Pissed-Off Optimists: Lividcon Logo

A Gathering by Greater Good Studio

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Welcome to the Livid Conference!

On November 3rd, we're celebrating a community of people who can clearly see that things are broken right now, but haven't given up on what could be. We’re bringing together designers who want to make a greater social impact and social sector professionals who are looking to be more creative.

This is a gathering for people who understand that being pissed off is a rational, productive, and necessary state of mind—and that channeling that energy collectively is how we create the world we need.

Sara Cantor (left) stands with participants at the networking event Angry Hour Chicago.

Image from Angry Hour™ Chicago 2025

Featured Speakers

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Ami Mehta

(she/her)
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Antionette Carroll

(she/her)
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Arianne Miller

(she/her)
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Bronwyn Clarke

(she/her)
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Carlos Robles-Shanahan

(he/him)
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Daniel O. Ash

(he/him)
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Elmer Moore Jr.

(he/him)
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Elodie Edjang

(she/her)
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Eugene Robinson Jr

(he/him)
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George Aye

(he/him)
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Hillary Carey

(she/her)
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James Estrada

(he/him)
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Jason Schupbach

(he/him)
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Jenn Chan

(she/her)
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Jennifer Rittner

(she/her)
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Jessica Meharry

(she/her)
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Judi Brown

(she/her)
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Karla Robles

(she/her)
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Kat Reiser

she/her
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Mariama Ndiaye

(she/her)
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Nicole Robinson

she/her
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Nina Turner

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Parker Joyner

he/him
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Rasmia Kirmani

(she/her)
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Sara Cantor

(she/her)
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Sarah Weisz

(she/her)
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Sloan Leo Cowan

(they/he)
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Victor Udoewa

(he/him/ours)
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Who is a Pissed-Off Optimist?

Greater Good Studio is hosting the Livid Conference as a rallying cry for those who can tell that the world needs repair but haven’t lost hope. We’re betting that there’s a lot more Pissed-Off Optimists out there than we know of, and we’re making November 3rd a time and place to gather them.

As we saw at half a dozen Angry Hours held in cities across the US, Pissed-Off Optimists come from all walks of life, with careers in social work, education, healthcare, housing, food insecurity, policy, climate change, community development, early childhood, design, and more. They work across all levels of local, state, and federal government, and span from recent grads to mid-career professionals to seasoned executives. They bring backgrounds in non-profit, philanthropy, and corporate life.

Pissed-Off Optimists are often the sole changemakers within their departments or organizations. Sometimes their job titles reflect this unique orientation to the work, but more often than not, their official titles barely scratch the surface. They’re the de facto agitator, innovator, or go-to person who sees the world with a bit more possibility. If you are a Pissed-Off Optimist, then this conference is for you. Let’s see what good trouble we can get into.

Angry Hour™ at LividCon

What Pissed-Off Optimists Say About Themselves

Handwritten text that says "Someone who truly believes the world is good but isn't seeing that in the world right now."
Handwritten text that says "Even when overwhelmed, they hold hope for themselves and for the world around them (but they're pissed-off)"

What Pissed-Off Optimists Say About Our Events

Quotes from Angry Hour™ Attendees

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“I had a discouraging day at work... and left feeling much better, inspired and motivated by the energy and conversation.”

— ANGRY HOUR: AUSTIN

“It's a great cross-functional networking event to either commiserate with other Pissed-Off Optimists, or to renew your hope that change is possible.”

— ANGRY HOUR: CHICAGO

“It was a safe space for people to come together to share their grievances, frustrations, and hopes as well as connecting with people to find ways to engage and fight back.”

— ANGRY HOUR: CHICAGO

“A happy hour networking event for people working in social impact and/or technology and/or design spaces. People are really nice and passionate and come from a variety of backgrounds..."

— ANGRY HOUR: LOS ANGELES

“Networking for folks who are social-justice minded and want to connect with other likeminded people.”

— ANGRY HOUR: AUSTIN

“A way for people itching for action in our current broken system to connect.”

— ANGRY HOUR: AUSTIN

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