Speakers from the 3rd Annual Cause Marketing Summit in NYC
We have hand picked some of the best cause marketers, nonprofit and corporate social responsibility professionals from all over the U.S. to help guide and expand the eminent creative campaigns for good. Our speakers do not pay a fee to speak to Summit attendees. We know that having authentic content is paramount. We value your time and support for this conference. Check back for additions to this year's lineup!
Sandee Borgman, Director of Entertainment and Influencer Relations, International Rescue Committee (IRC)
After 15 years of managing musicians and 9 years producing content for Lorne Michaels/Broadway Video, Sandee’s career turned towards nonprofit. She spent 7 years at the U.S. Fund for UNICEF developing the Ambassador Program recruiting artist such as Tea Leoni, Sarah Jessica Parker, Laurence Fishburne, Lucy Liu, Alyssa Milano, India.Arie, Clay Aiken and Angela Bassett along with establishing a partnership with the National Basketball Association.
In 2007, she moved over to the human rights landscape and joined Amnesty International as Director of the Creative Group which was responsible for artist relations in music and film, branding, merchandising, advertising and marketing. She and her team were responsible for recruiting artists such as Nicolas Cage, Amber Heard, Tom Morello, Sting, Yoko Ono, Patrick Stewart and The Airborne Toxic Event.
For the past 7 years Sandee has been the Director of Entertainment and Influencer Relations for the International Rescue Committee where she has developed relationships with artists and industry partners that represents the culture and mission of the IRC. Individual supporters who travel to the field and use their circle of influence to support the IRC’s refugee programs include: George Clooney, Rashida Jones, Mandy Patinkin, Sarah Wayne Callies, Morena Baccarin, Piper Perabo as well as Game of Thrones cast Lena Headey, Liam Cunningham, and Maisie Williams. Entertainment partners include HBO, Warner Bros. Television, and United Talent Agency.
Sandee is very proud to share her experience bridging the worlds of nonprofit and entertainment.
After 15 years of managing musicians and 9 years producing content for Lorne Michaels/Broadway Video, Sandee’s career turned towards nonprofit. She spent 7 years at the U.S. Fund for UNICEF developing the Ambassador Program recruiting artist such as Tea Leoni, Sarah Jessica Parker, Laurence Fishburne, Lucy Liu, Alyssa Milano, India.Arie, Clay Aiken and Angela Bassett along with establishing a partnership with the National Basketball Association.
In 2007, she moved over to the human rights landscape and joined Amnesty International as Director of the Creative Group which was responsible for artist relations in music and film, branding, merchandising, advertising and marketing. She and her team were responsible for recruiting artists such as Nicolas Cage, Amber Heard, Tom Morello, Sting, Yoko Ono, Patrick Stewart and The Airborne Toxic Event.
For the past 7 years Sandee has been the Director of Entertainment and Influencer Relations for the International Rescue Committee where she has developed relationships with artists and industry partners that represents the culture and mission of the IRC. Individual supporters who travel to the field and use their circle of influence to support the IRC’s refugee programs include: George Clooney, Rashida Jones, Mandy Patinkin, Sarah Wayne Callies, Morena Baccarin, Piper Perabo as well as Game of Thrones cast Lena Headey, Liam Cunningham, and Maisie Williams. Entertainment partners include HBO, Warner Bros. Television, and United Talent Agency.
Sandee is very proud to share her experience bridging the worlds of nonprofit and entertainment.
Matt DeWitte, Head of Marketing, LifeStraw/Vestergaard
Matt DeWitte has worked for a number of consumer brands in marketing and sales roles including Ford Motor Company, L.L.Bean and Timberland while more recently his career focus has shifted to brands and organizations that have a social mission. Matt has headed the marketing departments of Dansko, a founding member of B Corp, Boxed Water is Better, a social driven company committed to a more sustainable future, and now LifeStraw, a global company built on the foundation that doing good is good business. LifeStraw develops technologically advanced water filters and purifiers for a number of consumer and cause driven applications including their award winning Follow the Liters program
Matt DeWitte has worked for a number of consumer brands in marketing and sales roles including Ford Motor Company, L.L.Bean and Timberland while more recently his career focus has shifted to brands and organizations that have a social mission. Matt has headed the marketing departments of Dansko, a founding member of B Corp, Boxed Water is Better, a social driven company committed to a more sustainable future, and now LifeStraw, a global company built on the foundation that doing good is good business. LifeStraw develops technologically advanced water filters and purifiers for a number of consumer and cause driven applications including their award winning Follow the Liters program
Matthew Fiano, Co-Founder, Ivory Ella
Entrepreneur turned high school teacher turned Entrepreneur.
