Braven Chicago Summit
March 21st, 2019
About Us
Join Braven, a national leader in ensuring first-generation college students succeed in the modern economy, for a day of insights, networking and learning. Participate in thought-provoking and hands-on sessions on topics from design thinking to unlocking your hustle to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Whether you’re a student, education practitioner, or professional looking to cultivate diverse talent, our sessions will help you gain clarity on the role you and your organization can play in ensuring that the next generation of leaders emerges from everywhere.
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 School 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.
Speakers
Check out our growing list of speakers. Stay tuned for more additions.
AARTI DHUPELIA
Vice President for Undergraduate Education and Dean of the Undergraduate College
National Louis University
Schedule
Macro Trends You Need to Know About in College Career Prep and Company Hiring and How These Impact First-Gen College Goers with Cassandra J. Blackburn, Jonathan Chaparro, Christine Y. Cruzvergara, Julie Félix, Andrew R. Hanson and Mike Preston.
Interviews are the holy grail of the hiring process. It’s the opportunity for employers to connect with potential hires, understand what they’re capable of, and determine what it might be like to work with them. Interviews are candidates’ time to shine and set themselves apart from the crowd.
Interview college students or be interviewed by professionals in this fast-paced mock interview session. Learn how to best format your questions and answers to get the most out of your interview time. Practice several rounds of interviewing and walk away with sharpened skills, interesting insights, and new relationships.
Session sponsored by Kindle Communications
Session facilitated by Marthe Leach
65% of the jobs that will be available in 2030 haven’t been invented yet. The future of work is rapidly changing and it isn’t just about automation or artificial intelligence. This session will help you consider the role of emerging industries, changing economies, and differences in workplace norms and behaviors, and how these are shaping the employment landscape - particularly for first-generation college students. You’ll walk away with data-driven and research-based insights that will inform how you think about preparing, sourcing, developing, and engaging the next generation of diverse talent.
Panelist: Dorie Blesoff, Christine Y. Cruzvergara, Phil Gardner, Matt Gee, Andrew Hanson and Celeste Wright Harris
65% of the jobs that will be available in 2030 haven’t been invented yet. The future of work is rapidly changing and it isn’t just about automation or artificial intelligence. This session will help you consider the role of emerging industries, changing economies, and differences in workplace norms and behaviors, and how these are shaping the employment landscape - particularly for first-generation college students. You’ll walk away with data-driven and research-based insights that will inform how you think about preparing, sourcing, developing, and engaging the next generation of diverse talent.
Panelist: Dorie Blesoff, Christine Y. Cruzvergara, Phil Gardner, Matt Gee, Andrew Hanson and Celeste Wright Harris
Problem-solving and teamwork are two of the top skills employers look for in a new hire. Participate in a mini design thinking hackathon where you will work in teams of professionals and students to solve a real-world, career-acceleration challenge. You will produce an innovative prototype while learning and practicing design thinking - a framework you can apply to challenges in your own work.
Session facilitated by Tess Brustein
There is an increasing demand for organizations at every stage of the education pipeline to consider the ways in which they are supporting students on their path to strong jobs. In this session, you’ll learn how local organizations are helping to increase Chicago’s employable labor pool by creating the conditions for promising students to thrive in an ever-changing economic landscape and helping to align all levels of education to where the jobs exist.
Panelists: Sarah Berghorst, Jonathan Chaparro, Aarti Dhupelia, Ashley Leonard, Paige Ponder and Rita Raichoudhuri
There is an increasing demand for organizations at every stage of the education pipeline to consider the ways in which they are supporting students on their path to strong jobs. In this session, you’ll learn how local organizations are helping to increase Chicago’s employable labor pool by creating the conditions for promising students to thrive in an ever-changing economic landscape and helping to align all levels of education to where the jobs exist.
Panelists: Sarah Berghorst, Jonathan Chaparro, Aarti Dhupelia, Ashley Leonard, Paige Ponder and Rita Raichoudhuri
How often do you find the time to reflect on what you want out of your career? Determining your Hustle - the intersection of your Head (what you’re good at) and your Heart (what you love to do) - can be a lifetime journey. Each new experience provides you with more information to hone your answer to this equation, shifting your Hustle over time. By participating in self-reflective exercises, you will get the opportunity to determine the current iteration of your Hustle and help others learn about opportunities that align with theirs.
Session facilitated by Andrea Schwartz-Boone
Is job-hopping a faux pas or a career necessity? How is the ability to work from home changing the way companies think about employee engagement? Defining a generation is no simple task but one thing is clear, Generation Z (those born between 1990 and 1999), like Millennials, will continue to influence and transform expectations and how individuals and companies think about things like education, job mobility, workplace culture, and more. This session will help you identify ways to ramp up your organization in an effort to recruit and develop young talent while also fostering a more inclusive environment for all employees.
Panelists: AJ Johnson, Celeste J. Perez, Patrick Phillips, Adam Reichow and Ana Zanic
Is job-hopping a faux pas or a career necessity? How is the ability to work from home changing the way companies think about employee engagement? Defining a generation is no simple task but one thing is clear, Generation Z (those born between 1990 and 1999), like Millennials, will continue to influence and transform expectations and how individuals and companies think about things like education, job mobility, workplace culture, and more. This session will help you identify ways to ramp up your organization in an effort to recruit and develop young talent while also fostering a more inclusive environment for all employees.
Panelists: AJ Johnson, Celeste J. Perez, Patrick Phillips, Adam Reichow and Ana Zanic
Recruiters live on LinkedIn: they use this platform to source appealing candidates and get in touch with them. To set yourself up for success in today’s hiring market, you have to live on LinkedIn too. But in addition to showing off your virtual resume, you can leverage the power of LinkedIn to intentionally grow your network and meet the people you want to meet. Learn pro tips for optimizing your LinkedIn profile and expanding and managing your network online. You will workshop your LinkedIn profile so that you leave this session with an improved profile ready to show off to the masses.
Session sponsored by LinkedIn
Session facilitated by Jordan Medina
Venue SIX10
Modern & sophisticated, Venue SIX10 offers panoramic views of downtown Chicago & Lake Michigan
Sponsors
Corporate Sponsors
Non-Profit Sponsor
Are You Ready to Join Us?
Student/Fellow
Full access to all afternoon sessions & special events including:
- 3-Course Plated Luncheon
- Student-Focused Breakout Sessions
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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 the conference take place? Where is it located?
The inaugural Braven Chicago Summit will take place March 21, 2019 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 22, 2019 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.