×
Leading for Good

Leading for Good 2024

At Leading for Good 2024, we convened to explore "The New Business of Impact." Through cross-sector collaboration and partnerships, we reached new heights of impact in our rapidly evolving world. The day was enriched with exceptional individuals, groundbreaking ideas, and valuable networking opportunities.

View the 2024 agenda

Attendees enjoyed a day packed with extraordinary individuals, transformative ideas, and opportunities to connect deeply.

8:00 a.m.
Registration and Breakfast

8:20 a.m.
Doors Open + Ideas Exchange

9:00 a.m.
Power of Impact Talk: Building The Unseen: Mindset of a Changemaker
Abena Boamah-Acheampong
Our 2024 event began with Abena Boamah-Acheampong and the extraordinary story of building a global social enterprise right here in Chicago. As Founder and CEO of Hanahana Beauty Co., a consciously clean skin care, beauty, and wellness brand, Abena is on a mission to bring humanity to the skincare industry. Her story and impact inspired attendees throughout the day.

9:15 a.m.
Welcome

9:35 a.m.
Opening Plenary: AI For Good: Tool For Transformation
Brandolon BarnettChuck CannonSam Glassenberg, and Lisa Laws
Artificial Intelligence is transforming the business landscape and society at large. As we look to the fast arriving future, there are ways AI can be a force for good. Attendees heard from leading practitioners on harnessing AI to build a better world for all – leaving no sector or community behind.

10:35 a.m.
Reflection Period

10:55 a.m.
Breakout A: Pipelines of Purpose: Hiring and Building the Teams of Tomorrow
Jonathan ChapparoShelley DavisJazmin Garcia, and Britney Robbins
Every organization is built with teams – and the workforce today has more complexity and diversity than ever. While creating an inclusive environment has shown to improve work performance, increase creativity, and give companies a competitive edge, how can that be delivered? Our panel explored how to open pathways to all talent, building truly high performing and inclusive teams.

Breakout B: The New Chicago Way: Investment in Every Neighborhood
Nancy BongesJohnathan McGeeLyneir RichardsonCarl Jones Jr., and Michael Strautmanis
Financial investments combined with support structures create new jobs, opening lifelines for families and pathways to generational possibilities. Join this critical discussion on high impact approaches delivering investments, jobs and economic opportunity across Chicago’s neighborhoods.

Breakout C: Progress and Peril: Communicating Impact in 2024
Corliss GarnerDale GreenStephanie Lerdall, and Linda Tuncay Zayer
In recent years, communication around impact, specifically Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives, has been fast-changing and often challenging. Attendees heaed from current practitioners on navigating communication in 2024 and beyond.

11:55 a.m.
Lunch

1:00 p.m.
Innovator Awards Presentation
Laura ZumdahlJon CohenMatt Knott, and Sara Ray Steolinga
Attendees enjoyed an inspirational lunch with the Innovator Awards, a nationally significant award series recognizing organizations at the forefront of social and environmental impact. Attendees also heard directly from three thought provoking CEOs on what drives their organizations’ ongoing impact.

1:30 p.m.
Innovator Awards Panel

2:00 p.m.
Breakout A: Deep Dive on Innovator Awards with Social Impact Awardee
Katheleen CalientoLeeatt Rothschild, and Laura Zumdahl
Organizations thrive when they bring transformational pathways to community opportunities. The 2024 Social Impact awardee and other panelists shared their unique work growing leadership and growing possibilities for all. 

Breakout B: Deep Dive on Innovator Awards with Environmental Stewardship Awardee
Jon CohenKim EvansAlex Kruzel, and Jimmy SamartzisNow more than ever, companies are committed to sustainability efforts worldwide with a deepening focus on measurable climate action. The Environmental Stewardship awardee and other panelists reviewed concrete actions for a healthy planet.

Breakout C:
 Deep Dive on Innovator Awards with Parkinson Purpose and Profit Awardee
Arthur ChowPaige GrahamMatt Knott, and Haven LeemingThe great challenges of our times require visionary plans linked to scaled investments and detailed implementation across sectors. Attendees heard from the 2024 Parkinson Purpose and Profit awardee and other panelists about transforming investment and impact across sectors.

2:40 p.m.
Afternoon Fireside Chat: A Pathway to an Equitable Workforce: The Discover Chatham Customer Care Center
Stephen BanApril Williams-Luster, and Victoria Rudd
In 2024, the Discover Chatham Customer Care Center is slated to employ 1,000 people from Chatham and surrounding neighborhoods. With community at the top of mind, it is an extraordinary example of meeting the needs of communities and companies. This fireside chat explored the formation of the center and its commitment to the community.

