SPEAKER HIGHLIGHTS
FROM OUR 6TH ANNUAL CAUSE MARKETING SUMMIT HELD IN SEPTEMBER
We hand picked some of the best cause marketers, nonprofit, and corporate social responsibility professionals to help attendees create grow campaigns for good.
Dr. Zabina Bhasin, Founder & Owner of In KidZ xx with love
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Zabina Bhasin, M.D. ("Zee") grew up surrounded by diversity - in her family, neighborhood, and city. When she had kids of her own that she realized how few multi-cultural resources there were to educate kids about the beauty of the world's different cultures. And as her children got older and befriended kids of different races and ethnicities, she realized her childhood and training as a child psychiatrist could make a difference.
Zee turned her passion for making cultural connections into a movement. Seeing other parents struggling to navigate that delicate balance between traditional cultures and western lifestyle Zee realized she could reach more children through creative cultural experiences than as a physician. Enlisting additional "culture expert" parents, she started curating the thematic Culture Boxes that are the heart and soul of In KidZ.
"Kids are the future, and in this beautifully diverse world, they need to see how all cultures experience life uniquely. Our differences do not divide us. Our inability to understand and celebrate those differences prevents us from bridging those cultural gaps and accepting all humans as they are. My goal with In KidZ is to truly make the world a better place."
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Zabina Bhasin, M.D. ("Zee") grew up surrounded by diversity - in her family, neighborhood, and city. When she had kids of her own that she realized how few multi-cultural resources there were to educate kids about the beauty of the world's different cultures. And as her children got older and befriended kids of different races and ethnicities, she realized her childhood and training as a child psychiatrist could make a difference.
Zee turned her passion for making cultural connections into a movement. Seeing other parents struggling to navigate that delicate balance between traditional cultures and western lifestyle Zee realized she could reach more children through creative cultural experiences than as a physician. Enlisting additional "culture expert" parents, she started curating the thematic Culture Boxes that are the heart and soul of In KidZ.
"Kids are the future, and in this beautifully diverse world, they need to see how all cultures experience life uniquely. Our differences do not divide us. Our inability to understand and celebrate those differences prevents us from bridging those cultural gaps and accepting all humans as they are. My goal with In KidZ is to truly make the world a better place."
Penny Bolden, Senior Director Cause Partnerships, Blue Star Families
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Penny Bolden is an experienced and adaptive leader who knows how to bring brand and social value to cause marketing campaigns. Six years ago she landed her dream job at Blue Star Families, drawing on her acquired skills in business development, relationship management and strategic marketing, to support military families in creative and impactful ways. Penny's daily motivation comes from working on a cause she truly cares about.
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Penny Bolden is an experienced and adaptive leader who knows how to bring brand and social value to cause marketing campaigns. Six years ago she landed her dream job at Blue Star Families, drawing on her acquired skills in business development, relationship management and strategic marketing, to support military families in creative and impactful ways. Penny's daily motivation comes from working on a cause she truly cares about.
Lisa Burke, Culture Coach, Energage
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With almost ten years of experience working with top workplaces across the U.S., Lisa Burke has translated survey results from countless organizations into improvement inspired by the best. Her practical, hands-on experience helps her empower leaders across all industries to connect to their employees in meaningful ways with real bottom-line results. All together, this allows her to fulfill her and Energage’s shared passion of making the world a better place to work together.
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With almost ten years of experience working with top workplaces across the U.S., Lisa Burke has translated survey results from countless organizations into improvement inspired by the best. Her practical, hands-on experience helps her empower leaders across all industries to connect to their employees in meaningful ways with real bottom-line results. All together, this allows her to fulfill her and Energage’s shared passion of making the world a better place to work together.
Maureen Carlson, Chief Programs & Marketing Officer, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
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With two decades of corporate social responsibility (CSR), nonprofit executive management and agency leadership experience, Maureen Carlson is a sought-after influencer helping nonprofits dramatically increase their fundraising and companies maximize their social good. Maureen has held executive positions in blue-chip nonprofits and successful social impact agencies where she ignited more than $150 million in incremental fundraising and billions of positive branding impressions for her nonprofit relationships and corporate clients. She is currently the Chief Programs and Marketing Officer at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals a nonprofit that raises funds for 170 children’s hospitals across the U.S. and Canada. Maureen is a nationally recognized speaker on the topic of corporate/cause partnerships and corporate social responsibility, successful fundraising, integrated marketing strategies and more. Her work has been seen in Forbes, Fast Company, The Nonprofit Times, Harvard Business Review, Huffington Post and in the book, Nonprofit Selling 101.
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With two decades of corporate social responsibility (CSR), nonprofit executive management and agency leadership experience, Maureen Carlson is a sought-after influencer helping nonprofits dramatically increase their fundraising and companies maximize their social good. Maureen has held executive positions in blue-chip nonprofits and successful social impact agencies where she ignited more than $150 million in incremental fundraising and billions of positive branding impressions for her nonprofit relationships and corporate clients. She is currently the Chief Programs and Marketing Officer at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals a nonprofit that raises funds for 170 children’s hospitals across the U.S. and Canada. Maureen is a nationally recognized speaker on the topic of corporate/cause partnerships and corporate social responsibility, successful fundraising, integrated marketing strategies and more. Her work has been seen in Forbes, Fast Company, The Nonprofit Times, Harvard Business Review, Huffington Post and in the book, Nonprofit Selling 101.
