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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

8 am
9 am
10 am
11 am
12 pm
1 pm
2 pm
Feinberg Theater
Room
Feinberg Theater
Feinberg Theater
NETWORKING CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
8:30 am - 9:00 am
NETWORKING CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

WELCOME & OPENING KEYNOTE
9:00 am - 9:30 am
WELCOME & OPENING KEYNOTE

Moderator:
Kilsys Payamps-Roure, Executive Director, NYC, Braven

Keynote Speaker:
Ken Ohashi, CEO, Brooks Brothers

MORNING FIRESIDE CHAT: BREAKING THE ECONOMIC SOUND BARRIER FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
9:30 am - 10:20 am
MORNING FIRESIDE CHAT: BREAKING THE ECONOMIC SOUND BARRIER FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

Moderator:
Aimée Eubanks Davis, CEO, Braven

Panelists:
Jim Reynolds, CEO, Loop Capital
Sandy Reynolds, COO, Kendall Miles Designs
Don Thompson, Founder & CEO, Cleveland Avenue
Liz Thompson, CEO, The CAFÉ Group

Room 313
Room
Room 313
Room 313
HBCUS: A CATALYST FOR ECONOMIC MOBILITY
10:30 am - 11:20 am
HBCUS: A CATALYST FOR ECONOMIC MOBILITY

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.

Moderator:
Duwain Pinder, Partner, McKinsey & Company

Panelists:
Tony Allen, Ph.D., President, Delaware State University
John Silvanus Wilson, Jr., Visiting Professor, Morgan State University | Author: Hope and Healing: Black Colleges and the Future of American Democracy | Former President, Morehouse College

HBCUS: A CATALYST FOR ECONOMIC MOBILITY
11:30 am - 12:20 pm
HBCUS: A CATALYST FOR ECONOMIC MOBILITY

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.

Moderator:
Duwain Pinder, Partner, McKinsey & Company

Panelists:
Tony Allen, Ph.D., President, Delaware State University
John Silvanus Wilson, Jr., Visiting Professor, Morgan State University | Author: Hope and Healing: Black Colleges and the Future of American Democracy | Former President, Morehouse College

Room 314
Room
Room 314
Room 314
NETWORKS & WEAK TIES: INGREDIENTS TO CAREER SUCCESS
10:30 am - 11:20 am
NETWORKS & WEAK TIES: INGREDIENTS TO CAREER SUCCESS

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.

Moderator:
George Anders, Senior Editor at Large, LinkedIn

Panelists:
Benjamin Houltberg, President & CEO, Search Institute
Tyra Mariani, Principal & Founder, UP Advisors LLC
Jeffrey A. Robinson, Ph.D., Provost and Executive Vice-Chancellor, Rutgers University - Newark

NETWORKS & WEAK TIES: INGREDIENTS TO CAREER SUCCESS
11:30 am - 12:20 pm
NETWORKS & WEAK TIES: INGREDIENTS TO CAREER SUCCESS

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.

Moderator:
George Anders, Senior Editor at Large, LinkedIn

Panelists:
Benjamin Houltberg, President & CEO, Search Institute
Tyra Mariani, Principal & Founder, UP Advisors LLC
Jeffrey A. Robinson, Ph.D., Provost and Executive Vice-Chancellor, Rutgers University - Newark

Room 422
Room 422
Room 422
THE FUTURE OF WORK & ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
10:30 am - 11:20 am
THE FUTURE OF WORK & ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Artificial Intelligence is changing the world. Join this session to learn more about how it is disrupting the business world and future of work.

Moderator:
Shalinee Sharma, CEO & Co-Founder, Zearn

Panelists:
Salwa Muhammad, Founder and CEO, FourthBrain
Taylor Stockton, Chief Operating Officer, FutureFit AI

THE FUTURE OF WORK & ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
11:30 am - 12:20 pm
THE FUTURE OF WORK & ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Artificial Intelligence is changing the world. Join this session to learn more about how it is disrupting the business world and future of work.

