Get a sneak peek of the cornerstone sessions happening at the 2024 International Corporate Citizenship Conference.

Hear from These Leaders on the Main Stage

BANK OF AMERICA  |  FEDEX  |  PNC BANK  |  TRAVELERS  |  USAA  |  WELLS FARGO FOUNDATION

General Session One: SUNDAY | APRIL 28 | 6:45 - 7:45 PM

Beyond Philanthropy

A leadership discussion on how the Wells Fargo Foundation is addressing systemic gaps and barriers through unique collaborations and innovation.

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General Session Two: MONDAY | APRIL 29 | 8:45 - 9:45 AM

The Future of Natural Carbon Capture

Carbon capture is an essential component in the suite of solutions needed for companies to reach carbon neutrality, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors such as aviation. Even with significant decarbonization efforts, emissions will remain; removal will be needed to meet collective climate goals.

To advance the science underpinning carbon capture solutions that can reliably remove carbon from the atmosphere, FedEx committed $100 million to help establish the Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture. Now in its third year, the Center has already begun to disseminate research findings that could one day lead to the reduction of gigatons of carbon per year. Yale’s research will also inform the development of standards for a high-quality carbon credit marketplace.

Join FedEx Founder & Executive Chairman Frederick W. Smith along with Dean Indy Burke of the Yale School of the Environment as they share the vision for the center, their groundbreaking research, and how this work informs the future of the voluntary carbon market. Facilitated by FedEx Chief Customer Officer Brie Carere, the session will not only discuss the science of carbon capture but also address the demand many companies are facing to achieve their climate goals.

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General Session Three: MONDAY | APRIL 29 | 12:45 - 1:45 PM

Creating Resiliency for Vulnerable Communities

Severe weather events over the last several years have underscored the unpredictability of nature and put emphasis on corporate disaster preparation and relief programs. Experts in the space know all too well that thoughtfully rebuilding a community after a catastrophe is critical.

Through partnerships with nonprofits, Travelers is designing programs that provide stronger housing for vulnerable populations. This work creates more resilient communities and better long-term asset protection, promoting generational wealth and upward mobility.

Learn how Travelers and its partners are supporting more resilient and stable communities for the future.

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General Session Four: MONDAY | APRIL 29 | 3:30 - 4:30 PM

The Pursuit of Social Equality: Making Bold Changes Together

This is a panel conversation on why corporate citizenship professionals and leaders across all sectors must work together to address inequalities in our communities in pursuit of economic progress and social justice at every level. Speakers will address how investments in nonprofit leaders empower cross sector collaborations, the intersectionality of social progress, closing the racial wealth gap, addressing health inequities, and encouraging inclusive economic revitalization, and the role of business in creating meaningful systemic change and the specific impact corporate citizenship can make.

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General Session Five: MONDAY | APRIL 29 | 6:15 - 7:15 PM

Finite Disappointment Versus Infinite Hope: Maintaining Dr. King’s Values in Today’s World

Join us after dinner on Monday evening to hear from Dr. Russ Wigginton, the President of the National Civil Rights Museum here in Memphis. Dr Wigginton will share a brief history of the Museum and its significance in the landscape of America’s history. He will discuss how understanding the importance of history is relevant in present-day conversations around disparities and make the connection between the Civil Rights Movement and current day DEI efforts which act as a tool that prepares corporations to navigate a changing population on a global scale.

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General Session Six: TUESDAY | APRIL 30 | 8:30 - 9:30 AM

ONE Catalyst for Economic Opportunity: The Howard University and PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship

For many entrepreneurs, access to resources makes the difference between a successful business and a great idea that never gets off the ground. Yet the racial wealth gap persists, partly because Black entrepreneurs face barriers to accessing these resources – from advisors to training and access to capital. Learn how PNC, Howard University, and a regional network of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are working together to build thriving ecosystems – bustling hubs of business activity, networking opportunities, and education – to enhance entrepreneurship at HBCUs across the country, prepare the next generation of Black entrepreneurs and propel their businesses forward. PNC executives will also share lessons learned from the planning and execution of the company’s four-year, $88B Community Benefits Plan announced in 2021, with a focus on impactful programs that can become sustainable over time.

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General Session Seven: TUESDAY | APRIL 30 | 1:00 - 2:00 PM

Reaching Across the Aisle: Finding Common Ground for Corporate Citizenship

America is divided. Issues including climate change, diversity programs, women’s rights, family values, immigration, geopolitical conflicts, and gun rights have citizens polarized.

Companies are filled with employees who may also have differences of opinion. Further, depending on industry, geography, and customer expectations, companies themselves may be expected to take a position—or a pause when it comes to their ESG commitments. How can corporate citizens continue to do their jobs in such a polarized environment?

To help address the rift—from Washington to Wall Street—we’re bringing three people who have worked across political divides throughout their careers to the BCConf24 main stage to share their wisdom. Hear from L. Joy Williams, featured MSNBC commentator and the president of the Brooklyn NAACP; alongside Sonnie Johnson, Tea Party pundit and Fox News contributor. Wade Henderson, community leader, and government activist, will moderate. The panel will talk about how to “reach across the aisle” to find common ground and keep momentum to achieve better business and a better planet.

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