Samir Goel, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Esusu
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Samir Goel is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Esusu, the leading financial technology company helping individuals save money and build credit. Esusu's groundbreaking rent reporting platform captures rental payment data and reports it to credit bureaus to boost credit scores. The company's mission is to provide financial solutions that pave a permanent bridge to financial access and inclusion.
Prior to Esusu, Samir Co-Founded Transfernation, a nationally recognized non-profit that uses technology to ensure that excess food goes toward underserved communities across New York City. Transfernation has rescued over 2 million pounds of food and impacted 1.8 million lives. Samir’s work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, USA Today, Quartz, Fortune, Vice, Black Enterprise, and he was named to the 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30 list.
Previously, Samir worked at LinkedIn in Customer Success Consulting, Talent Acquisition, and Sales Strategy & Operations focused across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Samir also worked at The United Nations and Venture for America. Samir contributes for LinkedIn, The Daily Muse, Influencive, Mogul, and Quartz. He speaks at conferences around the country and has addressed The United Nations to the Clinton Global Initiative’s Annual Meeting. He received his Bachelor of Science from New York University's Stern School of Business.
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Samir Goel is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Esusu, the leading financial technology company helping individuals save money and build credit. Esusu's groundbreaking rent reporting platform captures rental payment data and reports it to credit bureaus to boost credit scores. The company's mission is to provide financial solutions that pave a permanent bridge to financial access and inclusion.
Prior to Esusu, Samir Co-Founded Transfernation, a nationally recognized non-profit that uses technology to ensure that excess food goes toward underserved communities across New York City. Transfernation has rescued over 2 million pounds of food and impacted 1.8 million lives. Samir’s work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, USA Today, Quartz, Fortune, Vice, Black Enterprise, and he was named to the 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30 list.
Previously, Samir worked at LinkedIn in Customer Success Consulting, Talent Acquisition, and Sales Strategy & Operations focused across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Samir also worked at The United Nations and Venture for America. Samir contributes for LinkedIn, The Daily Muse, Influencive, Mogul, and Quartz. He speaks at conferences around the country and has addressed The United Nations to the Clinton Global Initiative’s Annual Meeting. He received his Bachelor of Science from New York University's Stern School of Business.
Michelle Hall, Manager of Cause Execution, Macy’s
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Michelle Hall is Manager of Cause Execution at Macy’s. In this role, she oversees all customer-facing giving initiatives. Throughout her time at Macy’s, Michelle has worked on campaigns that have raised over $100 million for charities like Make-A-Wish, Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Blue Star Families and more.
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Michelle Hall is Manager of Cause Execution at Macy’s. In this role, she oversees all customer-facing giving initiatives. Throughout her time at Macy’s, Michelle has worked on campaigns that have raised over $100 million for charities like Make-A-Wish, Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Blue Star Families and more.
Susanne Halling Duffy, Impact Partnership Specialist
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Susanne is dedicated to creating sustainable business and social impact partnerships. She just completed a 2 year project as External Relations Strategist at Mälardalen University, Sweden, bringing her experience from her Corporate Relations role at City University of New York John Jay College. Previously, Susanne was Vice President of Resource Development at United Way of Tri-State and collaborated with corporations and local organizations to create impactful initiatives for the NY, NJ, CT region and, at United Way Worldwide’s Global Corporate Leadership program, she led a network of over 1,200 local United Ways in targeted strategic corporate partnership and fundraising -- resulting in $30 million in direct funding annually. A former Captain at The Russian Tea Room, Susanne has produced conferences and seminars featuring global leaders for Foreign Policy Association, developed promotional materials as Marketing Manager at Barnes & Noble and completed recognition projects for The September 11th Fund. She is a native of Sweden who attended CUNY-Hunter College Honors Program, United Way’s Center for Community Leadership and received a Certificate in Consultative Sales from Wilson Learning.
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Susanne is dedicated to creating sustainable business and social impact partnerships. She just completed a 2 year project as External Relations Strategist at Mälardalen University, Sweden, bringing her experience from her Corporate Relations role at City University of New York John Jay College. Previously, Susanne was Vice President of Resource Development at United Way of Tri-State and collaborated with corporations and local organizations to create impactful initiatives for the NY, NJ, CT region and, at United Way Worldwide’s Global Corporate Leadership program, she led a network of over 1,200 local United Ways in targeted strategic corporate partnership and fundraising -- resulting in $30 million in direct funding annually. A former Captain at The Russian Tea Room, Susanne has produced conferences and seminars featuring global leaders for Foreign Policy Association, developed promotional materials as Marketing Manager at Barnes & Noble and completed recognition projects for The September 11th Fund. She is a native of Sweden who attended CUNY-Hunter College Honors Program, United Way’s Center for Community Leadership and received a Certificate in Consultative Sales from Wilson Learning.
