Animazement is an all-volunteer, fan-run anime convention in Raleigh, North Carolina, celebrating popular Japanese visual culture in all of its forms. The parent organization of Animazement, Educational Growth Across Oceans (EGAO) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

The mission of Animazement is to provide an introduction to Japanese Language and Culture, through the world of Japanese Animation and Manga. For three days each spring, a diverse group of attendees, volunteers, special Japanese and American guests, panelists, and our staff come together to share in celebrating Japanese entertainment and visual culture. Our activities span the various genres of anime, manga, video games, J-pop/J-rock, martial arts, traditional arts and crafts, and more in a family-friendly, festival-like atmosphere. Sure, it’s a party, but it is our sincere hope that everyone who attends Animazement will learn something and leave with a greater sense of cultural understanding and appreciation for Japanese Culture and Language.

- Animazement

Bestselling Author Joanne Lipman Headlines Our Women’s Leadership Conference

Discover why the Women’s Leadership Conference is the most attended event we offer. We are excited to welcome Joanne Lipman as our keynote speaker. Lipman is the bestselling author of “That’s What She Said: What Men Need to Know (and Women Need to Tell Them) About Working Together.”

One of the nation’s leading journalists, she most recently was chief content officer of Gannett, and editor-in-chief of USA TODAY and the USA TODAY NETWORK, compromising the flagship title and 109 other news organizations.

Lipman began her career as a reporter at The Wall Street Journal, ultimately becoming deputy managing editor, the first woman to attain that post. A frequent television commentator, she has received the Matrix Award for women in communications. Lipman is a member of the Yale University Council, the Council on Foreign Relations, and is an international media leader for the World Economic Forum.

This half-day conference also will feature breakout sessions and panel discussions with local successful executives. Enjoy this opportunity to connect and network with other professional women.

- The Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce

The Public School Forum of North Carolina Jay Robinson Education Leadership Award was established by the Public School Forum Board of Directors in 2000 to recognize exemplary leaders who have made outstanding contributions to public education.  The award may be given to anyone who has displayed innovative, creative, effective leadership for public education in North Carolina.

The award is named in honor of the late Dr. Jay Robinson, one of our state’s most distinguished education leaders. His career spanned 50 years, beginning as a math teacher and basketball and football coach in Cabarrus County, becoming a school principal and later superintendent of schools in first Cabarrus and then Charlotte-Mecklenburg school systems. He served as vice president for public affairs and special projects for the University of North Carolina system and chaired the State Board of Education. He was also the first president of the Public School Forum and served as an Emeritus Member of the Board until his death in April 2000.

James (Jim) and Barbara Goodmon are the recipients of the 2019 Public School Forum of North Carolina Jay Robinson Education Leadership Award. Mr. and Mrs. Goodmon will be honored at a gala event on Thursday, May 30, 2019 at the Raleigh Convention Center.

- NC Public School Forum