades in haute couture, creative research and development, and luxury craftsmanship — including her own luxury brand, Thalé Blanc — she built a reputation for excellence alongside some of the most prestigious brands in the industry. It was her love for mentoring and developing programs for youth that led her to see the power fashion holds to create change: the perfect opportunity to leverage the voice of fashion as a platform to drive social impact and emotional intelligence awareness, ultimately shaping a new movement in mental well-being for all ages.
That vision became the first-ever emotional intelligence program of its kind, built on the understanding that true transformation demands more than awareness — it demands a structured approach to emotional development. The methodology follows the principles of Relational Emotional Development, a method of intentional effort and focus, one day at a time, fostering communication, purpose, empathy, resilience, compassion, optimism and a warrior spirit. It reaches from early childhood, where storytelling lays the foundation for emotional growth, through to universities, professionals, clinicians and adults at every stage of life.
Under her leadership, the Power of Words Foundation has gained global recognition for pioneering The Band-Bond Therapy, an interactive and holistic approach to emotional intelligence and mental well-being, presented at prestigious conferences worldwide. The programme's simplicity, universality and adaptability make it scalable across sectors — designed for schools, universities, corporations and clinicians, with applications extending to autism, disabilities and neurodiverse communities.
Her work continues to bridge fashion, art, emotional intelligence and mental health advocacy, building a global movement of empathy, connection and transformation.
“The medical world does not have a solution for the mental health crisis we are in and about to face, and needs a disruption.” The Power of Words Foundation is “the necessary disruptor — introducing a theoretical and practical holistic approach to not only preventing mental health crises but also ensuring sustainable emotional well-being.”
Leaders in the mental health space, on the foundation's work
Panelists
Being confirmed — full panel announced closer to the session.
Agenda
Welcome and framing
Session opening and introduction of the panel. Details to be confirmed.
Keynote — Deborah Sawaf
The Power of Words and the Band-Bond method: emotional intelligence as a preventive, scalable approach to mental well-being.
Panel discussion
Moderated cross-sector dialogue on human capability in the age of AI. Panelists to be confirmed.
Audience dialogue and close
Open questions from delegates, followed by closing remarks.
The final run of show, session topic and speaker list will be published here once confirmed by the organisers.