Two-day gathering slated for March 31- April 1, 2020 in Chicago
The digital transformation is reshaping how we connect, communicate and interact with one another – including in philanthropy. A two-day symposium, Philanthropy Plugged In: Creating community in the digital age, organized by the Women’s Philanthropy Institute (WPI) at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, will examine the intersection of gender, technology and giving to better understand this evolving landscape. The event will be held March 31 – April 1, 2020, at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile, 540 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago.
The triennial WPI symposium stands alone among philanthropy conferences for its singular focus on women in philanthropy and for its ability to convene a broad cross-section of speakers and attendees who work across the philanthropic sector. The emphasis is on high-level, reflective and thought-provoking conversations about big ideas and bold vision. New this year is the Action Lab, a series of sessions that will provide tactical strategies to harness the power of technology to increase giving,
The symposium will examine whether and how the use of technology influences women’s ability to connect through philanthropy; encourages more strategic giving; builds a more diverse community of engaged citizens; and increases giving.
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of its signature Women Give research series, WPI will release the 2020 report at the symposium, Women Give 2020 seeks to better understand the differences in how men and women use technology for the common good.
“Other conferences focus on a single aspect of this complex issue: technology or fundraising or communications. Philanthropy Plugged In brings these distinct pieces together to provide a more holistic overview of this ever-changing environment using a gender lens,” said Andrea Pactor, Interim Director of the Women’s Philanthropy Institute.
Conference topics will examine:
- how women are intentional about creating community online and offline;
- the risks and rewards of technology to encourage and increase giving; and
- how social entrepreneurs are leading through technology.
Among the confirmed speakers are:
- Shannon Farley, Founder and Co-Director, Fast Forward
- Christina Gorczynski, Executive Director, Impact Austin
- Amany Killawi, Founder, LaunchGood
- Jamie McDonald, Founder, Generosity, Inc. and #GivingTuesday Global Strategies Lead
- Sheryl Olitsky, Founder and Executive Director, the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom
- Alia Whitney-Johnson, Founder and Executive Director, Freedom Forward
- Tiffany Williams, Founder, Givly
The two-day symposium includes panel discussions, short talks, case studies and an action lab, Participants also will have ample opportunity for networking and engaging conversations that fuel action and collaboration. Symposium co-chairs are Adrienne Penta, Founder and Executive Director of Brown Brothers Harriman’s Center for Women & Wealth, and Dalila Wilson-Scott, Senior Vice President, Community Impact, Comcast Corporation, & President, Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation.
Registration is now open. The cost is $695 for registration through February 18, or $925 after February 18.
About the Women’s Philanthropy Institute
The Women’s Philanthropy Institute (WPI) is part of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. WPI increases understanding of women’s philanthropy through rigorous research and education, interpreting and sharing these insights broadly to improve philanthropy. Follow us on Twitter @WPIinsights and “Like” us on Facebook.
About the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IUPUI is dedicated to improving philanthropy to improve the world by training and empowering students and professionals to be innovators and leaders who create positive and lasting change. The school offers a comprehensive approach to philanthropy through its academic, research and international programs and through The Fund Raising School, Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, The Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy and the Women’s Philanthropy Institute. Follow us on Twitter or “Like” us on Facebook.