Matt Fiano is a social media marketing expert that has co-founded one of the fastest growing online lifestyle brands Ivory Ella, LLC. As a growing brand, Matt has his hands in just about everything with a special emphasis on growing the brand through meaningful partnerships.
As a former teacher and entrepreneur, Matt’s specialty is in harnessing Millennial and Gen Y audiences and teaching social consciousness. Matt’s love for the community was the foundation for starting a meaning based brand that gives back! Through his leadership, Ivory Ella is working to teach their fans the importance of giving back and the power of making an impact when supporting important charitable causes.
Ivory Ella is an online lifestyle brand who donates 10% of their profits to elephant conservation and other charitable causes. To date over $1.2M has been donated to over 30 charities.
Matt and Ivory Ella wants to express their gratitude to our consumers and fans for our amazing growth having gone from a basement and 0 employees to 42,000 sq. ft and 100 employees in 24 months.
Matt has an undergraduate degree from Eastern Connecticut State University and a Masters Degree in Education from Sacred Heart University.
Entrepreneur turned high school teacher turned Entrepreneur.
Matt Fiano is a social media marketing expert that has co-founded one of the fastest growing online lifestyle brands Ivory Ella, LLC. As a growing brand, Matt has his hands in just about everything with a special emphasis on growing the brand through meaningful partnerships.
As a former teacher and entrepreneur, Matt’s specialty is in harnessing Millennial and Gen Y audiences and teaching social consciousness. Matt’s love for the community was the foundation for starting a meaning based brand that gives back! Through his leadership, Ivory Ella is working to teach their fans the importance of giving back and the power of making an impact when supporting important charitable causes.
Ivory Ella is an online lifestyle brand who donates 10% of their profits to elephant conservation and other charitable causes. To date over $1.2M has been donated to over 30 charities.
Matt and Ivory Ella wants to express their gratitude to our consumers and fans for our amazing growth having gone from a basement and 0 employees to 42,000 sq. ft and 100 employees in 24 months.
Matt has an undergraduate degree from Eastern Connecticut State University and a Masters Degree in Education from Sacred Heart University.
Brittany Hill, Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer, Catalist
As a data seeker and trend translator, Brittany specializes in using analytics and innovations to connect companies and causes to do more good in the world. Brittany Hill leads the product and business development efforts at Catalist. As a nonprofit entrepreneur, Brittany is behind some of the industry’s newest products and tools that help nonprofits elevate their mission.
Brittany’s extensive background in the nonprofit and agency sectors supports her vision for nonprofit innovations. Mrs. Hill has built multi-channel partnerships and award-winning campaigns with some of the most notable blue-chip nonprofit organizations (American Heart Association, UNICEF, Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Make-A-Wish International) and corporate brands (Pepsico, General Mills, Hasbro, Best Buy).
Brittany’s trendsetting insights have been seen in Huffington Post, TIME, MSN.com, among others. She is a seasoned speaker on the topics of data-driven cause alliances, industry trends, people analytics and cause partnership sales, with previous engagements at SXSW, Cause Marketing Forum, and Momentum.
As a data seeker and trend translator, Brittany specializes in using analytics and innovations to connect companies and causes to do more good in the world. Brittany Hill leads the product and business development efforts at Catalist. As a nonprofit entrepreneur, Brittany is behind some of the industry’s newest products and tools that help nonprofits elevate their mission.
Brittany’s extensive background in the nonprofit and agency sectors supports her vision for nonprofit innovations. Mrs. Hill has built multi-channel partnerships and award-winning campaigns with some of the most notable blue-chip nonprofit organizations (American Heart Association, UNICEF, Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Make-A-Wish International) and corporate brands (Pepsico, General Mills, Hasbro, Best Buy).
Brittany’s trendsetting insights have been seen in Huffington Post, TIME, MSN.com, among others. She is a seasoned speaker on the topics of data-driven cause alliances, industry trends, people analytics and cause partnership sales, with previous engagements at SXSW, Cause Marketing Forum, and Momentum.
