Breakout Sessions

From Charity to Change—Redefining Corporate Citizenship for Measurable Impact

Discover how Advocate Health’s CSR initiative's transforms traditional philanthropy into a strategic engine for systemic change. This session explores how targeted community investments, measurable health outcomes, and cross-sector partnerships create shared value for business and society. Attendees will gain actionable insights into building programs that move beyond transactional giving, leveraging their organization’s unique assets for lasting impact. The discussion will highlight practical tools, transparent lessons learned, and a replicable framework for any industry seeking to amplify its corporate citizenship. Leave inspired to “Grow the Good” in your own company and community.

PRESENTED BY ADVOCATE HEALTH

STRATEGY SHIFT: ADAPTING TO A CHANGING DEI LANDSCAPE

Step into a vibrant space where corporate citizenship professionals come together to ignite innovation through shared experiences. This session is designed to make sure you get to meet and start a conversation with every other person in the room. Think of this as a speed-networking idea factory that will have you talking and moving. Each session is focused on pivotal corporate citizenship challenges and solutions.  As you move around the room, your unique insights will blend with diverse perspectives from your peers. Walk away with a better sense of what others are doing and with practical strategies you can implement right away.

DESIGNING SIGNATURE PROGRAMS THAT RESONATE

Generic programs get generic results. Learn how leading companies are creating signature initiatives that employees, customers, and communities actually care about. Discover strategies for aligning social impact with business goals while building programs that stand out and drive authentic, lasting engagement. Walk away ready to design something memorable.

SPEAKERS:

• Angie Adams, Senior Manager, Corporate Citizenship, Samsung
• RJ Muller, Director, Corporate Impact, USAA

ALL HANDS ON DECK: DECARBONIZING ACROSS FUNCTIONS

Decarbonization isn't just for the sustainability team anymore. Hear how companies are mobilizing everyone—from procurement to philanthropy—to drive meaningful emissions reductions. This session proves that wherever you sit, you have a role to play in the low-carbon transition.

SPEAKERS: 

• Taylor Insley, Head of Growth, Terraset

PREASSURANCE PREP: GETTING AUDIT-READY BEFORE AUDITORS ARRIVE

Don't wait for the auditors to show up unprepared. This session reveals the insider playbook for making assurance smooth, efficient, and stress-free. Get practical checklists on evidence trails, calculation methods, and internal controls—plus learn exactly what auditors are looking for so you can nail it the first time.

SPEAKERS: 

• Stewart Rassier, Founder + Principal Consultant, Responsible Impact
  
• Scott Anderson, GHG Assurance Partner, Sensiba
• Jennifer Leitsch, Americas Corporate Sustainability Leader, EY

SUSTAINING CSR IN UNCERTAIN TIMES

Budgets are tighter. Expectations are higher. The ground keeps shifting beneath your feet. Sound familiar? Discover how your peers are keeping CSR programs strong and relevant despite constant disruption. This session reveals practical strategies for building resilience, adapting quickly, and maintaining momentum when the only constant is change.

SPEAKERS: 

• Stacee Barkley, Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leader, DPR Construction
  
• Suzanne Quigley, Director of Corporate Responsibility & Community Affairs, QVC Group
• Christy Reeves, Vice President of Community Engagement & Impact, Ochsner Health
• Tom Tropp, Global Chief Ethics Officer, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

MEASURING WHAT ACTUALLY MATTERS

Step into a vibrant space where corporate citizenship professionals come together to ignite innovation through shared experiences. This session is designed to make sure you get to meet and start a conversation with every other person in the room. Think of this as a speed-networking idea factory that will have you talking and moving. Each session is focused on pivotal corporate citizenship challenges and solutions.  As you move around the room, your unique insights will blend with diverse perspectives from your peers. Walk away with a better sense of what others are doing and with practical strategies you can implement right away.

