ACCP 20 Years
Annual Conference
2025
ACCP.org
Registration

Agenda: Day 3

Wednesday, September 17

Times and session blocks are subject to change. All times are EST. Please download the Conference App for room assignments and session information.

07:30 AM – 08:15 AM
Community Convenings
07:30 AM – 08:30 AM
Continental Breakfast
Activity Zone opens
08:30 AM – 09:30 AM
Plenary Session: Reimagining Collaboration: Building Collective Impact for Today’s Challenges
In a world where no single organization can take systemic issues alone, this session will emphasize collaborative approaches to social impact. Complex issues like climate change, disparities in education, health and economic access, and humanitarian conflicts require solutions that no organization can tackle alone, they transcend organizational boundaries.
 
Panelists will highlight successful cross-sector partnerships and share frameworks for scaling collective efforts, while demonstrating the power of collective impact – between businesses, nonprofits, governments and other stakeholders.
 
Speakers:
  • Carol Waddy, Director, Global Impact/Strategic Partnerships, Chick-fil-A
  • John Ahmann, President & CEO, Westside Future Fund
  • Patty Pannkuk, SVP, Sr. Manager for Community Impact and Sustainability, West | Midwest Region, Wells Fargo
  • Karla Henderson, President & CEO, Project for Pride in Living in Minneapolis
09:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Activity Zone Coffee Break
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Learning Labs
CSR professionals play a critical role in advancing business goals while also delivering community benefits. This session brings together leaders from the apparel, beverage, and manufacturing sectors, along with a nonprofit partner, to explore how companies embed corporate social impact (CSI) into their business strategies and monitoring frameworks. Speakers will highlight water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) as a foundation for achieving CSI—highlighting its power to link health, environmental sustainability, and livelihoods. Through real-world examples, they will share how they align WASH-focused initiatives with ESG goals, assess risk and ROI, and build meaningful partnerships that reflect local priorities and business drivers. This Learning Lab will also cover strategies for moving beyond one-time donations toward shared value models, applying gender and equity lenses, and leveraging both corporate sustainability and corporate foundation funding to scale sustainable impact.


Speakers:

  • Gillian Winkler, Director of Corporate Partnerships, WaterAid America
  • Gloria Schoch, Senior Director of Global Impact & Executive Director, VF Foundation
  • Jackie Schneider, Senior Director of Business Development, Sustainable Living, Kohler Co.
  • Venkat Iyer, Senior Director, Climate Resilience, The Coca-Cola Foundation
Okta for Good launched its Cybersecurity Workforce Development Initiative in October 2023 to address the global cybersecurity talent gap, which has grown to 4.8 million, a 19% increase year-over-year. This signifies an urgent need to accelerate the training of the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
 
In this 60-minute learning lab, Keenan will outline Okta’s strategic framework for tackling this challenge by aligning philanthropic initiatives with core business values, and share Okta’s journey in developing this strategy. While the examples will be drawn from Okta’s experience in cybersecurity, attendees will gain an actionable framework to inform their own approaches to workforce development through CSR and philanthropy.


Speaker: Keenan Harrell, Philanthropy Lead, Okta

Join us as we explore the journeys of BDO USA, a leading professional services firm, and Sage, a global technology leader, in designing and implementing signature programs aligned with their business objectives. We will explore their unique approaches, highlighting both the commonalities and the distinct differences in their strategic approaches and decision-making frameworks.


Speakers:

  • Sara Reed, Director, Sage Foundation Global Programs, Sage
  • Angie Brewer, Director, Social Impact Programs, BDO
In today’s rapidly evolving CSR landscape, data and technology are more than just tools, they’re catalysts for meaningful change. Join us for a conversation with PwC and True Impact as we explore how companies can harness impact data and emerging technologies like AI to drive strategy, deepen stakeholder engagement, and tell compelling stories that resonate.
 
This session will take you behind the scenes of PwC’s journey in impact reporting, revealing how their people-first approach shaped data collection and program growth. We’ll also dive into True Impact’s techniques that help organizations move beyond tracking outputs to measuring real outcomes, like improved community resilience and employee engagement.
Whether you’re just starting to refine your impact measurement or looking to integrate AI into your reporting strategy, this panel will offer actionable insights, real-world examples, and inspiration to elevate your CSR efforts.

Speakers:

  • Jewell Willett, Senior Manager of Customer Success, YourCause + Blackbaud
  • Heather Meloy, Director, PwC
  • Sara Ansell, Director of Analytics and Innovation, True Impact

In 2025, leading companies are embracing impact as a core business strategy to build more resilient and sustainable organizations.

