Zimpleman Business for Good Summit

Tory Flynn, Chief Sustainability Officer, Hillenbrand

As the architect of a $3 billion company’s corporate social responsibility strategy, Tory Flynn has had a front-row seat for how business can be a force for good. She will share her journey and that of her firm, Hillenbrand, towards its shared purpose—to Shape What Matters For Tomorrow^TM. 

Session 1 

Option A: Mikala Demet, Big Grove Brewery “Big Grove For Good,” and Ahmed Musa, Musa’s Lemonade

Join us for a Q&A panel featuring Big Grove Brewery and Ahmed Musa from Musa's Lemonade. Explore how these Iowa companies integrate giving back into their core values, making a difference in their communities. Hear from both a startup and an established business on innovative ways to support local communities.

Option B: Sean Severe, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Economics, Drake University

This session explores the multifaceted benefits of pursuing a college education. From enhanced career prospects and increased earning potential to personal growth and societal contributions, attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how higher education can transform lives. The presentation will delve into the economic advantages, the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and the role of college in fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry.

Option C: Bill Witherspoon, Founder, Sky Factory

Discover how Sky Factory integrates the principles of financial inclusion and social responsibility into its business model to empower individuals and communities. This session explores the concept of a "beautiful corporation," highlighting the importance of creating opportunities for self-improvement and fostering sustainable practices. Learn how Sky Factory’s innovative strategies continue to make a positive impact today.

Session 2 

Option A:  Mission-driven business internship experience panel with moderator Kelley Ellis, Drake University

Join us for an insightful panel discussion featuring Drake University students who recently completed an impactful internship with BLK & Bold Coffee, the first Black-owned nationally distributed coffee brand. These students will share their experiences working to strengthen BLK & Bold's B Corp impact assessment score, aligning with the company's commitment to social impact and sustainability.

Additionally, the discussion will introduce upcoming B Corp internship opportunities for Drake students, emphasizing the university's dedication to experiential learning and community engagement. This event showcases the valuable partnership between Drake University and forward-thinking companies like BLK & Bold, providing students with unique opportunities to contribute to socially responsible businesses while gaining practical experience.

Option B: J.W. Paquette Young Alumni Speakers Series (Sussman Theater)

Gain invaluable insights from recent graduates of the Zimpleman College of Business as they journey from student life to the professional world. Explore firsthand experiences and receive practical advice on navigating this pivotal transition. Discover how to anticipate challenges, seize career opportunities, and align your path with your personal values. 

Panelists

- Elizabeth Minnie, BN’20 Annual Giving Coordinator, UnityPoint Health Des Moines Foundation, Des Moines, IA

-Jack Richards, BN’20, FCAS Actuary & Senior Consultant, Deloitte Consulting LLP, Chicago, IL

-Ashwin Sinha, BN’22 Senior, Technology Risk at EY, Des Moines, IA

Option C: Kevin Croft, MBA, ASA, CFA. Financial Wellness Workshop

Keynote speaker luncheon (Parents Hall)
Introducer: Dean Alejandro Hernandez, Zimpleman College of Business
Keynote Speaker: Pernell Cezar, Co-founder and CEO, BLK & Bold Specialty Beverages

Join Pernell Cezar for an inspiring fireside chat that delves into the company's remarkable journey as a mission-driven business. Cezar will share insights into how BLK & Bold has become a leader in the coffee industry while prioritizing social impact, particularly through its commitment to supporting under-resourced youth by donating 5% of its profits to related initiatives.

The conversation will explore:

• Mission-Driven Business: The importance of embedding social responsibility into the core of business operations and how this approach has contributed to BLK & Bold's success.
• Environmental Impact: Short video documentaries will highlight BLK & Bold's efforts to minimize its environmental footprint and promote sustainable practices throughout its operations.

Q+A

Break

The Human side of business (Parents Hall)
Alicia Simmons, Senior Sustainability Manager, Frontier Co-op

Enjoy dessert and inspiring closing comments from Alicia Simmons, senior sustainability manager at Frontier Co-op, a leading wholesaler of natural and organic products. She will focus on the vital intersection of business, employee well-being, and environmental stewardship. Drawing from Frontier Co-op's innovative practices and commitment to social responsibility, Simmons will explore how businesses can thrive financially while prioritizing the well-being of their employees and the health of the planet. This session will inspire attendees to reimagine the role of business in society and provide practical insights for implementing socially and environmentally responsible practices in their own organizations.

Reception (Upper Gallery)

Reception Concludes