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Session Info

How to Find the Meaning of Your Life

Monday, May 4th
11:10 am – 12:10 pm ET
Grand Ballroom

Do you know the meaning of your life? More and more Americans — especially young adults — say they do not, and this is a major cause of rising unhappiness. In this session, Arthur shows how modern life with its technological distractions is changing our brains and making meaning and purpose harder to find. But he also reveals the solutions we can implement personally to bring meaning — and thus greater happiness — back into our lives, as well as the lives of those we love.

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C.J. Stermer, MBA

Host & Emcee 

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C.J. has a long-standing history participating in a variety of VFHY’s educational programming, including as the host of our Champions for Youth Podcast, and is returning for his third year as the host and emcee of the Champions for Youth Summit.

With more than 20 years of marketing experience, he has dedicated over 10 years toward his passion for youth advocacy and thought leadership throughout a variety of health topics. He’s worked to develop LGBTQ+ tobacco prevention campaigns with the FDA, substance use prevention programming with the CDC, and most notably has collaborated with the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama during the 2012 National DNC.

He possesses a degree in psychology from Appalachian State University and a master’s in business administration from the University of Southern California. C.J. is also an active board member for a variety of nonprofits, including Rainbow Labs, a LGBTQ+ youth development organization, and as the current board chair for the Doctor Yum Project, a youth nutrition and behavioral health organization.

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May 4-6, 2026

Hyatt Regency at Reston Town Center
1800 Presidents Street
Reston, VA 20190

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