GEO's 2022 National Conference

A detailed version of our conference program with session titles and descriptions is available here.

Salons: Salon conversations are opportunities for participants to engage with peers around emergent topics that might not be represented in other programming. The salons are hour-long conversations lightly facilitated by one or two conference participants and open to groups of ten to twenty people. Salon conversations create space for topics that are often requested by members, or more emergent in nature – that may not be featured during breakout or workshop sessions. Salon conversations will not be recorded. Salon conversations are only available on the in-person conference program.

Short Talks: Short Talks are engaging 20-minute, keynote style presentations that challenge current philanthropic culture and practice or inspire participants to think about the topic, their work and/or lives differently. GEO will feature a diverse cohort of dynamic and experienced speakers from both inside and outside of philanthropy. Short talks are available on both the in-person and virtual conference program.

Plenaries: How will we continue rising to meet the needs of our communities in times of ongoing tumult and crisis? Our plenary mainstage will showcase a variety of speakers, highlighting works from individuals in philanthropy, movement spaces and beyond, to dive deep and provide both big ideas and actionable takeaways for grantmakers to incorporate into their practice. Our plenaries will also feature Chicago-based artists and creatives in performance. Plenary sessions are available on both the in-person and virtual conference program.

Breakout Sessions: Designed by members of the GEO community, breakout sessions offer 37 engaging and interactive sessions throughout the program exploring equity-centered work and approaches to topics such a capacity building, change management, learning and evaluation, strengthening relationships with nonprofits and flexible, reliable funding. In-person participants will have the option to select sessions during 4 rounds of breakouts to engage live with speakers and other participants. Select breakout sessions will offer a virtual encore session following the conference for virtual conference participants.

Pre-conference Workshops: These two-hour workshops provide an opportunity for participants to have a deeper dive into topics select topics designed by members of the GEO community. Sessions are interactive and designed so participants leave with tools and practices they can apply to their work. Pre-conference workshops are only available to in-person conference participants at an added cost of $150.

Active Hour: Physical, mental and spiritual wellness is a critical aspect of any social change work. We encourage our conference participants to pause a moment in their busy day and lives to connect with themselves and each other. The active hour will feature a Chicago-based instructor and be accessible to all fitness levels and abilities. The active hour is only available on the in-person conference program.

Peer Events: GEO strives to be a networked organization and to provide additional value and peer support to conference participants. Peer events can feature a roundtable discussion on a report, a networking breakfast or other opportunities for peer organizations to host an event onsite at GEO’s 2022 National Conference. Peer events are only available on the in-person conference program. Organizations and individuals seeking to host a peer event can do so by reaching out to Cassie Maxwell at maxwell@geofunders.org

Conference Program Committee

• Jamaica Maxwell, The David & Lucile Packard Foundation (co-chair)
  
• Leticia Peguero, Philanthropic Consultant and Coach (co-chair)
  
• Lisa May Simpson, Forefront (conference partner)
  
• Andrea Anderson, PhD, The Skillman Foundation
  
• Cher-Wen DeWitt, Segal Family Foundation
  
• Jessyca Dudley, Chicago African Americans in Philanthropy
  
• Rev. Mary “Kaki” Friscks-Warren, Dan and Margaret Maddox Fund
  
• Carmen Garcia, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
  
• Jonathan Jayes-Green, Marguerite Casey Foundation
  
• Jackie Williams Kaye, Wellspring Philanthropic Fund
  
• Michelle McMurray, MSW, The Pittsburgh Foundation
  
• Ryan Rodriguez, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta
  
• Jillian Rosen, Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation
• Dr. Janine Saunders, The California Endowment
  
• Jamie N. Schenker, The California Wellness Foundation
  
• Dr. Shao-Chee Sim, Episcopal Health Foundation
  
• Isabel Sousa, Edward W. Hazen Foundation

Conference Host Committee

• John Palfrey, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation (co-chair)
• Heather Parish, Albert Pick, Jr. Fund (co-chair)
• Monique Brunson Jones, Forefront (conference partner)
• Kalia Abiade, Pillars Fund
• Gayla Brockman, Michael Reese Health Trust
• Sharon Bush, Grand Victoria Foundation
• Gillian Darlow, Polk Bros. Foundation
• Felicia Davis, Chicago Foundation for Women
• Greg DiDomenico, Community Memorial Foundation
• Liz Dozier, Chicago Beyond
• David Farren, Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation
• Helene Gayle, The Chicago Community Trust
• Heather Higgins Alderman, Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation
• Evan Hochberg, Crown Family Philanthropies
• Mae Hong, Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors
• Dinaz Mansuri, The Mayer and Morris Kaplan Family Foundation
• Cindy Moelis, Pritzker Traubert Foundation
• Michelle Morales, Woods Fund Chicago
• ángela munguía, AMPT: Advancing nonprofits
• Mary O'Donnell, RRF Foundation for Aging
• Maria Pesqueira, Healthy Communities Foundation
• Toya Randall, Casey Family Programs
• Darren Resiberg, Joyce Foundation
• Kashif Shaikh, Pillars Fund
• Unmi Song, Lloyd A. Fry Foundation
• Dimitra Tasouras, Circle of Service Foundation
• Christy Uchida, The Brinson Foundation