Social Innovation Conferences and Events
The Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation holds social impact events globally, offering insights into how the sector operates and helping our community members prepare to solve complex problems.
Upcoming Events
Civic Scholars Program Info Session
Tuesday, April 29 | 5 - 6 p.m. | Virtual
The Civic Scholars Program at Chicago Booth offers a full-tuition scholarship for professionals currently working in 501(c) nonprofit or government organizations who apply to the Evening or Weekend MBA programs.
If you or someone you know is interested in the program and committed to a long-term career in the social sector, we invite you to join the Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation for a virtual Civic Scholars Program Information Session to learn how this opportunity supports civic leaders seeking to further their education.
Participants may register for a March or April session.
Perspectives in Philanthropy: Innovation at the Intersection of Wealth, Philanthropy, and Power
Wednesday, April 30 | 5:30 - 8 p.m. | Gleacher Center, Room 422
Audience: UChicago Students
Join Rustandy Center executive in residence Julia Stasch and Lever for Change CEO Cecilia Conrad for Innovation at the Intersection of Wealth, Philanthropy, and Power.
They鈥檒l share how Lever for Change, an affiliate of the MacArthur Foundation, encourages philanthropists to be more ambitious, expand beyond traditional networks, and share and shift power. Learn how the organization lives its values of equity, openness, and transparency as it helps donors find and fund bold solutions to the world鈥檚 pressing challenges.
Following the conversation, Lever for Change will lead a workshop focused on their open call model.
Social Impact Summit: Environmental Sustainability
Wednesday, April 30 | 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. | Harper Center, Room C04
Audience: Open to the public
This year鈥檚 Social Impact Summit explores how lasting change takes root when social entrepreneurs, impact investors, nonprofits, corporate leaders, and policy experts work together. Join us to see how collaboration drives real-world solutions to complex challenges.
Throughout the sessions - Environmental Sustainability, Health Equity, and Economic Mobility - you鈥檒l hear from cross-sector leaders in fireside chats focused on how their roles intersect to drive progress.
In this session, hear from Alec Houpt of Inertial (Social Entrepreneur), Joel Brammeier from Alliance for the Great Lakes (Nonprofit), and Mohit Jindal from Impact Engine (Impact VC) on collaborating for sustainability.
Social Impact Summit: Health Equity
Friday, May 2 | 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. | Harper Center, Room 219
Audience: Open to the public
This year’s Social Impact Summit explores how lasting change takes root when social entrepreneurs, impact investors, nonprofits, corporate leaders, and policy experts work together. Join us to see how collaboration drives real-world solutions to complex challenges.
Throughout the sessions - Environmental Sustainability, Health Equity, and Economic Mobility - you’ll hear from cross-sector leaders in fireside chats focused on how their roles intersect to drive progress.
Social Impact Summit: Economic Opportunity
Wednesday, May 7 | 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. | Harper Center, Room C10
Audience: Open to the public
This year鈥檚 Social Impact Summit explores how lasting change takes root when social entrepreneurs, impact investors, nonprofits, corporate leaders, and policy experts work together. Join us to see how collaboration drives real-world solutions to complex challenges.
In this session, hear from Sophia Carey (Social Entrepreneur), Yi Wei from Momentus Capital (Impact VC), Desiree Wrigley from P33-TechRise and GiveForward (VC, Nonprofit) and Callie Kim from Waban Impact LLC (Corporate/Consulting) on collaborating for economic opportunity.
Social Impact Summit: Keynote and Networking Reception
Friday, May 9 | 4 - 6 p.m. | Gleacher Center, Room 404 and 500
Audience: Open to the public
To close the summit, join us for a keynote and networking reception featuring esteemed catalyzers for change from the Chicago ecosystem. Hear insights on collaborating for social impact and connect with fellow Booth and Harris students passionate about driving meaningful change.
Golub Capital Board Fellows Program: Info Session
Wednesday, May 14 | 12 - 1 p.m. | Virtual
Audience: Booth Students
Join the Rustandy Center and Net Impact for an info session on Booth鈥檚 Golub Capital Board Fellows program鈥攁 unique opportunity for MBA students to serve on nonprofit boards while completing a strategic project. Learn about the timeline, project scope, application process, and what to expect. Open to all Booth students curious about experiential learning and board service in the social sector.
Civic Chicago Deep Dive: Food Access
Thursday, May 15 | 12 - 5 p.m. | Experimental Station
Audience: UChicago Students
For years, Chicago communities on the south and west sides have suffered from unequal access to quality food. In these areas, lack of investment and a fragmented food system creates barriers to easy access to nutritious and healthy foods with significant public health consequences. However, is this problem only one of supply?
Join the Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation to explore the systems driving food access in Chicago in a gathering of practitioners, researchers, and students. Participants will engage in thought-provoking conversations, dive into the development and economics of a local grocery store, and take part in a hands-on marketing workshop with local food access entrepreneurs.