In this session, Benevity’s Chief Impact Officer, Sona Khosla, will share key insights from The State of Corporate Purpose 2025 report by Benevity Impact Labs. She’ll highlight how top companies and impact leaders are responding to the latest trends shaping the social impact landscape.

With four months of real-world application since the report’s release, we’ll dive into what’s shifted, what’s emerging and how companies are evolving their strategies. Join us for a dynamic group discussion on what’s unfolding in 2025 — and how to stay ahead of the curve.

Speaker: Sona Khosla, Chief Impact Officer, Benevity

Trust is in crisis. Employee engagement in the U.S. has dropped to its lowest point in over a decade. Faith in institutions is eroding. Nonprofits face pressure to do more with less, often without time or tools to show impact. But trust is the foundation of impact – so how can CSR and employee engagement take a leading role in helping rebuild it within organizations, across communities, and throughout the social good ecosystem?
 
This session explores how trust is built when employees, funders, and nonprofits are connected in authentic, purpose-driven ways. We’ll dive into why trust is not just a sentiment but a system, supported by transparency, technology, and relationships. We’ll look at how participation, generosity, and storytelling create feedback loops that strengthen connection and increase trust across each system layer.
You’ll also hear from companies investing in trust and reflect on what employees value today: authenticity, purpose, and the ability to act on what matters.


Speakers:

  • Ellie O’Connor, Director of Product Design and UX Research, Bonterra
  • Katy Lyman, Principal Product Manager, Bonterra
  • Lynne Walters, Senior Director, Corporate Citizenship, Ally
Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) are becoming an increasingly strategic tool in corporate philanthropy, yet many social impact professionals remain unclear on how they work and when to use them. This session will demystify the mechanics of DAFs by providing a practical overview of their structure, governance, and compliance considerations. It will also highlight real-world examples of how companies are using DAFs to increase flexibility, accelerate giving, and support both local and global initiatives.


Speaker: Tim Bresnahan, VP Advancement & Philanthropic Services, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta

11:00 AM – 11:15 AM
Transition Break
11:15 AM – 12:30 PM
Workshops
The political landscape, marketplace fluctuations and stakeholder expectations are providing endless challenges to businesses as they determine their company’s role addressing societal issues and needs. The urgency to align social impact strategy, programs and practices with business priorities and planning has never been more front and center. In this workshop, you will learn how to integrate social impact into core business strategy to advance and protect your programs. We will share best practices and approaches that strengthen stakeholder relationships, differentiate brands, increase employee pride and loyalty, deliver human-impact stories, and enhance reputation.
 
Join us to explore:
  • How to establish decision guideposts
  • How to evolve and create signature programs
  • How to leverage impact models to measure efforts and fuel storytelling
  • How to maximize employee engagement programs

Speakers:

  • Mark Feldman, Managing Director, Cause Consulting
  • Nikki Korn, Principal and Chief Strategy Officer, Cause Consulting
Champion networks are the driving force behind successful employee engagement and volunteer participation. But building and sustaining these networks at scale can be challenging. This session brings together practitioners to dive deep into what makes champion networks thrive—from structuring the right framework to supporting champions with the tools and recognition they need.
 
Through facilitated breakout discussions, attendees will explore common barriers faced by champion networks, share strategies for onboarding and growing local leaders, and discuss ideas on how to keep champions motivated and aligned. This conversation will surface real-world practices that help maximize engagement and help build a large champion network.

Speakers:

  • Becky Taillon, Corporate Affairs Director, Arrow Electronics
  • Meire Braga, Corporate Affairs Manager, Arrow Electronics
  • Alissa May, Vice President, Impact, Goodera
In 2024, Mattress Firm embarked on a mission to identify a national nonprofit partner that closely aligned with its noble purpose, aiming to create a deeper, more lasting impact. Through a thoughtful, strategic approach, the social impact manager utilized CSR data and best practices, employee feedback, leadership insights and her own passion for maximizing impact to guide this transformative process.
 
This session will reveal how Mattress Firm transitioned from several transactional partnerships to one meaningful nonprofit relationship rooted in a shared vision, collaboration and measurable impact. Discover the challenges, strategies and milestones that defined this journey, shaping a new approach for the company’s social impact.
 