Brittany Hill, CEO and Founder, Accelerist
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Brittany Hill is the CEO and Founder of the partnership intelligence SaaS platform where some of the industry’s most prolific brands and nonprofits prospect, value, access and measure their events and partnerships with each other. As a passionate data seeker and trend translator, Brittany specializes in using analytics and innovations to support B-corporations and Fortune 1000 companies as well as enterprise and federated nonprofits in their pursuit of sustainable events and partnerships. In her role, Brittany spearheads social impact product development and leads a talented team who has supported 100s of customers in effectuating social change. Brittany holds over 15 years of experience in the entertainment, nonprofit and agency sectors, with a consistent specialization and commitment to purpose-driven work. Throughout her career, Mrs. Hill’s portfolio of work ranges from building multi-channel partnerships and award-winning campaigns between blue-chip nonprofits and companies, to helping entertainers and celebrities find their social purpose, and producing social activism events. Brittany’s trendsetting insights have been featured in Forbes, Huffington Post, TIME, and MSN.com. She is a seasoned and sought-after speaker on the topics of data-driven cause partnerships, social impact measurement, industry trends, sponsorship valuation and cause partnership sales, with previous engagements at BBCON, Sustainable Brands, SXSW, Association of Fundraising Professionals and Engage for Good.
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Brittany Hill is the CEO and Founder of the partnership intelligence SaaS platform where some of the industry’s most prolific brands and nonprofits prospect, value, access and measure their events and partnerships with each other. As a passionate data seeker and trend translator, Brittany specializes in using analytics and innovations to support B-corporations and Fortune 1000 companies as well as enterprise and federated nonprofits in their pursuit of sustainable events and partnerships. In her role, Brittany spearheads social impact product development and leads a talented team who has supported 100s of customers in effectuating social change. Brittany holds over 15 years of experience in the entertainment, nonprofit and agency sectors, with a consistent specialization and commitment to purpose-driven work. Throughout her career, Mrs. Hill’s portfolio of work ranges from building multi-channel partnerships and award-winning campaigns between blue-chip nonprofits and companies, to helping entertainers and celebrities find their social purpose, and producing social activism events. Brittany’s trendsetting insights have been featured in Forbes, Huffington Post, TIME, and MSN.com. She is a seasoned and sought-after speaker on the topics of data-driven cause partnerships, social impact measurement, industry trends, sponsorship valuation and cause partnership sales, with previous engagements at BBCON, Sustainable Brands, SXSW, Association of Fundraising Professionals and Engage for Good.
Stacy Igel, Founder & Creative Director of BOY MEETS GIRL®
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Stacy is Founder & Creative Director of BOY MEETS GIRL®, a purposeful, edgy, and young contemporary athleisure brand worn by celebrities such as Rosario Dawson, Mindy Kaling, Nina Dobrev, and Kendall Jenner. BOY MEETS GIRL® brand’s iconic boy and girl silhouette logo has been featured in publications including InStyle, Teen Vogue, Allure, Seventeen, Women’s Wear Daily, BOF and The New York Times, among others. The brand has been giving back since inception after 9/11, with continuous limited edition collections that give back to organizations such as the Young Survival Coalition, The National School Climate Center’s BullyBust Program, Human Rights Watch, and more. BOY MEETS GIRL® seeks to further the message that confidence and courage are trends that never go out of style. Igel’s a proud mom of son @dylanreidigel, industry leader & writes a lifestyle blog, Behind the Seams™ with Stacy Igel. She is also is the co-creator and co-host of the podcast #MOMSGOTTHIS for mompreneurs. As part of her entrepreneurial endeavors, charity is a large focus. She has been a chair several years for the YSCs ILP Gala & is a brand ambassador for the NSCC’s BullyBust Campaign Program. Igel’s received several design awards & honors. She is a lecturer & panelist on subjects such as social media, philanthropy, branding & entrepreneurship. Follow @boymeetsgirlusa & @stacyigel on Instagram & Twitter, & Boy Meets Girl Clothing & Stacy Igel Fan on Facebook.
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Stacy is Founder & Creative Director of BOY MEETS GIRL®, a purposeful, edgy, and young contemporary athleisure brand worn by celebrities such as Rosario Dawson, Mindy Kaling, Nina Dobrev, and Kendall Jenner. BOY MEETS GIRL® brand’s iconic boy and girl silhouette logo has been featured in publications including InStyle, Teen Vogue, Allure, Seventeen, Women’s Wear Daily, BOF and The New York Times, among others. The brand has been giving back since inception after 9/11, with continuous limited edition collections that give back to organizations such as the Young Survival Coalition, The National School Climate Center’s BullyBust Program, Human Rights Watch, and more. BOY MEETS GIRL® seeks to further the message that confidence and courage are trends that never go out of style. Igel’s a proud mom of son @dylanreidigel, industry leader & writes a lifestyle blog, Behind the Seams™ with Stacy Igel. She is also is the co-creator and co-host of the podcast #MOMSGOTTHIS for mompreneurs. As part of her entrepreneurial endeavors, charity is a large focus. She has been a chair several years for the YSCs ILP Gala & is a brand ambassador for the NSCC’s BullyBust Campaign Program. Igel’s received several design awards & honors. She is a lecturer & panelist on subjects such as social media, philanthropy, branding & entrepreneurship. Follow @boymeetsgirlusa & @stacyigel on Instagram & Twitter, & Boy Meets Girl Clothing & Stacy Igel Fan on Facebook.
