Breakout Sessions | Explore Your Options
Throughout the Conference, you'll encounter two types of breakouts: "Lead and Learn" case studies, which are presented by BCCCC member companies with CSR stories to share, and more generalized breakouts that are focused on a corporate citizenship topic. To help you get the most from the Conference, we've grouped breakout sessions into five tracks. Use these tracks to find your can't-miss breakouts.
LEAD & LEARN | COMMUNITY INVESTMENT & SOCIAL IMPACT | STRATEGY & ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE | SUSTAINABILITY | COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTING
EY CASE STUDY
Employee engagement reimagined: Corporate responsibility, purpose, and wellbeing
Monday, April 25, 2022 | 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM | Staffordshire
In a reality where people are experiencing the devastating impacts of a global pandemic, racial injustice, and climate change, they can feel disconnected from each other and society. The “Great Resignation”—the exodus of millions of people from jobs since mid-2021—is really a “Great Reevaluation,” in which workers are rethinking their purpose and priorities. Companies can no longer stand by—in 2022, the role of corporate responsibility is to give people a sense of purpose and hope by connecting them to each other and the issues around them.
This session will take an inside look at how EY has met the moment by focusing on corporate responsibility, purpose, and wellbeing, as well as the relationship between these factors in an increasingly dynamic and uncertain world.
Stephen Puntillo, Region Delivery Leader, EY Americas Corporate Responsibility
Molly Cook, Central Region Corporate Responsibility Leader, EY
Kristen Jacob, Wellbeing Program Manager, EY
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TAKEDA CASE STUDY
Turning good intentions into good strategy
Tuesday, April 26, 2022 | 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM | Staffordshire
Companies of all sizes are looking for ways to leverage their employees’ and leaders’ passions for the community. Over the past two years, Takeda focused on this task to develop a robust giving strategy and philosophy, incorporating the purpose of the company, employee voices, and the passions of its employee resource network and leadership initiatives.
Attendees to this session will hear from a panel comprised of representatives from Takeda’s community engagement team, the Takeda Resource Network, and the company’s U.S. philanthropic giving committee, as they share best practices and lessons learned from their journey in developing a holistic strategy for good.
Chris Barr, Takeda U.S. Philanthropic Giving, Takeda Pharmaceuticals
Dora Green, Health Equity Community Engagement and Partnerships Lead, Takeda Pharmaceuticals
Andrea Spake, U.S. Community Engagement Lead, Takeda Pharmaceuticals
Eric Chebator, Environment, Health, and Safety Lead, Takeda Pharmaceuticals
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BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF MASSACHUSETTS CASE STUDY
Beyond philanthropy: Aligning strategy, partnerships, and programs to advance health justice
Tuesday, April 26, 2022 | 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM | Staffordshire
The pandemic has deepened our understanding of the systemic inequities that have devastating consequences on health outcomes. Tackling complicated challenges like improving health equity in under resourced communities requires new and innovative approaches to collaboration.
This session will highlight how Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts evolved and adapt its strategy and programming in response to the events of 2020 and the current social climate, as well as explore what makes an effective corporate and community partnership, including mission alignment, shifting the power dynamic between funder and grantee, and matching human capital with community partner needs.
Jeff Bellows, Vice President, Corporate Citizenship amd Public Affairs, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Lucy Darragh, Director, Corporate Citizenship, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Yvonne Tang, Director, Corporate Citizenship, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Pam Denholm, Executive Director, South Shore Food Bank and Weymouth Food Pantry
Ron Waddell, Executive Director, Legendary Legacies
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Growing the next generation of diverse STEM leaders
Monday, April 25, 2022 | 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM | Essex North
In the United States, science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields account for nearly a quarter of the total workforce, but are largely made up of white men. Companies across industries recognize that they need a diverse pipeline of STEM talent to innovate products and services that will serve the needs and interests of diverse markets, and are investing in programs to grow and diversify that pipeline. In this session, attendees will hear from companies that have focused their corporate citizenship programs on engaging high-potential STEM talent from underrepresented groups at various entry points across the company.
Andy Smith, Director, Giving and Volunteering, and Executive Director, TI Foundation, Texas Instruments
Nadine James, Global Head of Social Impact and Community Engagement, Cisco - AppDynamics
Julie Lata, Program Manager, Global Community Affairs, Applied Materials
Christina Dervin, Executive Director, Analog Devices Foundation, Analog Devices
Melodie Knowlton, Senior Director, Community Affairs; Global Head of STEAM Education, Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Workshop: Supporting Employee Mental Health
Monday, April 25, 2022 | 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM | St. George CD
The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened frequency and awareness of mental health issues in the workplace. While many employers want to improve their employee mental health support, they often don’t know where to start. This workshop will explain why employers need to be at the forefront of employee mental health support as many workers return to the office full-time. Attendees to this session will learn actionable strategies for developing and strengthening their organizations’ support programs for employee well-being, and how better mental health in the office ripples into reinforcing broader community health initiatives.
