Braven Summit
October 26, 2023
2023 Braven Summit Overview
Join 350+ professionals from across sectors committed to ensuring that the next generation of leaders emerges from everywhere by championing upward economic mobility, diversity, and inclusion for first-generation college students. Whether you’re a corporate professional or an education practitioner looking to cultivate diverse talent, you don’t want to miss a day of insights, networking, and learning at the 2023 Braven Summit, a premier thought-leadership event in the college-to-career space!
Programming will include a morning keynote address and fireside chat, a luncheon, and breakout sessions spanning various topics. This year’s programming will help professionals and practitioners gain clarity on the role they can play in ensuring that the next generation of leaders emerges from everywhere. Attendees will learn more about innovations in higher education and the workforce, explore the work happening around complex topics like manufacturing social capital and be provided with the opportunity to network with individuals directly involved in education, recruiting, and diversity and inclusion.
2019 Braven Summit: Put Education to Work
The 2019 Braven Summit convened 300+ thought leaders from across the corporate, higher education, and philanthropic sectors to discuss how to collectively support first-generation, low-income and underrepresented college students on their path to strong first jobs and upward economic mobility.
Put Education To Work
In America, we’ve promised that hard work and ambition will be met with equality of opportunity. The reality is that we have a quiet crisis on our hands. An African American with a BA is twice as likely to be unemployed as their white counterpart. And a Bachelor’s degree holder from a low-income background will start their career earning only two-thirds as much as those from higher-income backgrounds, and this declines to one-half by mid-career.
Nationwide, Braven has the opportunity to prove that across sectors, students from vulnerable backgrounds can become our next generation of leaders, if they’re empowered with the skills, networks and experiences necessary to put their education to work.
About Braven
Braven supports Fellows from college to career by partnering with higher education institutions and employers to offer a two-part experience that begins with a credit-bearing college course followed by a post-course experience that lasts through graduation. Fellows emerge from Braven with the skills, experiences and networks they need to land a strong first job and get on a path to economic freedom. Braven has worked with more than 6,000 students nationwide across 7 institutions of higher ed and 5 regions. Higher education partners include Lehman College, Northern Illinois University, National Louis University, Rutgers University-Newark, San José State University, Spelman College, and The City College of New York.
Schedule
Keynote Speaker:
Ken Ohashi, CEO, Brooks Brothers
Moderator:
Aimée Eubanks Davis, CEO, Braven
Panelists:
Jim Reynolds, CEO, Loop Capital
Sandy Reynolds, Co-Founder, Loop Capital
Don Thompson, Founder & CEO, Cleveland Avenue
Liz Thompson, CEO, The CAFÉ Group
Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), anchors in their communities, are uniquely positioned to help accelerate economic mobility for Black Americans. Learn about the impact of HBCUs and how they’re opening up doors of opportunity.
Panelists:
Tony Allen, Chief Executive Officer, Delaware State University
Duwain Pinder, Partner, McKinsey & Company
John Silvanus Wilson, Jr., President in Residence, Harvard University
Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), anchors in their communities, are uniquely positioned to help accelerate economic mobility for Black Americans. Learn about the impact of HBCUs and how they’re opening up doors of opportunity.
Panelists:
Tony Allen, Chief Executive Officer, Delaware State University
Duwain Pinder, Partner, McKinsey & Company
John Silvanus Wilson, Jr., President in Residence, Harvard University
It’s not about what you know–it’s about who you know and who knows you. Join for a panel discussion featuring researchers and experts on networks and social capital in helping students achieve economic success.
Panelists:
George Anders, Senior Editor at Large, LinkedIn
Benjamin Houltberg, President & CEO, Search Institute
Jeffrey A. Robinson, Ph.D., Provost and Executive Vice-Chancellor, Rutgers University - Newark
It’s not about what you know–it’s about who you know and who knows you. Join for a panel discussion featuring researchers and experts on networks and social capital in helping students achieve economic success.
Panelists:
George Anders, Senior Editor at Large, LinkedIn
Benjamin Houltberg, President & CEO, Search Institute
Jeffrey A. Robinson, Ph.D., Provost and Executive Vice-Chancellor, Rutgers University - Newark
Artificial Intelligence is changing the world. Join this session to learn more about how it is disrupting the business world and future of work.
Panelists:
Andrew Magliozzi, CEO, Mainstay
Shalinee Sharma, CEO & Co-Founder, Zearn
Taylor Stockton, Chief Operating Officer, FutureFit AI
Artificial Intelligence is changing the world. Join this session to learn more about how it is disrupting the business world and future of work.
Panelists:
Andrew Magliozzi, CEO, Mainstay
Shalinee Sharma, CEO & Co-Founder, Zearn
Taylor Stockton, Chief Operating Officer, FutureFit AI
What are the trends that will shape the labor market for job seekers in the coming months and year? Learn about opportunities in the labor market, where we expect it to slow, and more.
Panelists:
Rand Ghayad, Head of Economics and Global Labor Markets, LinkedIn
Matt Sigelman, President, The Burning Glass Institute
What are the trends that will shape the labor market for job seekers in the coming months and year? Learn about opportunities in the labor market, where we expect it to slow, and more.