Marshall Lauck, Chief Growth and Marketing Officer, Bob Woodruff Foundation
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Marshall joined the Bob Woodruff Foundation in 2018, focusing on the integration of marketing, communications and fundraising. His unique experience with military/veteran issues, from recruiting to non-profit branding, have helped BWF define its brand identity, fulfill its mission, and achieve unprecedented growth. In 2018 and 2019, Marshall led BWF to consecutive record years, including acquisition of the Got Your 6 brand and strategic partnerships with the NFL, the State of Qatar, and Craig Newmark Philanthropies. Prior to BWF, he was the President of J. Walter Thompson INSIDE, leading an Employer Branding, Culture Transformation, and Recruitment Marketing team in New York, Atlanta, Washington DC, and LA.
Before JWT INSIDE, Marshall was the COO for JWT’s Atlanta and Houston offices. Marshall started with JWT in 2006 as the lead for the United States Marine Corps business (JWT’s largest account in North America). Marshall was also a Brand Manager at Kraft Foods, leading multiple brand teams, including P&L responsibility for a portfolio with $100 million in annual sales.
Marshall’s 20 years of marketing and advertising experience were preceded by service in the Marine Corps, first in an operational assignment at Camp Lejeune, NC, followed by an assignment to the Marine Corps Recruiting Command.
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Marshall joined the Bob Woodruff Foundation in 2018, focusing on the integration of marketing, communications and fundraising. His unique experience with military/veteran issues, from recruiting to non-profit branding, have helped BWF define its brand identity, fulfill its mission, and achieve unprecedented growth. In 2018 and 2019, Marshall led BWF to consecutive record years, including acquisition of the Got Your 6 brand and strategic partnerships with the NFL, the State of Qatar, and Craig Newmark Philanthropies. Prior to BWF, he was the President of J. Walter Thompson INSIDE, leading an Employer Branding, Culture Transformation, and Recruitment Marketing team in New York, Atlanta, Washington DC, and LA.
Before JWT INSIDE, Marshall was the COO for JWT’s Atlanta and Houston offices. Marshall started with JWT in 2006 as the lead for the United States Marine Corps business (JWT’s largest account in North America). Marshall was also a Brand Manager at Kraft Foods, leading multiple brand teams, including P&L responsibility for a portfolio with $100 million in annual sales.
Marshall’s 20 years of marketing and advertising experience were preceded by service in the Marine Corps, first in an operational assignment at Camp Lejeune, NC, followed by an assignment to the Marine Corps Recruiting Command.
Janelle Lin, Senior Vice President, Partnerships & Business Development, DonorsChoose.org
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Janelle Lin joined DonorsChoose.org in 2011, bringing with her nearly two decades of strategy, fundraising and management expertise in the nonprofit sector. In her role as SVP of Business Development, Janelle builds partnerships with corporations and foundations to support public school teachers and classrooms. These partnerships span all fifty states and function on both local and national levels, and brought $66M of classroom funding in 2019.
Prior to joining DonorsChoose.org, she served as Vice President for PlumDistrict.com, Managing Director of Step Up Women's Network, and Director of LA's BEST afterschool enrichment program. Janelle developed her passion for education when she began her career leading mentoring programs for middle school youth in Los Angeles Unified School District.
Janelle graduated from Pomona College with a B.A. in Studio Art and received her MBA from Harvard Business School. She has received the Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs, the Harvard Business School Leaders Fellowship, the Pomona College Inspirational Young Alumna Award, and the NAWBO Rising Star Award.
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Janelle Lin joined DonorsChoose.org in 2011, bringing with her nearly two decades of strategy, fundraising and management expertise in the nonprofit sector. In her role as SVP of Business Development, Janelle builds partnerships with corporations and foundations to support public school teachers and classrooms. These partnerships span all fifty states and function on both local and national levels, and brought $66M of classroom funding in 2019.
Prior to joining DonorsChoose.org, she served as Vice President for PlumDistrict.com, Managing Director of Step Up Women's Network, and Director of LA's BEST afterschool enrichment program. Janelle developed her passion for education when she began her career leading mentoring programs for middle school youth in Los Angeles Unified School District.
Janelle graduated from Pomona College with a B.A. in Studio Art and received her MBA from Harvard Business School. She has received the Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs, the Harvard Business School Leaders Fellowship, the Pomona College Inspirational Young Alumna Award, and the NAWBO Rising Star Award.
Nathan Meason, Manager of National Corporate Partnerships, Best Friends Animal Society
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Nathan Measom is an award winning corporate philanthropic development & marketing professional. During his more than 20-year career in the non-profit sector he’s had the privilege of working for respected organizations such as the American Red Cross, Huntsman Cancer Foundation, and the Girl Scouts of the USA. Currently, he is with Best Friends Animal Society, the only national animal welfare organization focused exclusively on ending the killing of dogs and cats in America's shelters. He’s helped build cause marketing partnerships with some of the world’s most influential brands including Zappos, Google, TikTok, Skechers, Warner Bros., and Anheuser Busch.