Moderator:
Shalinee Sharma, CEO & Co-Founder, Zearn

Panelists:
Salwa Muhammad, Founder and CEO, FourthBrain
Taylor Stockton, Chief Operating Officer, FutureFit AI

Room 423A
Room
Room 423A
Room 423A
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE LABOR MARKET FOR JOB SEEKERS?
10:30 am - 11:20 am
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE LABOR MARKET FOR JOB SEEKERS?

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.

Moderator:
Chun Ying Wang, Vice President of Insights, Braven

Panelists:
Matthew Baird, Senior Staff Economist, LinkedIn
Matt Sigelman, President, The Burning Glass Institute

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE LABOR MARKET FOR JOB SEEKERS?
11:30 am - 12:20 pm
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE LABOR MARKET FOR JOB SEEKERS?

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.

Moderator:
Chun Ying Wang, Vice President of Insights, Braven

Panelists:
Matthew Baird, Senior Staff Economist, LinkedIn
Matt Sigelman, President, The Burning Glass Institute

Room 423B
Room 423B
Room 423B
THE STATE OF INNOVATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION
10:30 am - 11:20 am
THE STATE OF INNOVATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION

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.

Moderator:
Goldie Blumenstyk, Senior Writer, The Chronicle of Higher Education

Panelists:
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

THE STATE OF INNOVATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION
11:30 am - 12:20 pm
THE STATE OF INNOVATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION

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.

Moderator:
Goldie Blumenstyk, Senior Writer, The Chronicle of Higher Education

Panelists:
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

Crown Hall
Room
Crown Hall
Crown Hall
CELEBRATORY LUNCHEON
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
CELEBRATORY LUNCHEON

Host:
Jonathan Chaparro, Executive Director, Innovation & Head of Chicago, Braven

Keynote Speakers:
Carlos Barraza, Sr. Manager HR Business Partner, Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy
Magie Cook, CEO and Founder of Maggie’s Salsa, LLC

8 am
9 am
10 am
11 am
12 pm
1 pm
2 pm
Feinberg Theater
Room
Feinberg Theater
Feinberg Theater
NETWORKING CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
8:30 am - 9:00 am
NETWORKING CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

WELCOME & OPENING KEYNOTE
9:00 am - 9:30 am
WELCOME & OPENING KEYNOTE

Moderator:
Kilsys Payamps-Roure, Executive Director, NYC, Braven

Keynote Speaker:
Ken Ohashi, CEO, Brooks Brothers

MORNING FIRESIDE CHAT: BREAKING THE ECONOMIC SOUND BARRIER FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
9:30 am - 10:20 am
MORNING FIRESIDE CHAT: BREAKING THE ECONOMIC SOUND BARRIER FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

Moderator:
Aimée Eubanks Davis, CEO, Braven

Panelists:
Jim Reynolds, CEO, Loop Capital
Sandy Reynolds, COO, Kendall Miles Designs
Don Thompson, Founder & CEO, Cleveland Avenue
Liz Thompson, CEO, The CAFÉ Group

Room 711 AB
Room
Room 711 AB
Room 711 AB
BUILD CONFIDENCE THROUGH YOUR STORY WITH THE WHEN MAGIC HAPPENS PODCAST HOSTS
10:30 am - 11:20 am
BUILD CONFIDENCE THROUGH YOUR STORY WITH THE WHEN MAGIC HAPPENS PODCAST HOSTS

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

Room 721 & 722
Room
Room 721 & 722
Room 721 & 722
HOW NETWORKING CAN HELP YOU TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR CAREER JOURNEY
11:30 am - 12:20 pm
HOW NETWORKING CAN HELP YOU TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR CAREER JOURNEY

In this interactive skill-based session, identify your next career-accelerating step and practice networking conversations to ask for support in getting there.