UNLOCKING IMPACT THROUGH CDFI PARTNERSHIPS

CDFIs are one of corporate social impact's best-kept secrets. These powerful partners can supercharge your foundation giving, volunteer programs, and community investments—but most companies aren't tapping into them. Learn how CDFI partnerships accelerate economic development and inclusion in the communities you serve, with practical steps to get started.

SPEAKERS: 

• Nora Moreno Cargie, Former President Point32Health Foundation and VP Corporate Citizenship
• Hilda Kennedy, Founder/President, AmPac Business Capital

FROM ASSESSMENT TO IMPACT: OPERATIONALIZING MATERIALITY

Your materiality assessment identified the issues—now what? Learn how forward-thinking companies are turning stakeholder insights into powerful business strategies that reduce risk, spark competitive advantage, and strengthen reputation. It's time to make materiality matter.

SPEAKERS:

• Rebecca Leonard, Managing Principal, Purposeful Projects Group
• Rukiya Kelly, Global Head of Corporate Impact and Engagement, FICO
• Maki Kanemoto, Senior Manager, Sustainability & Social Impact, Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc.

WORKSHOP | Strategic Clarity: The Diamond Framework for Corporate Citizenship

Dive into the Diamond Framework as the foundation for crafting effective corporate citizenship strategies. This session will guide you through aligning your citizenship initiatives with broader business goals, ensuring every effort drives impact where it counts. Learn to pinpoint critical impact areas and prioritize them within your corporate strategy. You'll acquire practical tools for developing a corporate citizenship strategy that creates a social value profile that upholds social responsibility while enhancing your company’s competitive edge in the marketplace.  Please note that seating for this workshop is limited to 80 participants. Early arrival is recommended to secure your seat.

SPEAKERS: 

• Christopher Lloyd, Executive Advisor, Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship
  
• Shyam R. Gadwal, Director of Executive Education & Advisory Services, Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship

ONE STORY, MANY VOICES: TAILORING CSR MESSAGE BY AUDIENCE

 Your investors want different things than your employees. Your customers care about different issues than your community partners. So why are you telling them all the same story? Learn how to segment your CSR messaging so each audience gets what they need—and actually cares about what you're saying. Leave with strategies that make your impact resonate across the board.

SPEAKERS: 

• Beth Spurgeon, Senior Director, Sustainability and Social Impact, PwC

MAKING THE BUSINESS CASE FOR CSR TO SENIOR LEADERSHIP

You know CSR matters—but does your C-suite? Learn how to speak the language of the boardroom and position social impact as a strategic business driver, not a nice-to-have. Get proven approaches for securing executive buy-in, winning budget battles, and ensuring CSR has a seat at the table when big decisions are made.

SPEAKERS: 

• Heather Geronemus, Vice President of Belonging & Impact, UKG
  
• Aisha Losche, Chief Corporate and Community Engagement Officer, Draper
• Jennifer Owen, Social Sustainability Program Manager, Moog

BEYOND THE USUAL SUSPECTS: ENGAGING YOUR WHOLE WORKFORCE

Step into a vibrant space where corporate citizenship professionals come together to ignite innovation through shared experiences. This session is designed to make sure you get to meet and start a conversation with every other person in the room. Think of this as a speed-networking idea factory that will have you talking and moving. Each session is focused on pivotal corporate citizenship challenges and solutions.  As you move around the room, your unique insights will blend with diverse perspectives from your peers. Walk away with a better sense of what others are doing and with practical strategies you can implement right away.

COMMUNITY-LED PHILANTHROPY: FROM CHARITY TO CO-CREATION

Stop guessing what communities need—ask them. Discover how companies are moving beyond traditional charity to co-create solutions with the people they aim to serve. Learn why community-informed approaches deliver stronger outcomes, build trust, and create more equitable impact. Leave with practical strategies to make your philanthropy truly collaborative.

SPEAKERS: 

• Patty Pannkuk, Senior Vice President | Senior Manager, Community Relations West | Midwest Region, Wells Fargo
• Sydney Swain, Manager of Tour Impact, Collette