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Nathan Measom is an award winning corporate philanthropic development & marketing professional. During his more than 20-year career in the non-profit sector he’s had the privilege of working for respected organizations such as the American Red Cross, Huntsman Cancer Foundation, and the Girl Scouts of the USA. Currently, he is with Best Friends Animal Society, the only national animal welfare organization focused exclusively on ending the killing of dogs and cats in America's shelters. He’s helped build cause marketing partnerships with some of the world’s most influential brands including Zappos, Google, TikTok, Skechers, Warner Bros., and Anheuser Busch.
Pamela Peckerman, Founder and CEO, Hustle Like a Mom
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Pamela Pekerman is the creator of Hustle Like a Mom and a serial entrepreneur who has been producing and hosting events for over a decade. This seasoned On-Air Expert, frequently appears on top morning shows including Good Morning America, Fox & Friends, Good Day NY, ABC Houston and NBC Miami Mix, sharing time-saving tips for busy moms. As mom of two, Pamela understands the need for community, and authentic connections with other like-minded women that are doing, creating and redefining what it means to be a working mom. Hustle Like a Mom is a multi-media platform and events brand focusing on empowering and educating moms to build a successful bridge from mom life to entrepreneur life. HLAM hosts events including informative panels, networking opportunities and mompreneur brand showcases. The mission of HLAM is to ensure every mom can live a life that allows her to align her personal and professional aspirations.
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Pamela Pekerman is the creator of Hustle Like a Mom and a serial entrepreneur who has been producing and hosting events for over a decade. This seasoned On-Air Expert, frequently appears on top morning shows including Good Morning America, Fox & Friends, Good Day NY, ABC Houston and NBC Miami Mix, sharing time-saving tips for busy moms. As mom of two, Pamela understands the need for community, and authentic connections with other like-minded women that are doing, creating and redefining what it means to be a working mom. Hustle Like a Mom is a multi-media platform and events brand focusing on empowering and educating moms to build a successful bridge from mom life to entrepreneur life. HLAM hosts events including informative panels, networking opportunities and mompreneur brand showcases. The mission of HLAM is to ensure every mom can live a life that allows her to align her personal and professional aspirations.
Kari Hayden Pendoley, Global Head of Social Impact and Environmental Social Governance, Rodan + Fields
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Kari Hayden Pendoley is the Global Head of Social Impact and Environmental Social Governance at Rodan + Fields, the Number-One skincare brand in North America.
Kari launched and leads the Environmental Social Governance practice at Rodan + Fields which includes targets for diversity & inclusion, reduced packaging, and stakeholder reporting. Kari leads the Prescription for Change Foundation giving over $12M to 1.3M students in its’ history. Under Kari’s leadership youth education programming was launched across the United States, Canada, Australia and Japan; including emergency and emerging market grants within Puerto Rico, Malawi, and Ecuador. She co-designed a marquee service immersion experience with grantee buildOn that has been studied by McKinsey and replicated by Salesforce, GE, and other major corporations.
Kari’s career spans the social-sector, working alongside icons like Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus of Grameen Bank and DonorsChoose.org founder Charles Best. Her experience spans working with the White House and State Department on human trafficking to major brands like Google, Facebook, Crate & Barrel and Microsoft on unique digital and social marketing campaigns.
Kari has a Master’s Degree in Public and Nonprofit Management from the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service at New York University. She guest lectures for several universities including Northwestern University’s course in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
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Kari Hayden Pendoley is the Global Head of Social Impact and Environmental Social Governance at Rodan + Fields, the Number-One skincare brand in North America.
Kari launched and leads the Environmental Social Governance practice at Rodan + Fields which includes targets for diversity & inclusion, reduced packaging, and stakeholder reporting. Kari leads the Prescription for Change Foundation giving over $12M to 1.3M students in its’ history. Under Kari’s leadership youth education programming was launched across the United States, Canada, Australia and Japan; including emergency and emerging market grants within Puerto Rico, Malawi, and Ecuador. She co-designed a marquee service immersion experience with grantee buildOn that has been studied by McKinsey and replicated by Salesforce, GE, and other major corporations.
Kari’s career spans the social-sector, working alongside icons like Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus of Grameen Bank and DonorsChoose.org founder Charles Best. Her experience spans working with the White House and State Department on human trafficking to major brands like Google, Facebook, Crate & Barrel and Microsoft on unique digital and social marketing campaigns.
Kari has a Master’s Degree in Public and Nonprofit Management from the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service at New York University. She guest lectures for several universities including Northwestern University’s course in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Carrie Pena, Chief Experience Officer, buildOn
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Carrie Pena is the Chief Experience Officer and a member of the executive leadership team of buildOn (www.buildon.org), a 25-year old non-profit organization that’s mission is to break the cycle of poverty, illiteracy, and low expectation through U.S. based service-learning programs and by build schools across the globe.
As fourteen-year veteran of the organization, Ms. Pena leads the organization's experience team which is focused on designing and delivering compelling in-person and digital experiences that build solidarity and drive support and action for buildOn's mission. She is responsible for the organization's marketing, digital fundraising, fundraising events, immersive U.S. service experiences, and digital community organizing.
Before joining buildOn Carrie served as the first web editor for the local newspaper in Tyler Texas; taught sexual education to teenagers in the Southside of San Antonio, Texas; led fundraising for the South Texas District of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and for the Anchor Center for Blind Children in Denver Colorado.
