Braven Summit
March 18, 2020
Whether you’re an education practitioner or corporate professional looking to cultivate diverse talent, you don’t want to miss a day of insights, networking, and learning at the 2020 Braven Summit, Chicago’s 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. Jim Reynolds, Loop Capital CEO; Sandy Reynolds, Loop Capital Co-founder; John King, President of EdTrust; Liz Thompson, The CAFE CEO; Michael Lomax, Chief Executive Officer of the United Negro College Fund; David Ansel, Senior Vice President at Rush University Medical Center; Goldie Blumenstyk, journalist at The Chronicle of Higher Education; Beth Gallagher, Director of Community Involvement at Aon; Crystal Cardenas, Braven Fellow; and many others will share their unique perspectives throughout the day.
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 the health of the Mighty Middle on Chicago’s South and West sides, 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 [Economic Policy Institute]. 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 [Brookings Institute].
Locally, through concerted efforts across education institutions, nonprofits and the philanthropic community, the percentage of Chicago Public Schools 9th graders completing 4-year college degrees has risen from a bleak 8% to 18%. Chicago also has the most diversified economy in the US, with more than four million employees and generating an annual gross regional product (GRP) of over $609 billion. In Chicago, 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 universities 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 1,600 students to date at Rutgers University-Newark (RU-N), San José State University (SJSU), and National Louis University (NLU) in Chicago.
2020 Speakers
Stay tuned! More speakers for the 2020 Braven Summit will be announced soon.
ANGIE KAMATH
University Dean for Continuing Education and Workforce Development
City University of New York
NICHOLAS PEARCE
Clinical Associate Professor of Management & Organizations
Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University
Schedule
Public universities are under increased pressure to meet ambitious demands tied to enhancing student learning and employability. Learn from leaders who who are helping to fuel or capture innovation in higher education to drive positive outcomes for untapped students.
Panelists:
Public universities are under increased pressure to meet ambitious demands tied to enhancing student learning and employability. Learn from leaders who who are helping to fuel or capture innovation in higher education to drive positive outcomes for untapped students.
Panelists:
Society is increasingly demanding that companies, both public and private, serve a social purpose and that to prosper over time and compete for talent, companies must not only deliver financial performance, but also show how they’re making a positive contribution to society. Panelists discuss what this means for business as usual and the opportunity this presents for ensuring historically untapped talent gets a fair shot.
Panelist:
Society is increasingly demanding that companies, both public and private, serve a social purpose and that to prosper over time and compete for talent, companies must not only deliver financial performance, but also show how they’re making a positive contribution to society. Panelists discuss what this means for business as usual and the opportunity this presents for ensuring historically untapped talent gets a fair shot.
Panelist:
Individuals with a referral are 9X more likely to get a job. If you grew up in a high-income community, went to a top university and work for top company you’re 12X more likely to have a strong network that can deliver on that referral. How are leading companies getting practical and tactical when it comes to evolving recruiting, hiring and inclusion practices in order to access and retain too often overlooked talent.
Panelists:
Individuals with a referral are 9X more likely to get a job. If you grew up in a high-income community, went to a top university and work for top company you’re 12X more likely to have a strong network that can deliver on that referral. How are leading companies getting practical and tactical when it comes to evolving recruiting, hiring and inclusion practices in order to access and retain too often overlooked talent.
Panelists:
From the recent work of Raj Chetty, we have new data that illuminates the punishing reach of racism in this country and its impact on Black Americans ability to reach the American Promise. Dr. David Ansell discusses the root causes, their devastating impact and concrete changes Anchor institutions can and must make to ensure Mighty Middle students from Chicago’s West Side are set up for success.
Panelists:
From the recent work of Raj Chetty, we have new data that illuminates the punishing reach of racism in this country and its impact on Black Americans ability to reach the American Promise. Dr. David Ansell discusses the root causes, their devastating impact and concrete changes Anchor institutions can and must make to ensure Mighty Middle students from Chicago’s West Side are set up for success.
Panelists:
Hosted by Aimée Eubanks Davis
Venue SIX10
Modern & sophisticated, Venue SIX10 offers panoramic views of downtown Chicago & Lake Michigan
Are You Ready to Join Us?
Non-Profit Professional
Full access to all sessions & special events including:
- Morning Keynote
- Open Plenary
- Insightful Breakout Sessions
- 3-Course Plated Luncheon Featuring Afternoon Keynotes
For-Profit Professional
Full access to all sessions & special events including:
- Morning Keynote
- Open Plenary
- Insightful Breakout Sessions
- 3-Course Plated Luncheon Featuring Afternoon Keynotes
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. Afternoon programming will also be available for current college students interested in refining their professional skills and networks.
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 Braven 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.
Registration Questions
When will registration for the 2020 Summit become available?
Online registration will be available in January.
When will the conference take place? Where is it located?
The 2020 Braven Summit will take place March 18, 2020 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 a networking breakfast, 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 accomodation to ensure their full and equal participation. Please contact summit@bebraven.org no later than February 21, 2020 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.