Rob Vallentine, Executive Advisor, Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship
Workshop: The Lost Art of Connecting
Monday, April 25, 2022 | 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM | St. George CD
For those tired of tech-driven, transactional networking, The Lost Art of Connecting by Susan McPherson is a guide to reclaiming the power of human contact―and a new approach for developing lasting and fulfilling personal connections. Join this workshop to learn practical tactics for growing and keeping yourself connected to your community and energized from your interactions. Learn how paying it forward can return dividends to your personal wellbeing and your ability to get things done for yourself and others.
Susan McPherson, Founder and CEO, McPherson Strategies
Corporate giving trends for 2022: What’s next?
Tuesday, April 26, 2022 | 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM | Essex South
The past two years have upended the world of corporate philanthropy. In our “new normal”, companies are working to remove bias, participating in trust-based philanthropy, using philanthropy to support employees, and more. In this breakout session, attendees will learn from companies that are working more collaboratively with stakeholders to deliver holistic giving programs that are more equitable for all.
Rebecca Leonard, Executive Advisor, Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship
Livia Konkel, Vice President, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community, Charles River Labs
John Brothers, President, T. Rowe Price Foundation, T. Rowe Price
Hedieh Fakhriyazdi, Director, Social Responsibility and Weil Foundation, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
Building better partnerships: Best practices from soup to nuts
Tuesday, April 26, 2022 | 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM | St. George AB
When corporations and nonprofits come together, their dynamic partnerships can drive positive impact on critical issues in communities. When embarking on such a partnership, understanding the issues, identifying the right partners, and focusing on goals and the steps to achieve them are fundamental to creating lasting change. But, as a company, how do you get started with a community partnership, or keep an existing relationship fresh? When and how should a company exit a nonprofit partnership that has run its course? In this session, attendees will hear from corporate representatives whose partnerships give real meaning to the phrase two heads (or more) are better than one.
Rob Vallentine, Executive Advisor, Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship
Justin Schmitt, AVP, Corporate Responsibility, USAA
Carmen Argersinger, Manager of Strategic Partnerships, Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana
Rita Ortiz, Senior Director, Travelers, and Assistant Vice President, Travelers Foundation
How do we stop learning loss and save the workforce of tomorrow?
Tuesday, April 26, 2022 | 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM | Essex North
In 2020, COVID-19 created disruptions to education systems across the globe. Two years later, young people of all ages are still being impacted. Whether it is learning loss, mental health issues, or having dropped out of the system entirely, companies are stepping in to help the students who need it most. In this breakout session, attendees will hear how companies are supporting young people from early childhood through high school.
Stasha Santifort, Global Purpose and Social Impact Leader, Deloitte
Adalisse Rodriguez, Executive Director, Community Affairs and Senior Program Officer, Morgan Stanley Foundation, Morgan Stanley
Kathleen Ryan Mufson, Vice President, Global Corporate Citizenship and Philanthropy, Pitney Bowes Inc.
Rashanda Perryman, Program Officer - Community Stewardship Program, Vanguard
Impact from anywhere: Navigating the new landscape of volunteering
Tuesday, April 26, 2022 | 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM | Essex South
It’s been two years since volunteering among knowledge workers shifted to become almost exclusively virtual, with companies and employees quickly adapting to new hybrid work norms. While in-person volunteer programs are returning, this discussion will explore whether and to what extent virtual volunteering is here to stay? In this session, attendees will hear about volunteering lessons learned (both successes and failures) since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, how virtual volunteering promotes inclusion, and where virtual and in-person volunteering are headed in 2022 and beyond.
Sarah Koenig, Senior Manager, Purpose and Inclusion, PwC
Joe Lepper, Community Engagement Strategist, MassMutual
Tori Hay Lindahl, Head of Social Impact, Snyk
Stacey Mann, Director, Corporate Citizenship, Point32Health
Better, bolder, brighter future
Monday, April 25, 2022 | 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM | St. George AB
The past two years compelled corporations to take on complex and significant issues that affect their business and the global communities in which they operate. From racial and gender equity and employee well-being to combatting climate change, companies have stepped up by setting ambitious programming goals to create a brighter future. In this session, attendees will learn from corporate citizenship professionals who got buy-in to address these meaningful issues and are now working to accomplish ambitious goals.