Julie Hootkin, Partner, Global Strategy Group
For more than 15 years, Julie has been on the front lines helping corporations, advocacy organizations and political campaigns leverage data-driven communications and research to make an impact. At GSG, Julie leads the firm’s Corporate Reputation and Public Affairs research practice, where she oversees new business strategy and product development, and manages a broad range of clients including Google, Ford, Uber, and World Trade Center developer Silverstein Properties. She also helped found the firm’s Foundations and Advocacy offering, carving out a specialization that helps organizations such as The Rockefeller Foundation, Share Our Strength and the Ms. Foundation for Women translate their thought leadership into real, important policy change.
Julie also advises national, state and local political candidates, including Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (NY) and Joe Donnelly (IN), Governor Steve Bullock (MT), and Mayor Sly James (Kansas City). In the 2010 cycle, Julie helped orchestrate two of the five national Democratic Gubernatorial pick-ups, guiding Dan Malloy (CT) and Mark Dayton (MN) to hard-fought victories. In addition to her client work, some of Julie’s proudest efforts have been the establishment and leadership of GSG’s Annual Pro Bono Program and the GSG Women’s Network. Since 2006, Julie has also served as a political consultant to CBS News throughout each primary and general election season. She frequently speaks and is quoted on public opinion, branding, and politics in outlets such as Politico, Newsweek, and others. She was also one of City and State NY’s 40 Under 40 Rising Stars. Julie is a graduate of Cornell University and received her Master’s Degree in Public Policy from the University of Chicago. A native New Yorker, she lives with her husband and their two children in Manhattan.
For more than 15 years, Julie has been on the front lines helping corporations, advocacy organizations and political campaigns leverage data-driven communications and research to make an impact. At GSG, Julie leads the firm’s Corporate Reputation and Public Affairs research practice, where she oversees new business strategy and product development, and manages a broad range of clients including Google, Ford, Uber, and World Trade Center developer Silverstein Properties. She also helped found the firm’s Foundations and Advocacy offering, carving out a specialization that helps organizations such as The Rockefeller Foundation, Share Our Strength and the Ms. Foundation for Women translate their thought leadership into real, important policy change.
Julie also advises national, state and local political candidates, including Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (NY) and Joe Donnelly (IN), Governor Steve Bullock (MT), and Mayor Sly James (Kansas City). In the 2010 cycle, Julie helped orchestrate two of the five national Democratic Gubernatorial pick-ups, guiding Dan Malloy (CT) and Mark Dayton (MN) to hard-fought victories. In addition to her client work, some of Julie’s proudest efforts have been the establishment and leadership of GSG’s Annual Pro Bono Program and the GSG Women’s Network. Since 2006, Julie has also served as a political consultant to CBS News throughout each primary and general election season. She frequently speaks and is quoted on public opinion, branding, and politics in outlets such as Politico, Newsweek, and others. She was also one of City and State NY’s 40 Under 40 Rising Stars. Julie is a graduate of Cornell University and received her Master’s Degree in Public Policy from the University of Chicago. A native New Yorker, she lives with her husband and their two children in Manhattan.
René Jones, Executive Director of the UTA Foundation and Head of Enrichment at United Talent Agency (UTA)
René Jones is the Executive Director of the UTA Foundation and Head of Enrichment at United Talent Agency (UTA). UTA represents many of the world's most acclaimed figures in every current and emerging area of entertainment and media. Jones provides strategic philanthropic guidance for UTA’s clients and oversees employee engagement. Prior to UTA, she worked on high-profile campaigns, for the U.S. Senate and for national non-profit organizations. In her current capacity, Jones advises global, national and local organizations on best practices for effective entertainment industry engagement. She has also traveled with clients and NGO’s to Africa, Central America, the Middle East, and South America to bring awareness to global causes such as clean water, girls education, affordable housing, malaria, micro-financing and women’s issues. She serves as a Global Ambassador for Vital Voices and a Senior Fellow for the USC Marshall Brittingham Social Enterprise Lab, and also sits on the advisory board of River LA and the arts and entertainment council for the Sierra Club. Jones is an avid world traveler, resides in Los Angeles and is a proud mom of two.
René Jones is the Executive Director of the UTA Foundation and Head of Enrichment at United Talent Agency (UTA). UTA represents many of the world's most acclaimed figures in every current and emerging area of entertainment and media. Jones provides strategic philanthropic guidance for UTA’s clients and oversees employee engagement. Prior to UTA, she worked on high-profile campaigns, for the U.S. Senate and for national non-profit organizations. In her current capacity, Jones advises global, national and local organizations on best practices for effective entertainment industry engagement. She has also traveled with clients and NGO’s to Africa, Central America, the Middle East, and South America to bring awareness to global causes such as clean water, girls education, affordable housing, malaria, micro-financing and women’s issues. She serves as a Global Ambassador for Vital Voices and a Senior Fellow for the USC Marshall Brittingham Social Enterprise Lab, and also sits on the advisory board of River LA and the arts and entertainment council for the Sierra Club. Jones is an avid world traveler, resides in Los Angeles and is a proud mom of two.
