Leading for Good 2025

9:00 a.m.
Morning Talk: Pathways To Peace
Featuring Aziz Abu Sarah (Peacebuilder, Author, MEJDI Tours)
Can storytelling and cultural heritage drive connection and economic opportunity? This talk explores how immersive experiences and place-based narratives are revitalizing communities, preserving history, and unlocking new pathways for local growth and engagement.

9:15 a.m.
Welcome
Featuring: Jenn Kovacs (MiTek), Dean Michael Behnam (Quinlan School of Business), Provost Douglas W. Woods (Loyola University Chicago), and Karen Weigert (Baumhart Center)

9:35 a.m.
Opening Plenary: Building Bridges - Catalysts For Change
Featuring: Monica Lopez Gonzalez (Feeding America), Olivia Jefferson (Best Buy), D.L. Morris (Hinshaw & Culbertson), Gabriel Presler (Morningstar), and moderator Dominique Jordan Turner (Loyola University Chicago)
How can businesses and nonprofits break through challenges now to deliver meaningful social and environmental results? This thought-provoking panel explores unsung trends—from evolving regulations to shifting customer and investor expectations—that can scale impact.  

10:35 a.m.
Reflection Period

10:55 a.m - Morning Breakouts:
1. New Industries, Local Impact
Featuring: Maurice Green (PsiQuantum), Shyama Majumdar (University of Chicago), Amanda Murphy (Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Chicago), and moderator Nicole McCarthy (World Business Chicago)
As cutting-edge technologies like Quantum computing and AI reshape industries worldwide, how can they fuel local economic growth and opportunity? This dynamic session unpacks how emerging innovations are creating new jobs, fostering community-driven partnerships, and unlocking pathways for Chicago’s workforce to thrive in the industries of the future.

This panel is supported by our platinum sponsor, Comcast.

2. Authentic Communications: Storytelling for Good
Featuring: Nii Mantse Addy (Philo), Shalane Walker Barrett (Culture ONE World), Jason Matsumoto (Full Spectrum Features), and moderator Jenna Drenten (Loyola's Quinlan School of Business)
In an era of shifting priorities and evolving environments, how can organizations connect with their audiences and champion impactful work? This panel will bring together leaders from purpose-driven organizations to share strategies for crafting compelling narratives that resonate, drive actions, transcend challenges, and build bridges within communities.

This panel is supported by Loyola’s Institute for Racial Justice.

3. Workshop: AI Tools to Grow Your Results
Featuring: Caleb Gardner (18 Coffees)
AI is everywhere—but how can it truly benefit your organization? In our first-ever hands-on workshop, expert practitioners will demystify AI, showcase practical tools for stakeholder engagement and storytelling, and help you cut through the hype to discover real ways AI can enhance your efficiency and impact.

11:55 a.m.
Lunch

1:00 p.m.
Innovator Awards Presentation
Introduced by Mark C. Reed, President of Loyola University Chicago
Be inspired by this year’s winners of the Innovator Awards, Baumhart’s transformational awards recognizing organizations at the forefront of social and environmental impact. Attendees also will hear directly from three thought-provoking CEOs on what drives their organizations’ ongoing impact.

1:30 p.m.
Innovator Awards Panel
Featuring: Michelle Carr (Evergreen Climate Innovations), Jennie Hull (Nourishing Hope), Marty Nesbitt (The Vistria Group), Kip Kirkpatrick (The Vistria Group), and moderator Chris Wu (Builders Vision)

2:00 p.m. - Afternoon Breakouts:
1. Environmental Stewardship: Diversity in Early-Stage Innovation
Featuring: Mehrdad Arjmand (Renewance), Michelle Carr (Evergreen Climate Innovations), Shashank Churukanti (Evergreen Climate Innovations), Alexis N. Peña (Good Fibes), and moderator Tayo Hill (The Nature Conservancy)
What if capital could be a catalyst for lasting environmental change? Hear from our Environmental Stewardship winner on how intentional investment is fueling businesses that prioritize equity, community development, and long-term sustainability—reshaping the future of business for good.

2. Parkinson Purpose and Profit: Scaling Success - Investing in Models That Matter
Featuring: Simon Castellanos (AIS Healthcare), Deval Patrick (The Vistria Group), and moderator Jon Samuels (The Vistria Group)
What if investment wasn’t just about returns, but about redefining impact? Join our Parkinson Purpose and Profit winner as they reveal how strategic funding is driving businesses that champion social progress, equity, and sustainable growth—paving the way for a new era of investing.

3. Social Impact: Transformation Through Technology and Partnerships
Featuring: Nasrin Thierer (Thierer Family Foundation and Assetblue Investment Group), LaKreshia Kindred (Bright Star Community Outreach), Kellie O’Connell (Nourishing Hope), Natia Barnett (Nourishing Hope), and moderator Laura Zumdahl (New Moms)
What if providing food was just the first step toward lasting community resilience? Join our Social Impact winner as they share how innovative solutions, strategic partnerships, and wraparound support are transforming food assistance into a foundation for empowerment and long-term stability.

2:40 p.m.
Fireside Chat: Jointly Building A Chicago For All
Featuring: Ayesha Jaco (West Side United) and Rebekah Scheinfeld (Civic Consulting Alliance)
What does it take to build a city where everyone belongs and thrives for the long term? This panel brings together changemakers working to bridge divides, create opportunity, and drive lasting change—exploring the bold initiatives that are shaping a more inclusive and equitable Chicago.

3:00 p.m.
Afternoon Talk: Power of Purpose
Featuring: Justin Cunningham (Social Works) and Essence Smith (Social Works)
How can FRIENDSHIP ANCHOR innovation and community collaboration TO create lasting opportunities for young people? This talk explores HOW HIGH SCHOOL FRIENDS BUILT a dynamic program that is equipping youth with the tools, creativity, and technology to shape their futures—showcasing the transformative power of storytelling, arts, and education in driving meaningful change.

3:15 p.m.
Closing Panel: From Pilot to Practice - Innovation in Local Economic Growth
Featuring: Sara Guderyahn (Chicago Blackhawks Foundation), Julian Posada (LiftUp Communities), Beth Swanson (A Better Chicago), LaSandra Boykin (CSX | CSX Foundation), and moderator Karen Weigert (Baumhart Center)
How do bold ideas grow from small pilots to lasting change? This closing panel brings together visionary leaders who have successfully scaled their initiatives, offering real-world insights and inspiration for those looking to amplify their impact and drive meaningful transformation.

4:25 p.m.
Closing | Call to Action 2025

4:30 p.m.
Networking Reception
Enjoy appetizers and drinks as you mingle, network, and explore opportunities for cross-sector collaboration and partnerships.