Keynote

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, a six-time NBA champion and the league's only six-time MVP. He is now a New York Times best-selling author who has written 14 books including two recent memoirs – Becoming Kareem for young readers, and Coach Wooden & Me about his lifelong friendship with UCLA coach John Wooden.

Kareem is a regular contributing columnist for The Guardian and The Hollywood Reporter where he draws on his 50 years as an athlete, activist, and author to discuss some of the most socially relevant and politically controversial topics facing our nation today. Currently, Kareem serves as the chairman of his Skyhook Foundation whose mission is to “Give Kids a Shot That Can’t be Blocked” by bringing educational STEM opportunities to under-served communities through innovative outdoor environmental learning. During the NBA season, he can be seen weekly as an NBA Insider and co-host on ESPN’s The Jump.

In 2016 President Barack Obama awarded Kareem the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. He also appointed Abdul-Jabbar to the President’s Council on Sports & Fitness. In 2017 Kareem, an avid numismatic coin collector, was appointed as the first African-American to the Citizens Coin Advisory Council in its 100 year history, where he helps decide on all coins that are to be minted in The United States.

**Per his request, Kareem will not be signing any sports memorabilia or paperback copies of his titles. Hardcover books will be available for purchase and personalization by Kareem the night of the event.**

About the Interviewer

Jim Sinegal

Jim Sinegal, is the Co-Founder and Director of Costco Wholesale Corporation.  He retired December 31, 2012 and is currently serving as a Company Advisor. Jim served as the Chief Executive Officer of Costco Wholesale Corp. for 27 years and has been a Director of Costco Wholesale Corp. since its inception.

Jim began his career in retail business in 1954.  As an 18 year old college student, he went to work for the legendary retail icon Sol Price at the discount store FedMart in San Diego.  Jim remained working for Price for almost 30 years before striking out on his own to start Costco with his Business Partner, Jeff Brotman.

Costco today has revenues more than $126 billion and operates 746 warehouses/stores in 44 states, Puerto Rico, and 11 countries.  The company employs over 239,000 people worldwide and has earned the reputation as a fair and progressive employer.

Jim serves as Trustee for Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.  He is a Senior Executive in Residence at Seattle University's Albers School and serves in a similar capacity at his alma mater, San Diego State University.  Jim also serves as an advisory at the Mendoza School of Business for Notre Dame.