Boris Khaykin, Comedian and Writer
Boris Khaykin is a comedian, writer, and director who's stand up has been featured in Huffington Post, Collegehumor Live, and TimeOutNY as one of Brooklyn Comedy Festival’s Biggest Stars. Boris recently toured the south east as part of the Dankstop Comedy Tour.
He's the senior writer on UCB Comedy sketch team Cardinal Goose as well as a member of hip hop improv comedy group North Coast. He can be seen in Broad City webisodes, the Amazon Prime show ‘Red Oaks’, and live hosting Impro(VS)tandup every month at UCB.
Boris Khaykin is a comedian, writer, and director who's stand up has been featured in Huffington Post, Collegehumor Live, and TimeOutNY as one of Brooklyn Comedy Festival’s Biggest Stars. Boris recently toured the south east as part of the Dankstop Comedy Tour.
He's the senior writer on UCB Comedy sketch team Cardinal Goose as well as a member of hip hop improv comedy group North Coast. He can be seen in Broad City webisodes, the Amazon Prime show ‘Red Oaks’, and live hosting Impro(VS)tandup every month at UCB.
Lindsey Kneuven, Chief Impact Officer, Cotopaxi
Lindsey Kneuven is the Chief Impact Officer for Cotopaxi, a Utah-based outdoor gear company with a social mission at its core. She leads the organization’s global philanthropic strategy which includes all giving, supply chain initiatives, and employee engagement. She was recently recognized by Utah Business as one of 30 Women to Watch. She serves on the Utah Lieutenant Governor’s Commission on Community Engagement and is active on several nonprofit boards. Lindsey formerly directed global grant making, strategic planning, and large-scale employee engagement programs for a portfolio of multi-national corporations, including: Oracle, Juniper Networks and Singularity University at Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF). With over $7.3 billion in assets under management and over $823 million granted in 2015 alone, SVCF is the largest community foundation in the world. While there, Lindsey led the organization’s work on human trafficking and wrote a grant-funded white paper on human trafficking in Silicon Valley that earned her the Leigh Stillwell Award for Excellence. Lindsey also has extensive experience in international development and nonprofit management, having spent a number of years working in East Africa to develop and implement a primary school literacy model with Nuru International as their Senior Education Program Director. Before Nuru, Lindsey served as the Global Grants Manager for the Salesforce Foundation where she oversaw the strategy, programming and success of multimillion dollar granting initiatives for four years. She has been active in international and domestic poverty alleviation initiatives for 15 years.
Lindsey Kneuven is the Chief Impact Officer for Cotopaxi, a Utah-based outdoor gear company with a social mission at its core. She leads the organization’s global philanthropic strategy which includes all giving, supply chain initiatives, and employee engagement. She was recently recognized by Utah Business as one of 30 Women to Watch. She serves on the Utah Lieutenant Governor’s Commission on Community Engagement and is active on several nonprofit boards. Lindsey formerly directed global grant making, strategic planning, and large-scale employee engagement programs for a portfolio of multi-national corporations, including: Oracle, Juniper Networks and Singularity University at Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF). With over $7.3 billion in assets under management and over $823 million granted in 2015 alone, SVCF is the largest community foundation in the world. While there, Lindsey led the organization’s work on human trafficking and wrote a grant-funded white paper on human trafficking in Silicon Valley that earned her the Leigh Stillwell Award for Excellence. Lindsey also has extensive experience in international development and nonprofit management, having spent a number of years working in East Africa to develop and implement a primary school literacy model with Nuru International as their Senior Education Program Director. Before Nuru, Lindsey served as the Global Grants Manager for the Salesforce Foundation where she oversaw the strategy, programming and success of multimillion dollar granting initiatives for four years. She has been active in international and domestic poverty alleviation initiatives for 15 years.
Laura Leinweber, Senior Marketing Director, The Nature Conservancy
Laura Leinweber serves as Senior Marketing Director where she directs marketing and communications to raise the profile of The Nature Conservancy as well as engage, inspire and grow public support for the organization’s mission and work.
