Forefront Annual Summit 2023
9:00 AM | Registration (Redbird D)
10:00 AM | Welcome and Call to Action (Redbird D)
11:00 AM | Book Talk: Redefining Leadership (Redbird D)
11:30 AM | Lunch & Table Discussions (Redbird D)
12:00 PM | Keynote: Practicing Equitable Leadership (Redbird D)
12:45 PM | Break
1:00 PM | Breakout Sessions
Unifying Illinois to Advance Racial Equity (Redbird G)
Building People-Centered Capacity (Redbird E)
Sharing Leadership & Expanding Impact (Redbird F)
2:15 PM | Break
2:45 PM | Breakout Sessions
Statewide Equitable Philanthropy (Redbird E)
Advocacy as a Catalyst for Cultivating Trust (Redbird G)
10:00 AM | Welcome and Call to Action (Redbird D)
First look at the Illinois Database of Racial Equity Asset Map (iDREAM) and Forefront’s new report on Building People-Centered Capacity.
Speakers:
Monique B. Jones, Forefront
Mayor Chirs Coos, Town of Normal
Senator David Koehler, Illinois State Senate
Sharmin Shajahan, Forefront
Suzy Lee, Forefront
11:00 AM Book Talk: When Everyone Leads (Redbird D)
Julia Fabris McBride will share a framework for redefining leadership as an activity everyone can practice.
11:30 AM Lunch & Table Discussions (Redbird D)
Noon Keynote: Practicing Equitable Leadership (Redbird D)
Dr. Eve L. Ewing and Julia Fabris McBride will share a provocative conversation about what it takes to make progress on our toughest challenges and what changes when everyone leads.
12:45 PM Break
1:00 PM Breakout Sessions
Unifying Illinois to Advance Racial Equity (Redbird G)
Get an in-depth view of racial equity efforts across Illinois using the Illinois Database of Racial Equity Map and learn how Forefront is working to empower and mobilize our partners to work together to advance racial equity in Illinois.
Speakers:
Leon T. Andrews, Jr., Equal Measure
Eduardo Salinas, NORC at University of Chicago
Sharmin Shajahan, Forefront
Building People-Centered Capacity (Redbird E)
Go deeper with a look at results from state and federal research related to benefits, professional development, wages and more. Attendees will understand the landscape and gather tools to advocate for staff development, competitive wages, and trust-based philanthropy practices.
Speakers:
Suzy Lee, Forefront
Sharing Leadership & Expanding Impact (Redbird F)
Join a discussion with members of cross-sector funders collaboratives about shared leadership models, organizational collaboration, and innovations in funding mechanisms. Explore how pooled funds and funders collectives can help us identify and reach expanded opportunities.
Speakers:
Tameeka Christian, JB and MK Pritzker Family Foundation
Jane Kimondo, Crossroads Fund
Tina Ramirez Moon, Healthy Communities Foundation
Moderator: Kate Piatt-Eckert, Forefront
2:15 PM Break
2:45 PM Breakout Sessions
Statewide Equitable Philanthropy (Redbird E)
A conversation with funders and fundraisers about their experiences practicing the principles of Trust-Based Philanthropy and Community-Centric Fundraising.
Speakers:
Theodia Gillespie, Quad County Urban League, Inc.
Julio Rodriguez, Illinois Department of Commerce
John Stremsterfer, Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln
Moderator: Carlos Garcia Leon, Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Advocacy as a Catalyst for Cultivating Trust (Redbird G)
Join a discussion between public officials and the public sector about how we can cultivate trust, including barriers to trust and appropriate oversight.
Speakers:
Ariel Hampton, Illinois Environmental Council
Representative Theresa Mah, Illinois House of Representatives
Tony Martinez, Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation
Representative Ryan Spain, Illinois House of Representatives
Erick Deshaun Dorris, Arts Alliance Illinois
Moderator: Holly Ambuehl, Forefront
4:30 PM Farewells & Local Happy Hour
Join colleagues for a casual, no-host happy hour at Stave Wine Bar & Market, located at 111 W. North Street, before heading home.