Katherine V. Smith, Executive Director, Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship
Joan Christel, Senior Vice President, Corporate Citizenship and Global Inclusion, State Street Corporation
Marlene Ibsen, President and CEO, Travelers Foundation, and Vice President, Community Relations, Travelers
Katharine Jenson, Head of Corporate Responsibility, Vertex and Executive Director, Vertex Foundation, Vertex Pharmaceuticals
J. Reymundo Ocañas, Executive Vice President, Community Development Banking Executive, Community Development Banking, PNC Bank
From Woodstock to TikTok: Engaging socially conscious employees across generations
Monday, April 25, 2022 | 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM | Essex South
Corporate citizenship programs are expected to engage all employees, from entry-level staff to senior leaders—but one size does not fit all. The workforce of 2022 is more age-diverse than ever. It can be a challenge to engage Baby Boomers, Generation Z, and employees of other generations with the same communications and programming. In this session, hear from several companies about how they responded to changing demographics among employees and used corporate citizenship to bridge generational divides.
Gary Levante, Senior Vice President, Corporate Responsibility and Culture, Berkshire Bank
Stacey Queroli, Global Employee Engagement Lead, S&P Global
James McDonald, National Manager of Inclusion and Diversity, AvalonBay Communities
Utaukwa Allen, Vice President, CSR, Citizenship, and ESG, Kyndryl
Diversity, equity, and inclusion: Commitments and action
Monday, April 25, 2022 | 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM | St. George AB
While diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has been getting more attention from corporate citizenship professionals over the past decade, in 2021 it moved up the ranks by leaps and bounds. Companies have increased focus and attention on advancing racial & gender equity, increasing accessibility, and promoting health equity. In this session, attendees will learn from companies that are dedicating resources to set ambitious goals for solving inequality and stay accountable to results—both inside their companies and within the communities where they work.
Okeatta Brown, Head of Diversity and Inclusion, MUFG
Barb Short, Corporate Social Responsibility Director, Sanofi
Rhonda Fields, Senior Manager, Corporate Giving: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives, General Motors
Rob Salas, Manager, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, Paylocity
Workshop | Corporate Citizenship Strategy Refresh: Fortifying the Bridge as You're Crossing It
Tuesday, April 26, 2022 | 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM | St. George CD
Strategic planning is one of the most complex—and most critical—activities one must carry out as a corporate citizenship professional. Before embarking on a strategy refresh, you must answer hard questions: How will you align your corporate citizenship strategy with your company’s strategic goals? How will you plan for strategy execution and adjust, as new challenges and issues enter the landscape? In this workshop, attendees will learn the elements of an effective strategy, and how to align its various parts and stakeholders in order to ensure success.
Katherine V. Smith, Executive Director, Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship
Hidden ESG opportunities in your supply chain
Monday, April 25, 2022 | 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM | Essex Center
When was the last time you considered how your supply chain contributes to your corporate citizenship (or puts it at risk)? Whether it is greenhouse gas emissions, vendor performance, labor conditions, or the sourcing of materials, a significant amount of a company’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impact is embedded within its supply chain. While the risks and opportunities can range widely, there is a great benefit to dedicating time and resources to thoroughly evaluating the intricacies of a supply chain to determine how it can enhance a company’s corporate citizenship. In this session, attendees will hear from experts about the process of setting up a sustainable supply chain, and will walk away with new ideas and considerations for integrating ESG into their own operations.
Robin Tindall, Environmental Stewardship Team Leader, Hypertherm, Inc.
Denise Vaughn, Vice President, Environmental, Social, and Governance, Ferguson
Kyra Whitten, Vice President, Sustainability, and President, Flex Foundation, Flex
Sara Cardona, CSA Corporate Engagement Lead, U.S. and Canada, S&P Global
How to achieve net zero
Monday, April 25, 2022 | 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM | Essex Center
With increasing stakeholder pressure, more and more companies are making public commitments to net zero—that is, ensuring that they do not emit more carbon dioxide than they remove from the atmosphere. A number of factors should be considered when determining these commitments: What timeline, measurement, investments, and people power are required to achieve net zero? This breakout session will feature leading companies who will discuss the ins and outs of net zero commitments, including how to get started, measure, and achieve carbon neutrality.
Darren McGann, U.S. Environmental Sustainability Leader, KPMG, LLP
Elizabeth Wayt, Head of ESG, Booz Allen Hamilton
Deborah Donovan, Senior Vice President, Head of Environment, Health, and Safety, Moderna
Kimberly Blakemore, Director, Environmental Sustainability, Analog Devices Inc.
What’s next for environmental sustainability?
Tuesday, April 26, 2022 | 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM | Essex Center
You have probably heard of Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. But what about Scope 4? Has your company considered implementing Science Based Targets or a biodiversity commitment? Are you prepared to go beyond net-zero carbon emissions to remove additional carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and be Climate Positive? As we continue to face historic climate extremes, companies must confront and adapt to a changing climate and manage environmental risks. Session attendees will walk away with an idea of current trends in environmental sustainability as they evolve quickly.