Laura is a seasoned marketing professional, bringing agency, brand, and startup experience to her role. Prior to the Conservancy, Laura was Managing Director of the cause-focused division of LeadDog Marketing Group, and a co-founder of LIME pr+promotions, an award-winning division of Kirshenbaum bond & partners. She also worked as Director of Communications at Sambazon Inc., a high-growth, mission-driven organic food and beverage brand. Sambazon pioneered a sustainable agro-forestry model in the Amazon Rainforest that was recognized by the U.S. Secretary of State for its positive impact.
Laura attended Northwestern University and received the Shuman Award for Essay writing. She resides in Brooklyn Heights and relishes the “small town in a big city” lifestyle, in addition to boating, yoga and enjoying life with family and friends.
Laura Leinweber serves as Senior Marketing Director where she directs marketing and communications to raise the profile of The Nature Conservancy as well as engage, inspire and grow public support for the organization’s mission and work.
Laura is a seasoned marketing professional, bringing agency, brand, and startup experience to her role. Prior to the Conservancy, Laura was Managing Director of the cause-focused division of LeadDog Marketing Group, and a co-founder of LIME pr+promotions, an award-winning division of Kirshenbaum bond & partners. She also worked as Director of Communications at Sambazon Inc., a high-growth, mission-driven organic food and beverage brand. Sambazon pioneered a sustainable agro-forestry model in the Amazon Rainforest that was recognized by the U.S. Secretary of State for its positive impact.
Laura attended Northwestern University and received the Shuman Award for Essay writing. She resides in Brooklyn Heights and relishes the “small town in a big city” lifestyle, in addition to boating, yoga and enjoying life with family and friends.
Cristina Mayer, Manager of Programming and Music Initiatives at CBS Radio in NYC
Cristina Mayer is the Manager of Programming and Music Initiatives at CBS Radio in New York City. For the past two years, Cristina has assisted with production and operations for CBS Radio’s four major live music events that take place across the United States. One of those events, We Can Survive, is a major focus for Cristina and the Live Events Team as the event (now in it’s 5th year) brings together the biggest names in pop music for one night in Los Angeles to raise funds and awareness for young women in various stages of diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer. Cristina works along side the VP of Music Initiatives in creating the event from the back of the house to the front and work as the main point of contact with the Young Survival Coalition (the event’s primary beneficiary) to maintain and execute the joint vision for the event each year.
Over the past 12 years, Ms. Mayer has worked in various sales, marketing and sponsorship roles for CBS Radio, Live Nation Entertainment, and spent time as a box office manager for an independently owned music club called The Hamilton Live. Her passion has always been creating once in a lifetime opportunities that connect fans, brands and artists for an unforgettable experience.
Cristina Mayer is the Manager of Programming and Music Initiatives at CBS Radio in New York City. For the past two years, Cristina has assisted with production and operations for CBS Radio’s four major live music events that take place across the United States. One of those events, We Can Survive, is a major focus for Cristina and the Live Events Team as the event (now in it’s 5th year) brings together the biggest names in pop music for one night in Los Angeles to raise funds and awareness for young women in various stages of diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer. Cristina works along side the VP of Music Initiatives in creating the event from the back of the house to the front and work as the main point of contact with the Young Survival Coalition (the event’s primary beneficiary) to maintain and execute the joint vision for the event each year.
Over the past 12 years, Ms. Mayer has worked in various sales, marketing and sponsorship roles for CBS Radio, Live Nation Entertainment, and spent time as a box office manager for an independently owned music club called The Hamilton Live. Her passion has always been creating once in a lifetime opportunities that connect fans, brands and artists for an unforgettable experience.
Philips McCarty, Founder & Principal, Good Scout Group
Philips McCarty has created and executed strategies for some of the nation’s most notable social impact and cause campaigns including Feeding America’s Pound for Pound Challenge, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s Thanks & Giving, Nationwide Insurance’s Make Safe Happen, and the International Rescue Committee’s New Roots initiative.
As the founder of social good consultancy Good Scout Group, he has created game-changing cause marketing and social impact branding strategies for clients including the American Heart Association, Brooks Brothers, Heifer International, Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, Musicians on Call, and NBCUniversal.
Phil has served as an interim executive leader to organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the Imagine Dragons’ Tyler Robinson Foundation and, most recently, The Elizabeth Taylor Trust, overseeing Ms. Taylor’s lifestyle brands, licensing and marketing, and philanthropic initiatives benefiting The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.
Combining his passions of entertainment and social good, Phil is an impact producer for Aspiration Studios and an advisor to Good Amplified, YouTube’s only multichannel network for nonprofits.
