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
09:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Activity Zone Coffee Break
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Learning Labs
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
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:
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Sara Reed, Director, Sage Foundation Global Programs, Sage
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Angie Brewer, Director, Social Impact Programs, BD
11:00 AM – 11:15 AM
Transition Break
11:15 AM – 12:30 PM
Workshops
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
Join eBay Foundation for a collaborative session on building and scaling a successful ambassador program. Together, we’ll explore how eBay’s Changemakers initiative fosters passion and purpose among employees, aligning with our shared values and driving community impact. We’ll exchange practical tips and ideas for designing an engaging program that resonates with diverse teams and scales globally. Through interactive activities, we’ll learn from one another about cultivating a culture of giving and using storytelling to empower ambassadors. Whether you’re starting a new initiative or enhancing an existing one, this session is a chance to connect with fellow practitioners, share experiences, and gather insights to make a meaningful difference.
Speaker: Tiana Austel, Senior Manager, Employee Engagement, eBay
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
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