Carrie is a proud first-generation college graduate and alumni of The University of Texas at Austin. She lives in Rochester NY with her husband and three dogs.
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Carrie Pena is the Chief Experience Officer and a member of the executive leadership team of buildOn (www.buildon.org), a 25-year old non-profit organization that’s mission is to break the cycle of poverty, illiteracy, and low expectation through U.S. based service-learning programs and by build schools across the globe.
As fourteen-year veteran of the organization, Ms. Pena leads the organization's experience team which is focused on designing and delivering compelling in-person and digital experiences that build solidarity and drive support and action for buildOn's mission. She is responsible for the organization's marketing, digital fundraising, fundraising events, immersive U.S. service experiences, and digital community organizing.
Before joining buildOn Carrie served as the first web editor for the local newspaper in Tyler Texas; taught sexual education to teenagers in the Southside of San Antonio, Texas; led fundraising for the South Texas District of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and for the Anchor Center for Blind Children in Denver Colorado.
Carrie is a proud first-generation college graduate and alumni of The University of Texas at Austin. She lives in Rochester NY with her husband and three dogs.
Francilia Wilkins Rahim, MBA, Chief Executive Officer, Owner at R.F. Wilkins Consultants, Inc.
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Francilia Wilkins Rahim is the CEO and Founder of R.F. Wilkins Consultants, Inc., a development and management consulting firm dedicated to leveraging project management to drive the success of the nation’s businesses. Founded in 2011, the firm manages a diverse portfolio of public and private sector projects including commercial real estate and construction, non-profit program expansion, logistics, MWBE and inclusionary initiatives, compliance, stakeholder engagement and technical assistance.
To date, Francilia has led the company in raising more than $877 million for clients through grant writing, advocacy and events: growing its reputation in the ranks of top-performing management consulting firms, owned by a minority woman. She has aided in the development of numerous city-wide diversity and inclusion initiatives and continues to advocate for equal opportunity for minority real estate developers, contractors, and small businesses. In partnership with the New York Real Estate Chamber and New York City’s Economic Development Corporation, she worked to develop the City’s Emerging Developer Loan Fund. She leads Google’s NYC Google Digital Coaches program in an effort to create access for minority and women small businesses throughout the city. In 2019, HNTB and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey named R.F. Wilkins Consultants one of two Compliance contractors responsible for ensuring minority and local inclusion across the $13 billion John F. Kennedy Airport Redevelopment Project.
In addition to her role as CEO of R. F. Wilkins Consultants, Francilia serves as the Executive Director of the New York Real Estate Chamber, Member of New York State’s Housing and Community Renewal’s Multifamily Advisory Council, Vice Chair of Brooklyn’s Pitkin Avenue Business Improvement District, Assistant Treasurer for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Queens Alumnae Chapter and the Vice Chair for I Am Acceptance, Inc. – a mental health non-profit. Formerly, she served as Director of Economic Development for the National Black MBA Association-New York Metro Chapter, and Chair of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.’s Regional Economic Development Committee.
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Francilia Wilkins Rahim is the CEO and Founder of R.F. Wilkins Consultants, Inc., a development and management consulting firm dedicated to leveraging project management to drive the success of the nation’s businesses. Founded in 2011, the firm manages a diverse portfolio of public and private sector projects including commercial real estate and construction, non-profit program expansion, logistics, MWBE and inclusionary initiatives, compliance, stakeholder engagement and technical assistance.
To date, Francilia has led the company in raising more than $877 million for clients through grant writing, advocacy and events: growing its reputation in the ranks of top-performing management consulting firms, owned by a minority woman. She has aided in the development of numerous city-wide diversity and inclusion initiatives and continues to advocate for equal opportunity for minority real estate developers, contractors, and small businesses. In partnership with the New York Real Estate Chamber and New York City’s Economic Development Corporation, she worked to develop the City’s Emerging Developer Loan Fund. She leads Google’s NYC Google Digital Coaches program in an effort to create access for minority and women small businesses throughout the city. In 2019, HNTB and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey named R.F. Wilkins Consultants one of two Compliance contractors responsible for ensuring minority and local inclusion across the $13 billion John F. Kennedy Airport Redevelopment Project.
In addition to her role as CEO of R. F. Wilkins Consultants, Francilia serves as the Executive Director of the New York Real Estate Chamber, Member of New York State’s Housing and Community Renewal’s Multifamily Advisory Council, Vice Chair of Brooklyn’s Pitkin Avenue Business Improvement District, Assistant Treasurer for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Queens Alumnae Chapter and the Vice Chair for I Am Acceptance, Inc. – a mental health non-profit. Formerly, she served as Director of Economic Development for the National Black MBA Association-New York Metro Chapter, and Chair of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.’s Regional Economic Development Committee.