Facilitators:
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

Crown Hall
Room
Crown Hall
Crown Hall
CELEBRATORY LUNCHEON
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
CELEBRATORY LUNCHEON

Host:
Jonathan Chaparro, Executive Director, Innovation & Head of Chicago, 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

Carlos Barraza

Carlos Barraza

Sr. Manager HR Business Partner

Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy

Magie Cook

Magie Cook

CEO

Maggie’s All-Natural Fresh Salsa’s and Dip’s

Ken Ohashi

Ken Ohashi

CEO

Brooks Brothers

Tony Allen, Ph.D.

Tony Allen, Ph.D.

President

Delaware State University

George Anders

George Anders

Senior Editor at Large

LinkedIn

Shellye Archambeau

Shellye Archambeau

Former CEO

MetricStream

Matthew Baird

Matthew Baird

Senior Staff Economist

LinkedIn

Goldie Blumenstyk

Goldie Blumenstyk

Senior Writer

The Chronicle of Higher Education

Vincent Boudreau

Vincent Boudreau

President

City College of New York

JONATHAN CHAPARRO

JONATHAN CHAPARRO

Executive Director, Innovation and Head of Chicago Region

Braven

Amy Cisneros

Amy Cisneros

Managing Director, Chicago

Braven

LaNiesha Cobb Sanders

LaNiesha Cobb Sanders

Chief Product Officer

Braven

Taylor Coward

Taylor Coward

Co-Host

WBEZ Chicago - When Magic Happens Podcast

Meredith Daw

Meredith Daw

Associate Vice President and Executive Director of Career Advancement

University of Chicago

LISSETE ESTRADA

LISSETE ESTRADA

Founding Managing Director at the City College of New York

Braven

Benjamin Houltberg

Benjamin Houltberg

President & CEO

Search Institute

Cheryle Jackson

Cheryle Jackson

Co-Host

WBEZ Chicago - When Magic Happens Podcast

Mariela Jasso

Mariela Jasso

Program Manager, National Louis University and Braven X

Braven

Jennifer “Shea Love” Long

Jennifer “Shea Love” Long

Co-Host

WBEZ Chicago - When Magic Happens Podcast

Tyra Mariani

Tyra Mariani

Principal & Founder

UP Advisors LLC

Kwasi Mitchell

Kwasi Mitchell

Chief Purpose and DEI Officer

Deloitte

Salwa Nur Muhammad

Salwa Nur Muhammad

Founder and CEO

FourthBrain

Kilsys Payamps-Roure

Kilsys Payamps-Roure

Executive Director, NYC

Braven

Duwain Pinder

Duwain Pinder

Partner

McKinsey & Company

Susan Reid

Susan Reid

Global Head of Talent

Morgan Stanley

Tim Renick

Tim Renick

Executive Director

National Institute for Student Success at Georgia State University

Jim Reynolds

Jim Reynolds

CEO

Loop Capital

Sandy Reynolds

Sandy Reynolds

COO

Kendall Miles Designs

Jeffrey A. Robinson, Ph.D.

Jeffrey A. Robinson, Ph.D.

Provost and Executive Vice-Chancellor

Rutgers University - Newark

Shalinee Sharma

Shalinee Sharma

CEO & Co-Founder

Zearn

Matt Sigelman

Matt Sigelman

President

The Burning Glass Institute

John Silvanus Wilson Jr.

John Silvanus Wilson Jr.

Visiting Professor, Morgan State University | Author: Hope and Healing: Black Colleges and the Future of American Democracy

Former President, Morehouse College

Taylor Stockton

Taylor Stockton

COO

FutureFit AI

DON THOMPSON

DON THOMPSON

Founder & CEO

Cleveland Avenue

LIZ THOMPSON

LIZ THOMPSON

CEO

The CAFE Group

Chun Ying Wang

Chun Ying Wang

Vice President of Insights

Braven

Venue SIX10

Modern & sophisticated, Venue SIX10 offers panoramic views of downtown Chicago & Lake Michigan.

Sponsors

Corporate Sponsors

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:

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.

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