Speaker: Colleen Wright, Social Impact Manager, Mattress Firm

The 2025 Federal executive orders and budget cuts have created a state of uncertainty and confusion across the public sector that’s adversely impacting some of the most vulnerable populations. Many organizations have experienced a cancellation of federal grants and contracts, decreasing the non-profit sector’s ability to fulfill their missions. During these unpredictable times, it’s more important than ever for corporate social impact professionals to deploy a community-centered approach informed by local organizations that are proximate to social challenges. This session features two leading companies within the financial services industry and their non-profit partners sharing best practices, learnings from their relationship building journey and how they’re navigating the current landscape together.

Speakers:

  • Aldustus (A.J.) Jordan, Head of Community Stewardship & Vanguard Group Foundation President
  • Molly Porter, Chief Administrative Officer, Wells Fargo Foundation
  • Karla Henderson, President and CEO, Project for Pride in Living in Minneapolis
  • Ralphine Caldwell, Senior Executive Director, LISC Charlotte

This interactive discussion will explore the strategic value of engaging employees in mission-based volunteering as a driver for employee engagement and retention using Fannie Mae’s signature program, Disaster Rebuild Deployments, as the example. At Fannie Mae, Disaster Rebuild Deployments (DRDs) provide opportunities for employee volunteers to rebuild communities affected by natural disaster. Employees travel to impacted communities to work alongside our nonprofit partners and community members. Employees have the chance to give back, connect with Fannie Mae’s mission and engage with the communities we serve. DRDs also supports employee development & engagement through team leadership and engagement with colleagues across the enterprise. We will offer a comprehensive view of the full DRD experience, from the sponsor perspective and the employee point of view. Attendees will learn more about how we do it, why we do it this way and what we’ve learned as a result. We will explore site selection, vendor management, employee outreach and skill development through fun and interactive exercises. Participants will leave with a roadmap for creating their own signature program.

Speakers:

  • Mellanie Kai Lassiter, Director of Community Investment & Engaegment, Fannie Mae
  • Kelly Walling, Senior Associate, Community Investment & Engagement, Fannie Mae
  • Jonet Johnson, Senior Associate, Community Investment & Engagement, Fannie Mae
In today’s rapidly evolving corporate landscape, meaningful social impact doesn’t happen in isolation. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) professionals must engage internal partners including marketing, HR, legal, and others to design and deliver programs that drive both business and community value.
 
This workshop explores how cross-functional relationships have become essential tools for CSR success. You’ll hear real-world strategies from companies that have built strong internal coalitions to embed purpose across the enterprise. We will also discuss as a group how to secure buy-in, speak the language of different departments, and co-create initiatives that boost engagement and scale impact.
 
Whether you’re forging your first internal partnership or managing a mature cross-functional network, this session will deliver actionable insights, inspiring examples, and practical tips to elevate your approach.

Speaker: Cheryl Kortemeier, Executive Director, Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta

Want to boost the visibility and impact of your corporate giving? This workshop will show you how to weave communications into your grantmaking and nonprofit partnerships to raise awareness, enhance brand reputation, and drive meaningful change.

You’ll learn how to build a communications strategy that works—from internal engagement campaigns to influencer partnerships and earned media wins. Hear firsthand insights from experts who’ve done it, and join interactive discussions to explore what works (and what doesn’t). Facilitated by Corinne Graper, CEO, and Marjory Elwell, director of sustainability communications & reporting, at The Uplift Agency.

Walk away with a communications plan framework and fresh tools to embed storytelling, branding, and engagement into every stage of your grant strategy.

Speakers:

  • Corinne Graper, CEO, The Uplift Agency
  • Marjory Elwell, Director, Sustainability Reporting and Communications, The Uplift Agency
  • Abbey Sladick, Manager, Community Relations, Priority Health
  • Kyle Donash, Director, Corporate Communications, US Cellular
12:30 PM – 01:00 PM
Lunch
01:00 PM – 01:50 PM
Idea Exchanges / Interactive Case Studies
01:50 PM – 02:00 PM
Transition Break
02:00 PM – 03:00 PM
Closing Plenary Session: State of Social Impact and the Road Ahead
This closing session will bring together experienced leaders and practitioners for a thoughtful discussion on the current landscape of corporate social impact.
 
Panelists will reflect on the key challenges and questions raised throughout the conference, including how global trends are affecting companies and communities. They will share practical insights on how CSR teams and their partners are responding—what is working, what remains difficult, what they are paying attention to, and their hopes for the future.
 
Speakers:
  • Olivia Jefferson, Vice President, Social Impact & Executive Director, Best Buy
  • Anita Whitehead, President & Chair, KPMG Foundation
  • Amanda Ponzar, Senior Advisor, Public and Corporate Relations, Kaptivate
Day 02

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