Philips McCarty has created and executed strategies for some of the nation’s most notable social impact and cause campaigns including Feeding America’s Pound for Pound Challenge, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s Thanks & Giving, Nationwide Insurance’s Make Safe Happen, and the International Rescue Committee’s New Roots initiative.
As the founder of social good consultancy Good Scout Group, he has created game-changing cause marketing and social impact branding strategies for clients including the American Heart Association, Brooks Brothers, Heifer International, Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, Musicians on Call, and NBCUniversal.
Phil has served as an interim executive leader to organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the Imagine Dragons’ Tyler Robinson Foundation and, most recently, The Elizabeth Taylor Trust, overseeing Ms. Taylor’s lifestyle brands, licensing and marketing, and philanthropic initiatives benefiting The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.
Combining his passions of entertainment and social good, Phil is an impact producer for Aspiration Studios and an advisor to Good Amplified, YouTube’s only multichannel network for nonprofits.
Rithesh Menon, Director of Growth Partnerships, Upworthy
Rithesh thrives on building unlikely collaborations to tackle big challenges. He specializes in media strategies that generate economic and social benefits. With an experience spanning consulting, social enterprise, tech start-ups, and media, he presently leads growth partnerships at Upworthy. Rithesh oversees strategic partnerships with nonprofits and foundation, monetization strategy, and new revenue development. He is based in New York and loves gadgets, ramen, and coffee.
Rithesh thrives on building unlikely collaborations to tackle big challenges. He specializes in media strategies that generate economic and social benefits. With an experience spanning consulting, social enterprise, tech start-ups, and media, he presently leads growth partnerships at Upworthy. Rithesh oversees strategic partnerships with nonprofits and foundation, monetization strategy, and new revenue development. He is based in New York and loves gadgets, ramen, and coffee.
Jan Mittan, Chief Philanthropy Officer for New York, The Nature Conservancy
Jan Mittan joined The Nature Conservancy in August 2015 as New York’s Chief Philanthropy Officer. Jan’s career is built on developing the architecture for and executing major fundraising campaigns—a process she has seen strengthen organizations and their impact. Currently, she is leading New York’s campaign to raise $300 million for conservation by 2020 as part of the Conservancy’s global and historical effort to secure $6 billion for the planet. Prior to joining the Conservancy, Jan served as the Senior Vice President for Development & External Relations at St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children and was the Executive Director at the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center. Since 2002, Jan has served on the faculty of Columbia University’s master’s program in Fundraising & Non-Profit Management. Jan’s career began as the Development Officer of the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies.
Jan Mittan joined The Nature Conservancy in August 2015 as New York’s Chief Philanthropy Officer. Jan’s career is built on developing the architecture for and executing major fundraising campaigns—a process she has seen strengthen organizations and their impact. Currently, she is leading New York’s campaign to raise $300 million for conservation by 2020 as part of the Conservancy’s global and historical effort to secure $6 billion for the planet. Prior to joining the Conservancy, Jan served as the Senior Vice President for Development & External Relations at St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children and was the Executive Director at the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center. Since 2002, Jan has served on the faculty of Columbia University’s master’s program in Fundraising & Non-Profit Management. Jan’s career began as the Development Officer of the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies.
Sandra Navalli, Managing Director, Tamer Center for Social Enterprise at Columbia University
Sandra Navalli is the Managing Director of the Tamer Center for Social Enterprise at Columbia University. The Center trains the next generation of leaders to address social and environmental challenges, by supporting the creation and communication of new ideas, and by providing curricular and extra-curricular opportunities for students. Focus areas include: social entrepreneurship, international development and emerging markets, public and nonprofit management, corporate responsibility and sustainability. Under the Center, the Tamer Fund for Social Ventures provides seed grants to nonprofit, for-profit, or hybrid early-stage social and environmental ventures. Sandra has over a decade of experience in the social impact field, and previously worked in business and product development for an education technology social venture, management consulting, microeconomic policy, and in corporate law. She received an MBA from Columbia Business School and honors degrees in Economics and in Law (B.Ec./LL.B.) from the Australian National University.