Evan Harvey, Global Head of Sustainability, Nasdaq
Patrick McLaughlin, Chief Sustainability Officer, Verisk
David Hackett, Partner, Baker McKenzie
Jennifer Leitsch, Managing Director, Climate Change and Sustainability Services, EY
Workshop | Managing the Existential Threat: Goal Setting for Sustainability
Tuesday, April 26, 2022 | 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM | St. George CD
From activists pressuring world leaders in the streets outside of COP26, to persistent calls for net zero, to discussions of climate change as the “existential threat” of our time—addressing environmental concerns can feel overwhelming without a clear path forward. In this workshop, attendees will learn strategies to find the sweet spot of what is possible for climate-related goal setting, while also stretching the capacity of their company’s sustainability goals. Learn how to identify the appropriate metrics and put your sustainability strategy to work in order to create positive environmental impacts.
Dr. Susan L. Santos, Executive Advisor, Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship
How to foster a culture of environmental sustainability
Tuesday, April 26, 2022 | 11:15 AM - 12:15 AM | Essex Center
How do you get your employees interested and involved in your company’s sustainability goals? Do your colleagues need to know (or care about) the definitions of GHGs, SBTs, or scope 1, 2, or 3 emissions? If not, then on what level do you need to grow and engage their understanding of environmental issues? In this session, hear how companies are educating employees around their sustainability goals through community and volunteering connections, in addition to green teams and other educational programs.
Katie Beacham, Chief Corporate Citizenship Officer, Kilpatrick Townsend
Tina Vaughn, Senior Manager, Social Sustainability, UL
Smitha Prasanna, Senior Manager, Community Impact, Catalent
What is the future of ESG reporting?
Monday, April 25, 2022 | 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM | Essex South
ESG reporting professionals have experienced many a shift in the past year—from the overhaul of the GRI Standards, to the announcement of the merging of SASB, Integrated Reporting, and CDSB, to increased social and legal pressures to report. As a professional who manages the corporate sustainability reporting process, you may be feeling confused as changes seem to be happening in real time. Panelists on this breakout session will discuss the different available frameworks as they stand currently and how companies are using them to report.
Dr. Susan L. Santos, Executive Advisor, Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship
Evan Harvey, Global Head of Sustainability, Nasdaq
Richard Pearl, Executive Advisor, Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship
Caitlin Thompson, Senior Manager - Audit, KPMG LLP
Show stakeholders you CARE
Monday, April 25, 2022 | 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM | Essex North
In the past two years, there has been a nearly 50% increase in the number of executives who report their leaders took an advocacy stance, according the new State of Corporate Citizenship study by the Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship. And nearly all the executives in the survey agree that corporate leaders should take a position. In this session, attendees will learn about the “E” component of the CARE model laid out in the study (“explain” your advocacy position) and hear how companies are advocating for issues that their stakeholders care about—such as gender equity, racial equity, and climate action.
Colleen Olphert, Director, Membership and Member Services, Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship
Barjouth Aguilar, Head of Global Sustainability Program and Foundation Officer, FLEX
Natalie Brown, Director of Corporate Citizenship, Ally
Jennifer Kirner, Senior Program Manager, Community Investment and TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, TELUS
Digital communications for CSR professionals
Tuesday, April 26, 2022 | 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM | Essex North
How do you get your CSR work featured on company social media feeds? In the CEO newsletter? Corporate citizenship professionals commonly work with communications, PR, public affairs, and marketing departments to achieve their objectives—including getting the word out on digital platforms to potential new hires, current employees, and customers about their work. How do the most effective managers propose digital initiatives to their communications colleagues? This interactive session will explore what makes today’s best CSR communications so engaging, compelling, and memorable. Attendees will compare successful (and less successful) examples—social posts, press releases, and long-form content—isolating key factors that any CSR team can leverage to improve how well the world receives its important work.
Meghan Ennes, Associate Director, Content Development, Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship
Liz O'Neill, Manager, Digital Communications, Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship
Speaking corporate citizenship
Tuesday, April 26, 2022 | 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM | St. George AB
Creating your business case(s) is an oft-overlooked but important step in getting buy-in from executives, employees, customers—any stakeholder group. In this session, attendees will learn from a panel of experienced leaders how they connect their programs to the values and goals of multiple stakeholders to maximize engagement and support.
Rebecca Leonard, Executive Advisor, Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship
Alecia Berry, Senior Manager, Global Sustainability and Communications, Yum! Brands
Karen McCloskey, Director, Internal Communications and Office of ESG, NETSCOUT
Sherri Nugent, Director, Community Relations, Teradata