Mollye Rhea, Founder and President, For Momentum
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Mollye Rhea founded For Momentum in 2003, she recognized that she was leading one of very few agencies that specialized in cause marketing. On a daily basis, Mollye realizes her goal of strengthening communities by cultivating partnerships between nonprofit organizations and corporations—a goal she envisioned as a result of a volunteer opportunity she had early in her career. Mollye spent eight years with the Arthritis Foundation national headquarters, leaving as Group Vice President of Strategic Marketing Alliances. In this role, she was responsible for overseeing relationships with more than 40 corporate partners and raising millions of dollars in support for the organization. Mollye led the Arthritis Foundation toward greater integration and seamless delivery of key nationwide initiatives, and secured funding through the development and delivery of creative, impactful cause marketing programs.Through her work in nonprofit development, brand marketing and cause marketing, Mollye has a unique 360-degree perspective of what fosters success in strategic cause partnerships. In her 25+ years in the field, she has developed sponsorship strategies for dozens of nonprofit organizations and hundreds of brands.
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Mollye Rhea founded For Momentum in 2003, she recognized that she was leading one of very few agencies that specialized in cause marketing. On a daily basis, Mollye realizes her goal of strengthening communities by cultivating partnerships between nonprofit organizations and corporations—a goal she envisioned as a result of a volunteer opportunity she had early in her career. Mollye spent eight years with the Arthritis Foundation national headquarters, leaving as Group Vice President of Strategic Marketing Alliances. In this role, she was responsible for overseeing relationships with more than 40 corporate partners and raising millions of dollars in support for the organization. Mollye led the Arthritis Foundation toward greater integration and seamless delivery of key nationwide initiatives, and secured funding through the development and delivery of creative, impactful cause marketing programs.Through her work in nonprofit development, brand marketing and cause marketing, Mollye has a unique 360-degree perspective of what fosters success in strategic cause partnerships. In her 25+ years in the field, she has developed sponsorship strategies for dozens of nonprofit organizations and hundreds of brands.
Jenn Richey, Founder, Cause Marketing Summit & Creative Cause Marketing Consultant
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Jenn has over 10 years of experience working in both the public and private sectors. She has worked for brands like Comedy Central, the Partnership for a Healthier New York City and Public Health Solutions. Most recently, she served as the Associate Director of Corporate Partnerships for the Young Survival Coalition. There she managed over 20 corporate partnerships and campaigns to drive revenue and awareness. Jenn strives to connect and share ways to penetrate the public around pertinent issues via effective communications and outreach strategies. Her passion is in forging relationships between for-profit businesses and cause-minded nonprofit organizations to shape real change and raise money. When she's not working on the Summit or with clients, she is busy being a new mom to identical twins, Ethan and Graham.
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Jenn has over 10 years of experience working in both the public and private sectors. She has worked for brands like Comedy Central, the Partnership for a Healthier New York City and Public Health Solutions. Most recently, she served as the Associate Director of Corporate Partnerships for the Young Survival Coalition. There she managed over 20 corporate partnerships and campaigns to drive revenue and awareness. Jenn strives to connect and share ways to penetrate the public around pertinent issues via effective communications and outreach strategies. Her passion is in forging relationships between for-profit businesses and cause-minded nonprofit organizations to shape real change and raise money. When she's not working on the Summit or with clients, she is busy being a new mom to identical twins, Ethan and Graham.
Nina Robbins, Program Director, F.Y. Eye, Inc.
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Nina Robbins, a civic-minded entrepreneur and native New Yorker, joined F.Y. Eye in 2018 as Program Director. Under her leadership, F.Y. Eye has expanded its reach, enhanced its service offerings, and deepened its impact in New York’s nonprofit community.
Creative and resourceful, Nina leads with purpose and ensures F.Y. Eye fulfills its mission to connect people in need to the knowledge and services they deserve. F.Y. Eye operates a digital network of over one hundred screens throughout the City’s five boroughs, offering nonprofits and government agencies a strategic vehicle for their message distribution.
Previously, Nina Robbins served as the Urban Innovation Project Manager at Citymart, where she led open innovation challenges with New York, Philadelphia, Long Beach and Eindhoven. Nina also worked for the New York Department of Small Business Services, where she led the launch of the Workforce1 Health Career Center and worked with stakeholders across the nonprofit, public and private sector to develop in-demand skills trainings for unemployed New Yorkers.
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Nina Robbins, a civic-minded entrepreneur and native New Yorker, joined F.Y. Eye in 2018 as Program Director. Under her leadership, F.Y. Eye has expanded its reach, enhanced its service offerings, and deepened its impact in New York’s nonprofit community.
Creative and resourceful, Nina leads with purpose and ensures F.Y. Eye fulfills its mission to connect people in need to the knowledge and services they deserve. F.Y. Eye operates a digital network of over one hundred screens throughout the City’s five boroughs, offering nonprofits and government agencies a strategic vehicle for their message distribution.
Previously, Nina Robbins served as the Urban Innovation Project Manager at Citymart, where she led open innovation challenges with New York, Philadelphia, Long Beach and Eindhoven. Nina also worked for the New York Department of Small Business Services, where she led the launch of the Workforce1 Health Career Center and worked with stakeholders across the nonprofit, public and private sector to develop in-demand skills trainings for unemployed New Yorkers.
Keni Thacker, Founder, 100 Roses From Concrete
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There are five types of thinkers: creative thinkers, analytical thinkers, intuitive thinkers, logical thinkers, and visionary thinkers. 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. Also, in 2017, he was named one of the 4A's 100 People That Make Advertising Great. NV Magazine featured him as one of their Champions of Inclusion while also receiving a citation from the City of New York/Borough of Brooklyn for a long record of diversity, inclusion, and mentoring efforts in advertising in 2019.
