AGENDA
8:00 am — 8:45 am: Registration & Breakfast
8:45 am — 9:00 am: Welcome Remarks
9:00 am — 10:00 am: How Do You Stay with Your Vision?
10:00 am — 10:30 am: Pioneering Philanthropy: The REDF Model
10:30 am — 10:45 am: Break
10:45 am — 11:30 am: My Inspirement
11:30 am — 12:00 pm: Keynote Address: Xavier McElrath-Bey
12:00 pm — 12:15 pm: Closing Remarks
sessions
How Do You Stay with Your Vision?
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker was elected Philadelphia’s 100th mayor and is the first woman to hold the office. In an intimate conversation with Rev. Dr. Alyn Waller, Mayor Parker shared her personal journey, offering insights into the challenges she has faced and the triumphs she has celebrated along the way. Attendees heard firsthand how, despite the demands and pressures of public office, Mayor Parker has stayed true to the guiding principles that shaped her path and fueled her passion for making meaningful change for the people of Philadelphia.
Pioneering Philanthropy: The REDF Model
What does it take to grow a movement? Carla Javits discussed REDF’s pioneering venture philanthropy work, which galvanized a national movement of social enterprises—purpose-driven, revenue-generating businesses—that help people overcome employment barriers and build better lives. In conversation with Omar Woodard, Carla shared lessons learned on what it takes to stay true to the vision to create an investment model supporting 100,000 people and earning $2B in revenues.
My Inspirement
No matter how you contribute to your company or organization, or where you are in your vision or career, this session will encourage self-reflection and deepen your community connections. Co-facilitated by Danielle Cohn, Founder and Chief Inspiration Officer, My Inspirement, and David Brown, Assistant Dean of Community and Communication, Klein College, Temple University, this session taught us practices to design our best life’s work. This workshop inspired us all to challenge our status quo, shine a light on our value and potential, helped us tap into what fuels our souls.
Keynote Address
Xavier McElrath-Bey shared his personal story of transformation and perseverance in the face of immense challenges. At the age of 13, Xavier was sentenced to 25 years in prison for a gang-related murder. After serving 13 years in prison, he came out with a remorseful heart, a bachelor’s degree, and a mission to advocate for poor, disadvantaged, and at-risk youth. In his inspiring speech, we learned how Xavier found the inspiration to put his remorse into action and work to help children like him.
