The “2026 CityLab Sustainability Summit” will focus on sustainability issues, environmental stewardship, place-making, and the benefits of large-scale regional events such as the 2026 World Cup.
APRIL 29, 2026 // 5:30 PM // LATINO CULTURAL CENTER
KICKOFF
Goal: A dynamic panel discussion featuring industry and sports professionals focused on sustainability issues, environmental stewardship, place-making, and the benefits of large-scale regional events, including the upcoming World Cup tournament.
Sam Acho
Sam Acho is a 9 year NFL Veteran, Former Vice President of the NFLPA, ESPN Analyst, Philanthropist, Venture Capital and Private Equity Investor and Business Owner. He is also the winner of Campbell Trophy Award, known as the Academic Heisman, and a two time Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Nominee. He obtained his MBA during his NFL career and was named by Sporting News as one of the 20 smartest athletes in all of sports.
Sergio Chavez
Sergio Chavez is a Designer and Principal at HKS. Sergio was senior designer on AT&T Stadium, a 3.1 million-square-foot, 70,000-seat NFL entertainment/sports venue in Arlington, Texas. He believes designing sports venues is about understanding the traditions of the game, its community, and the owner’s vision.
Meghna Tare
Meghna Tare serves as the Chief Sustainability Officer at The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), where she supports the operations and strategic planning for the university-wide sustainability practices programs and policies in collaboration with university operations units, academic and research units, student organizations, and external partners.
Meghna is also supporting Dallas FIFA World Cup 2026 as Chief Sustainability Officer. Her focus is on minimizing the event’s environmental footprint while empowering communities and leaving a legacy of positive change in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Chioma "Chi" Ubogagu
Chi Ubogagu is a player for Dallas Trinity FC, a member of the USL Super League and one of the top women’s professional soccer clubs in the country.
She played for Stanford University, made the All-Pac-12 team all four seasons, earning first-team honors in 2012 and 2014, and won PAC-12 Freshman of the Year in 2011. Her professional career has included 2 stints in the FA Women’s Super League with Arsenal and Tottenham, 4 years in the NWSL with Houston Dash and Orlando Pride, and 3 seasons with Spanish giant Real Madrid. Chi has represented the USA at various youth levels, winning the 2012 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
APRIL 30, 2026 // CITYLAB HIGH SCHOOL
CHAMPIONSHIP
Goal: Engage | Observe | Get Excited
Witness students showcasing Summit related projects and key lessons learned throughout the school year, followed by professional feedback.
First Half: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Green Business Field Study
Students present research on environmentally responsible products and services following visits to Big Tex Urban Farms and Bank of America building.
STEM + Soccer (Sponsored by walkSTEM)
Students explore the science and math behind the game of soccer.
AT&T Stadium Tour (Sponsored by HKS)
Students share insights from touring the 2026 World Cup semifinal match venue alongside architects from HKS.
Second Half: 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Middle School Design Competition (Sponsored by DDI)
High school students present their collaboration with teachers and architects to mentor middle schoolers through an innovative stadium design challenge.
Summit Poster Design Competition
Finalists present their original sustainability, themed designs. The winner will be announced live during the Summit.
DISD Campus Tree Plantings (Sponsored by One Earth One Chance)
Students highlight two completed tree-planting initiatives at the CityLab/IDEA campus and Solar Preparatory School for Boys.
Panelists
Oswaldo Rivera-Ortiz
DSGN
Sarah Schleuning
DMA
Geeta Menon
One Earth One Chance
Drex Owusu
Perot Museum
Charyl McAfee-Duncan, FAIA
McAfee³ Architecture
Peter Goldstein, AIA
CityLab HS Co-founder
Susan Alvarez
NTCOG
Mary Nunley
The Educator Collective
Mark Timm, RID, IIDA
HKS
CityLab/IDEA Faculty
Alex Knesnik
Architecture
Kelsey Turner
Art
Allison Miller
Environmental Sustainability
Ameilia Cates
Business
Brandon Barrier
Math
The CityLab Summit invites students, teachers, families, and business professionals to engage in a discussion about our city and the places where we live, learn, work, and play.
PARTICIPATE
Professionals from any field are invited to participate! Please contact us to lend your expertise, knowledge, and/or resources.
SPONSOR
Packages range from $500 to $10,000 and include many benefits, like the uniqueopportunity for company representatives to mentor students on their sustainable goal planning.
SHARE
Sharing is caring! Sharing this event on social media and with your network helps support the next generation of creative thinkers and innovators.
Proceeds from this event will directly support the programs and resources that prepare CityLab students for future success.
Questions or needs? Contact Marilyn Rutner at mrutner@citylabshsfoundation.org
Thank you to our sponsors!
Champion - $10,000
Second Half - $5,000
First Half - $2,500
Kickoff - $1,000
Fan - $500
Project Partners