He is also the founder of 100 Roses From Concrete, a network for men of color in advertising, marketing media, and public relations. Through the Roses, he recently created the G.R.O.W.T.H. Initiative, a virtual agency program for multicultural college students who may have lost their internships due to the coronavirus pandemic
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There are five types of thinkers: creative thinkers, analytical thinkers, intuitive thinkers, logical thinkers, and visionary thinkers. 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. Also, in 2017, he was named one of the 4A's 100 People That Make Advertising Great. NV Magazine featured him as one of their Champions of Inclusion while also receiving a citation from the City of New York/Borough of Brooklyn for a long record of diversity, inclusion, and mentoring efforts in advertising in 2019.
He is also the founder of 100 Roses From Concrete, a network for men of color in advertising, marketing media, and public relations. Through the Roses, he recently created the G.R.O.W.T.H. Initiative, a virtual agency program for multicultural college students who may have lost their internships due to the coronavirus pandemic
Devi Thomas, Global Head, Social Impact Communications, Salesforce.org
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Devi is a cause communicator and purpose marketer who leads Salesforce.org's social impact storytelling. As the social impact center of Salesforce, Salesforce.org propels the mission of over 40K nonprofits and schools with technology. Devi heads global messaging, market insights and communications and is driven to tell stories that need to be told. Devi has a background at the UN Foundation and Cone Communications, among other brands where she specialized in CSR and cause-related marketing.
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Devi is a cause communicator and purpose marketer who leads Salesforce.org's social impact storytelling. As the social impact center of Salesforce, Salesforce.org propels the mission of over 40K nonprofits and schools with technology. Devi heads global messaging, market insights and communications and is driven to tell stories that need to be told. Devi has a background at the UN Foundation and Cone Communications, among other brands where she specialized in CSR and cause-related marketing.
Drew Train, Managing Partner, OBERLAND
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
Erik Wolsky, Director, Partnerships and Community Engagement, Allbirds
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Erik lives in Oakland, CA and has worked at major brands and start ups alike, with a goal of integrating community programs and philanthropy in his work.
In his time at Levi Strauss & Co. he built skateparks for underserved communities in over 8 cities, as well as building community spaces in 3 cities, providing tools, resources, and services for urban cyclists. The goal was to connect Levi's with these niche communities in authentic ways that give back.
Currently, Erik is leading the development of strategies for brand partnerships and community engagement at Allbirds that will continue his focus of supporting the community and doing good through marketing campaigns.
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Erik lives in Oakland, CA and has worked at major brands and start ups alike, with a goal of integrating community programs and philanthropy in his work.
In his time at Levi Strauss & Co. he built skateparks for underserved communities in over 8 cities, as well as building community spaces in 3 cities, providing tools, resources, and services for urban cyclists. The goal was to connect Levi's with these niche communities in authentic ways that give back.
Currently, Erik is leading the development of strategies for brand partnerships and community engagement at Allbirds that will continue his focus of supporting the community and doing good through marketing campaigns.
Nicole Young, TV Host, writer and founder of thebeautifulbody.com
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Nicole Young is a NYC based journalist who’s written engaging articles for The NY Post, USA Weekend, The Huffington Post and Reader’s Digest.
A respected voice of authority in the lifestyle space Nicole hosts and produces on-air content for outlets including: E! News, ABC World News Now, The MSG network, The PIX11 Morning News, Good Day Philadelphia, Good Morning Washington and NBC11 Atlanta.
Strongly committed to the health is wealth philosophy, Nicole believes that "treating our bodies to nothing but the best" is the key to life and is committed to relaying that message to communities of color. Nicole created her digital platform thebeautifulbody.com to share content focused on taking a head-to-toe approach to health esteem through food, fashion and wellness.
Passionate about recipe development and making “healthy food taste familiar AND full of flavor”, Nicole has collaborated on tasty health-centric creations for food and beverage brands including Driscoll farms, Blue Diamond Almonds, HouseFoods Tofu, Smithfield Foods and Paton Tequila.
The NYC native resides in downtown Manhattan with her husband and young son and enjoys photographing the city sites while taking long strolls with her family.
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Nicole Young is a NYC based journalist who’s written engaging articles for The NY Post, USA Weekend, The Huffington Post and Reader’s Digest.
A respected voice of authority in the lifestyle space Nicole hosts and produces on-air content for outlets including: E! News, ABC World News Now, The MSG network, The PIX11 Morning News, Good Day Philadelphia, Good Morning Washington and NBC11 Atlanta.
Strongly committed to the health is wealth philosophy, Nicole believes that "treating our bodies to nothing but the best" is the key to life and is committed to relaying that message to communities of color. Nicole created her digital platform thebeautifulbody.com to share content focused on taking a head-to-toe approach to health esteem through food, fashion and wellness.
Passionate about recipe development and making “healthy food taste familiar AND full of flavor”, Nicole has collaborated on tasty health-centric creations for food and beverage brands including Driscoll farms, Blue Diamond Almonds, HouseFoods Tofu, Smithfield Foods and Paton Tequila.
The NYC native resides in downtown Manhattan with her husband and young son and enjoys photographing the city sites while taking long strolls with her family.