Panelists:
Rand Ghayad, Head of Economics and Global Labor Markets, LinkedIn
Matt Sigelman, President, The Burning Glass Institute
Colleges and universities are under increased pressure to meet ambitious demands tied to enhancing student learning and employability. Learn from leaders who are helping to ensure students are earning the ROI of their degrees.
Panelists:
Goldie Blumenstyk, Senior Writer, The Chronicle of Higher Education
Vincent Boudreau, President, City College of New York
Meredith Daw, Associate Vice President and Executive Director of Career Advancement, University of Chicago
Tim Renick, Executive Director, National Institute for Student Success at Georgia State University
Colleges and universities are under increased pressure to meet ambitious demands tied to enhancing student learning and employability. Learn from leaders who are helping to ensure students are earning the ROI of their degrees.
Panelists:
Goldie Blumenstyk, Senior Writer, The Chronicle of Higher Education
Vincent Boudreau, President, City College of New York
Meredith Daw, Associate Vice President and Executive Director of Career Advancement, University of Chicago
Tim Renick, Executive Director, National Institute for Student Success at Georgia State University
Keynote Speakers:
Carlos Barraza, Sr. Manager HR Business Partner, Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy
Magie Cook, CEO and Founder of Maggie’s Salsa, LLC
Moderator:
Aimée Eubanks Davis, CEO, Braven
Panelists:
Jim Reynolds, CEO, Loop Capital
Sandy Reynolds, Co-Founder, Loop Capital
Don Thompson, Founder & CEO, Cleveland Avenue
Liz Thompson, CEO, The CAFÉ Group
Engage in a fireside chat with the multi-generational hosts of the When Magic Happens podcast about what it means to own your personal story and how this can build your confidence.
Panelists:
Taylor Coward, Co-Host, WBEZ Chicago - When Magic Happens Podcast
Cheryle Jackson, Co-Host, WBEZ Chicago - When Magic Happens Podcast
Jennifer “Shea Love” Long, Co-Host, WBEZ Chicago - When Magic Happens Podcast
In this interactive skill-based session, identify your next career-accelerating step and practice networking conversations to ask for support in getting there.
Panelists:
Amy Cisneros, Managing Director, Chicago, Braven
Lissete Estrada, Regional Manager Director at the City College of New York, Braven
Mariela Jasso, Program Manager, National Louis University and Braven X, Braven
Keynote Speakers:
Carlos Barraza, Sr. Manager HR Business Partner, Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy
Magie Cook, CEO and Founder of Maggie’s Salsa, LLC
Speakers

Meredith Daw
Associate Vice President and Executive Director of Career Advancement
University of Chicago
Venue SIX10
Modern & sophisticated, Venue SIX10 offers panoramic views of downtown Chicago & Lake Michigan.

FAQ
General Questions
What types of sessions or workshops are being offered?
The Braven Summit will provide a variety of educational offerings for professionals interested in building their knowledge on the latest trends impacting the intersection of higher education and employment. The Braven Summit is great for corporate executives and professionals thinking about ways to increase employee engagement or to better recruit and retain young diverse talent. The Summit is also directly relevant to education practitioners thinking about ways to support students as they transition from college to career.
Could I reserve a seat in a specific workshop?
Yes, once you register for the event you are able to select the breakout session of your choice.
What should I wear to the Summit?
Attire is business casual. Meeting room temperatures can be cool, and the climate may vary, so it is recommended that you wear layered clothing for comfort.
How can my organization become a conference sponsor?
Sponsorship opportunities are limited, so act today. To become a sponsor and for more information, please contact summit@bebraven.org.
What are some hotel options near the venue?
Here are a few hotel options near Venue Six10 where the Braven Summit will take place:
- Hilton Chicago
- 4-star hotel
- 2 min walk
- The Blackstone, Autograph Collection
- 4-star hotel
- 1 min walk
- The Congress Plaza Hotel
- 3-star hotel
- 1 min walk
- Hotel Blake
- 3-star hotel
- 7 min walk
- Sentral Michigan Avenue
- Short term rentals
- 4 min walk
Registration Questions
When will registration for the 2023 Summit become available?
Online registration will be available in April.
When will the conference take place? Where is it located?
The 2023 Braven Summit will take place October 26, 2023 at Venue Six10 located on Michigan Avenue in the heart of Chicago’s loop.
How can I register? What are the registration rates?
Participants are able to register online before the event. Please visit the registration page for deadlines, rates, and other registration information.
What is included in the Summit registration?
Summit registrants enjoy access to all keynote speakers, breakout sessions, plus one entry to the official luncheon.
What is Braven’s cancellation & refund policy?
Unfortunately, Braven is unable to provide refunds or credit for registrations.
What services are available for special needs & requests?
Braven is committed to providing a Summit experience and environment that is welcoming, inviting, and user-friendly to all attendees. Braven staff recognizes that some individuals require specific accommodation to ensure their full and equal participation. Please contact summit@bebraven.org no later than September 29, 2023 with any requests to ensure those arrangements can be scheduled and confirmed prior to the Summit. If you have dietary preferences, please be sure to mark those on the space provided on the registration form when you register.