Steven Olikara

President, Bridge Entertainment Labs

Steven Olikara is a nationally recognized changemaker, entrepreneur, and speaker at the intersection of media, politics, and culture. He serves as the founding President of Bridge Entertainment Labs (BEL), dedicated to harnessing the power of entertainment to transform the divisions in America and create a healthier democracy. He also serves as Senior Fellow for Political Transformation at the USC Schwarzenegger Institute. Steven founded Future Caucus (formerly Millennial Action Project), the largest cross-partisan organization of young elected leaders in the U.S.

Steven is an on-air political commentator for both national and Wisconsin media. His analysis has been featured on CNN, NBC News, Fox News, NPR, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, USA Today, Variety, and more. In 2022, he made history as the first South Asian candidate for U.S. Senate in Wisconsin, garnering national attention for his debate performance and fresh approach to politics. Steven’s journey is featured in the documentary film, “The Reunited States,” on Amazon Prime and PBS.

Steven is a frequent speaker on leadership and civic renewal at venues such as Harvard’s Institute of Politics, SXSW, the Aspen Ideas Festival, the Sundance Film Festival, the White House, and the United Nations. In 2018, he was invited to testify before Congress on issues facing young entrepreneurs and gig economy workers. He also hosted the podcast series, “Meeting in Middle America,” with guests including Oscar winner John Ridley and former U.S. Senator Russ Feingold.

An avid musician and former radio DJ, Steven co-authored the book, “JFK: The Last Speech,” on the role of artists in democracy. He has advised two multi-platinum recording artists on youth empowerment and sustainable energy, including Akon Lighting Africa which electrified over 1 million homes in Africa with solar power.

Steven serves on numerous boards and commissions focused on causes he is passionate about, including human rights, democracy, national service, and the performing arts. A proud Wisconsin native, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison as a Truman Scholar. In 2017, Steven was named a Forbes 30 Under 30 in Law & Policy and a Global Shaper by the World Economic Forum.