Sandra Navalli is the Managing Director of the Tamer Center for Social Enterprise at Columbia University. The Center trains the next generation of leaders to address social and environmental challenges, by supporting the creation and communication of new ideas, and by providing curricular and extra-curricular opportunities for students. Focus areas include: social entrepreneurship, international development and emerging markets, public and nonprofit management, corporate responsibility and sustainability. Under the Center, the Tamer Fund for Social Ventures provides seed grants to nonprofit, for-profit, or hybrid early-stage social and environmental ventures. Sandra has over a decade of experience in the social impact field, and previously worked in business and product development for an education technology social venture, management consulting, microeconomic policy, and in corporate law. She received an MBA from Columbia Business School and honors degrees in Economics and in Law (B.Ec./LL.B.) from the Australian National University.
Kristine Templin, Chief Development Officer, Meals on Wheels America
Kristine is the Chief Development Officer with Meals on Wheels America and oversees the national fundraising strategy for corporate partnerships, major donors and special events while working collaboratively with the Meals on Wheels Member programs. With more than 20 years of cross industry experience, Kristine has focused the last decade of her career on forging strategic partnerships, and developing highly creative and visible consumer/cause marketing campaigns. Drawing upon her keen business sense and passion for building scalable and sustainable cause programs, she has worked with leading national and global non-profit brands including the American Red Cross, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Special Olympics, and helped Fortune 500 corporations tell their partnership stories in a ways that authentically connects with their stakeholders.
Kristine most recently served as the Chief Development Officer at the Trust for the National Mall, an official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, and led fundraising efforts in support of the Trust’s $350 million campaign goal.
Kristine holds a B.S. in Political Science from George Mason University.
Kristine is the Chief Development Officer with Meals on Wheels America and oversees the national fundraising strategy for corporate partnerships, major donors and special events while working collaboratively with the Meals on Wheels Member programs. With more than 20 years of cross industry experience, Kristine has focused the last decade of her career on forging strategic partnerships, and developing highly creative and visible consumer/cause marketing campaigns. Drawing upon her keen business sense and passion for building scalable and sustainable cause programs, she has worked with leading national and global non-profit brands including the American Red Cross, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Special Olympics, and helped Fortune 500 corporations tell their partnership stories in a ways that authentically connects with their stakeholders.
Kristine most recently served as the Chief Development Officer at the Trust for the National Mall, an official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, and led fundraising efforts in support of the Trust’s $350 million campaign goal.
Kristine holds a B.S. in Political Science from George Mason University.
Keni Thacker, KREATOR at K.R.E.A.T.E. and Sr. Event Technology Specialist, JWT
There are five types of thinkers: creative thinkers, analytical thinkers, intuitive thinkers, logical thinkers and visionary thinkers. Keni Thacker has defied the belief that an individual can only be one of those types, and truly encompasses all five. He consistently seeks out opportunities to challenge himself and his ways of thinking by single-handedly producing events, programs and content and effectively championing the Differenter effort for the J. Walter Thompson New York office in 2011. Keni is a pioneer of change and is committed to expanding diversity efforts, and the impact he has made on future leaders does not go unnoticed. A true exemplar of leadership, Keni an award winning influencer and diversity advocate devoted to outreach programs and mentorship. Some of his accomplishments include: leading the TORCH program by providing career training to under-served students in NYC, mentoring for the 4A’s multicultural advertising intern program, Camp Mariah, The High School of Innovations and Media and the Manhattan Early College of Advertising and leading Differenter. On February 8th, 2017, he launched the Young Commodores program, a diversity initiative that provides college and high school ad students with an opportunity to apply what they are learning in the classroom to real-life advertising and business. Keni is a powerful force and a creative soul. He is also the executive producer, writer and creator of the short documentaries “Innovators of Change, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015”, “Hablamos,” “Perfiles and Perfiles II” and the web series "24/7 Differenter." He is also the KREATOR at his own diversity centric production company called K.R.E.A.T.E. (Kulture is a Relevant Element To Achieve Total Equality) which produces content that focuses on highlighting the achievements of incredible people changing the face of their respective industries, while dismissing the perception of negativity and stereotypes when it pertains to people of color. Keni is the ultimate example of an individual dedicated to making a change in today's society and today's youth and helping us all think differently.