3:00 p.m.
Power of Impact Talk: Innovation and Impact in Our Roots
Shermann “Dilla” Thomas
We invited attendees to change their understanding of local impact and collaboration with Chicago’s Historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas. “Dilla” is a Chicago social media sensation deepening our connection to our rich history. Co-founder of Chicago Mahogany Foundation, which is committed to preserving and disseminating the rich history and culture of the city of Chicago, “Dilla” reminded us that innovation has always been in the DNA of Chicago.

3:15 p.m.
Closing Plenary: High Impact Strategic Partnerships
Mary HogueMark IshaugAmanda LambDorri McWhorter, and Karen Weigert
Partnerships across sectors, often between unexpected allies, can create real, long-lasting change in communities. Through collaboration, vision and open conversations about shared goals, new ways of working become forces for good. Leaders from the YMCA, Wilson Sporting Goods, Thresholds, and Starbucks explored the pathways to partnerships and the benefits to all involved.

4:15 p.m.
Call to Action 2024

4:30 p.m.
Networking Reception
Guests enjoyed appetizers and drinks as they mingled, networked, and continued to explore opportunities for cross-sector collaboration and partnership.

Speakers

Our line-up featured incredible innovators, entrepreneurs, executives, and civic leaders.

Abena Boamah-Acheampong

Founder/CEO, Hanahana Beauty Co.

Shermann "Dilla" Thomas

Chicago Historian, Chicago Mahogany Tours

Dale Green

Global Director, Purpose Marketing, Mars Inc.

Mary Hogue

Global Responsibility Lead, Starbucks

Amanda Lamb

Global VP, Brand, Wilson Sporting Goods

Michael Strautmanis

EVP, External Affairs, Obama Foundation

Stephen Ban

Baumhart Faculty and Baumhart Advisory Board Member

Brandolon Barnett

Head of Innovation & Philanthropy, Giving Compass

Nancy Bonges

Head of Community Engagement, William Blair

Kathleen Caliento

President and CEO, Cara Collective

Chuck Cannon

Senior Scientist, The Morton Arboretum

Jonathan Chaparro

Executive Director, Innovation and Head of Chicago Region, Braven

Arthur Chow

Principal, SG2 Ventures

Shelley Davis

Board Chair, Albert Pick Jr. Fund

Kim Evans

EVP & Head of Corporate Sustainability, Inclusion & Social Impact, Northern Trust

Jazmin Garcia

Account Director, Nonprofits, LinkedIn

Corliss Garner

Chief DEI Officer, Old National Bank

Sam Glassenberg

CEO and Founder, Level Ex

Paige Graham

SVP, Social Impact & Sustainability, Edelman

Mark Ishaug

CEO, Thresholds

Carl Jones, Jr.

VP, External & Government Affairs, Comcast

Alex Kruzel

CEO & Founder, Telesto Strategy

Lisa Laws

Chief Operating Officer, 1871

Haven Leeming

Sr. Program Manager, Builders Vision

Stephanie Lerdall

Head of Corporate Communications, Morningstar, Inc.

Jonathan McGee

Sr. Consultant, Baker Tilly US

Dorri McWhorter

President and CEO, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago

Lyneir Richardson

CEO, Chicago TREND Corporation

Brittney Robbins

Founder and CEO, The Gray Matter Experience

Leeatt Rothschild

Founder & CEO, Packed with Purpose

Victoria Rudd

Lead Community Affairs Specialist, Discover Financial Services

Jimmy Samartzis

CEO, LanzaJet

Sara Ray Stoelinga

President & CEO, Easterseals (Chicagoland and Greater Rockford)

Linda Tuncay Zayer

Professor and John F. Smith, Jr. Chair in Business Administration, Loyola University Chicago

Karen Weigert

Director, Baumhart Center

April Williams Luster

Sr. Manager, Community Affairs, Discover Financial Services

 

Thanks to our Leading for Good 2024 sponsors.

Click here to learn more about sponsoring Leading for Good.

Leading for Good 2024 sponsors

At Leading for Good 2024, we convened to explore "The New Business of Impact." Through cross-sector collaboration and partnerships, we reached new heights of impact in our rapidly evolving world. The day was enriched with exceptional individuals, groundbreaking ideas, and valuable networking opportunities.

Speakers

Our line-up featured incredible innovators, entrepreneurs, executives, and civic leaders.

 

Thanks to our Leading for Good 2024 sponsors.

Click here to learn more about sponsoring Leading for Good.

Leading for Good 2024 sponsors