Plenary Topics & Speakers

Plenary Topics and Speakers

National Forum sessions feature leading voices in the field to discuss the pressing issues of our time and inspire action. View the full schedule for more information.

What We Know Now: The Changing Landscape from the CEO Perspective

What have we collectively learned from the past few years? What is at stake? Why now? What shifts have we made in practice and what shifts must we make going forward? This opening conversation among three leaders will reflect on the truths that have emerged from the past few years and all that remains to be done.

Confirmed speakers:

Dimple Abichandani
Board Member
Solidaire Network

Don Chen
President
Surdna Foundation

Crystal Hayling
Executive Director
The Libra Foundation

Donor Perspectives on Effective Family Philanthropy

Philanthropy is a complex pursuit that requires a commitment to ongoing learning and reflection. A growing number of donors are modeling changes in practices to promote meaningful outcomes. How are concepts and approaches such as trust-based philanthropy, pluralism, mission-aligned investing, and participatory grantmaking influencing the pace, practice, and purpose of philanthropic families? This wide-ranging discussion will explore the tenets of effective family philanthropy through the experience of leaders in the field.

Confirmed speakers:

Tegan Acton
Founder and Co-chair
Wildcard Giving

Abigail Disney
Director
Roy and Patricia Disney Foundation

Stephanie Ellis-Smith
Owner and CEO
Phila Engaged Giving

David Orr
Board Chair
The David and Lucile Packard Foundation

Emily Tow
President
The Tow Foundation

Philanthropy through the Generations: The Sobrato Family

The Sobrato Organization is a multi-generational, family-owned firm that has played a dynamic role in Silicon Valley for nearly 70 years. This conversation with three generations of family members, moderated by the CEO of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, will explore the lessons and experiences of this thoughtful family, with a special focus on how their commitments, partnerships, and approaches have evolved to meet changing times.

Confirmed speakers:

Nicole Taylor
President & CEO
Silicon Valley Community Foundation

Effective Family Philanthropy: Collaborating for Lasting Change from the Nonprofit Perspective

What is the role of private philanthropy in supporting the health and resiliency of communities, and what are effective strategies for doing so? How can donors and philanthropies work in true partnership with one another, and with the communities they serve, to achieve lasting and positive results? How do we move from investing to stop failure to investing for success? Join this provocative conversation led by Sam Cobbs and other leaders from the Tipping Point Community.

Confirmed speakers:

Sherilyn Adams
Executive Director
Larkin Street Youth Services

Alexandra Bernadotte
Founder & CEO
Beyond 12

Dion-Jay Brookter
Executive Director
Young Community Developers, Inc.

Sam Cobbs
CEO
Tipping Point Community

Daniel Lurie
Founder and Board Member
Tipping Point Community