Isabelle C. Hau
Thursday, January 22, 2026
Live Online Event
Raising Relationally Intelligent Teens: Love, Learning and AI
In a world where artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how children learn and live, one form of intelligence becomes more essential than ever: Relational Intelligence—the human capacity to love, connect, collaborate, and build trust. This talk invites parents to imagine a future where technology strengthens, rather than replaces, the relationships that matter most.
Drawing on insights from neuroscience, education, and Isabelle Hau's book Love to Learn, we will explore how human connection is not simply supportive of learning—it is the biological engine of learning itself.
At a time when many children experience increasing social isolation, we will re-envision schools and homes as relational ecosystems that nurture curiosity, creativity, and belonging. Parents will leave with a renewed sense of hope and practical ideas for how to help children thrive—both with AI and far beyond it.
Key insights from Isabelle that give parents actionable advice:
Teens still need connection—even when they pull away. Adolescents seek independence, but their brains are still wired to rely on secure relationships with caring adults.
The teenage brain is “under construction.” Experiences, relationships, and stress levels all shape lifelong patterns of thinking, learning, and emotional regulation.
Belonging/relationships drives motivation. Teens learn best when they feel seen and valued—at home, at school, and in their peer groups.
Relational intelligence (RQ) is a future-ready skill. Empathy, communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution predict success in college, work, and life often more than test scores alone.
Love still matters—just expressed differently. Teens may roll their eyes, but consistent support, curiosity, and attuned presence shape the foundations of resilience..
Our Speaker:
Isabelle C. Hau is a visionary leader who is dedicated to transforming the way we nurture and educate our children. As executive director of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning, she leverages brain science and technology to champion innovative, effective, and inclusive learning solutions. Previously a successful impact investor, Isabelle led the US education practice at Omidyar Network and Imaginable Futures, where she invested in mission-driven organizations that have reached millions of learners.
Isabelle is the author of Love to Learn: The Transformative Power of Care and Connection in Early Education. She also writes a popular weekly newsletter Small Talks. At Stanford University, Isabelle teaches the class Design to Equip Learners in Under-Resourced Communities. She serves on the board of EDC and Sonen, on the steering committee of the EdSAFE AI Alliance, the Brookings Institution Global AI Taskforce, and the World Economic Forum’s 4.0 education alliance.
Named as one of the 100 most inspiring women by Harvard Business School, Isabelle has also received distinctions in early childhood education and human-centered artificial intelligence. She co-starred with Grover of Sesame Street. Her lifelong professional goal is to bring the love of learning to each and every child.
Q&A Moderated by: Allegra Molineaux, High School Principal at International High School.
An experienced school leader, Allegra Molineaux joined The International School of San Francisco in 2022. She comes to us from the Pacific Ridge School in San Diego, where she was Head of the Upper School, and she also has experience working at an international school in New York City. Allegra holds a master’s degree in Social Science from the University of Chicago. Allegra is passionate about the school’s mission to prepare its students to think critically and engage across cultures. She loves working with high school students as they learn about themselves and the world in their journey towards adulthood.
This Event is Live Online and will be recorded