There are five types of thinkers: creative thinkers, analytical thinkers, intuitive thinkers, logical thinkers and visionary thinkers. Keni Thacker has defied the belief that an individual can only be one of those types, and truly encompasses all five. He consistently seeks out opportunities to challenge himself and his ways of thinking by single-handedly producing events, programs and content and effectively championing the Differenter effort for the J. Walter Thompson New York office in 2011. Keni is a pioneer of change and is committed to expanding diversity efforts, and the impact he has made on future leaders does not go unnoticed. A true exemplar of leadership, Keni an award winning influencer and diversity advocate devoted to outreach programs and mentorship. Some of his accomplishments include: leading the TORCH program by providing career training to under-served students in NYC, mentoring for the 4A’s multicultural advertising intern program, Camp Mariah, The High School of Innovations and Media and the Manhattan Early College of Advertising and leading Differenter. On February 8th, 2017, he launched the Young Commodores program, a diversity initiative that provides college and high school ad students with an opportunity to apply what they are learning in the classroom to real-life advertising and business. Keni is a powerful force and a creative soul. He is also the executive producer, writer and creator of the short documentaries “Innovators of Change, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015”, “Hablamos,” “Perfiles and Perfiles II” and the web series "24/7 Differenter." He is also the KREATOR at his own diversity centric production company called K.R.E.A.T.E. (Kulture is a Relevant Element To Achieve Total Equality) which produces content that focuses on highlighting the achievements of incredible people changing the face of their respective industries, while dismissing the perception of negativity and stereotypes when it pertains to people of color. Keni is the ultimate example of an individual dedicated to making a change in today's society and today's youth and helping us all think differently.
Drew Train, Managing Partner, OBERLAND
After racking up more than a dozen national and global awards for cause marketing and driving social change through traditional, digital, social and mobile campaigns, Drew Train set up shop as Managing Partner of OBERLAND, a purpose driven branding agency founded with Bill Oberlander.
Before launching OBERLAND, Drew started the social good practice at J. Walter Thompson New York, called JWT Ethos. In that role, Drew worked with corporate, nonprofit and public sector brands who play a role in driving change on the big-picture issues society faces. By leading an integrated team, Drew leveraged the potential of CSR strategy, communication planning, branding and advertising to create positive, lasting change.
Drew was instrumental in helping grow Services for the UnderServed into one of the most influential and impactful nonprofits in New York City. And, as National Campaign Co-Chair he molded the #IWillListen Campaign for National Alliance on Mental Illness in NYC (NAMI NYC) into a powerful call-to-action to eliminate the stigma against mental illness.
Prior to opening JWT Ethos and OBERLAND, Drew learned his craft through extensive work on global, corporate brands like HSBC, Verizon, UPS, Puma, Lufthansa, and Tiffany & Co. in the US and Shanghai. Drew is 35, and lives in New York with his wife and three children.
After racking up more than a dozen national and global awards for cause marketing and driving social change through traditional, digital, social and mobile campaigns, Drew Train set up shop as Managing Partner of OBERLAND, a purpose driven branding agency founded with Bill Oberlander.
Before launching OBERLAND, Drew started the social good practice at J. Walter Thompson New York, called JWT Ethos. In that role, Drew worked with corporate, nonprofit and public sector brands who play a role in driving change on the big-picture issues society faces. By leading an integrated team, Drew leveraged the potential of CSR strategy, communication planning, branding and advertising to create positive, lasting change.
Drew was instrumental in helping grow Services for the UnderServed into one of the most influential and impactful nonprofits in New York City. And, as National Campaign Co-Chair he molded the #IWillListen Campaign for National Alliance on Mental Illness in NYC (NAMI NYC) into a powerful call-to-action to eliminate the stigma against mental illness.
Prior to opening JWT Ethos and OBERLAND, Drew learned his craft through extensive work on global, corporate brands like HSBC, Verizon, UPS, Puma, Lufthansa, and Tiffany & Co. in the US and Shanghai. Drew is 35, and lives in New York with his wife and three children.
Keesha White, Lead Advisor to the Cause Marketing Summit
Keesha is skilled in the art of collective impact. She knows how to tackle the world's toughest problems through engaging and empowering organizations, corporations and employees. Keesha White leads through service. She takes great joy in seeing people live in their highest possibility and coaches leaders into a realm of massive action and extraordinary results. Keesha has taken her passion for health and happiness from counseling expats in China to equity research in Zimbabwe. Her laughter, leadership and dedication to the human resilient spirit has re-engaged communities in resource poor nations and created new programming in developing cities globally.
Keesha is skilled in the art of collective impact. She knows how to tackle the world's toughest problems through engaging and empowering organizations, corporations and employees. Keesha White leads through service. She takes great joy in seeing people live in their highest possibility and coaches leaders into a realm of massive action and extraordinary results. Keesha has taken her passion for health and happiness from counseling expats in China to equity research in Zimbabwe. Her laughter, leadership and dedication to the human resilient spirit has re-engaged communities in resource poor nations and created new programming in developing cities globally.
