The American landscape is crowded with examples of women’s entrepreneurial spirit in building a strong civil society through philanthropy. Examples of women-founded and women-led organizations frame the backdrop for the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy's 2017 national symposium, titled DREAM. DARE. DO: Women, Philanthropy, and Civil Society, which is organized by the school’s Women’s Philanthropy Institute (WPI). The event will be held March 14-15, 2017, at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile, 540 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Ill.
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. Emphasis is on high-level, reflective, and thought-provoking conversations about big ideas and bold vision.
The national conversation at the 2017 symposium is timely, as women’s philanthropy may be at a watershed moment. With access to more wealth than ever before—some say as much as $13.2 trillion in North America alone—women’s voices, perspectives, leadership, and resources are needed now more than ever to address the pressing challenges in our country and around the world.
“Women are at the forefront of innovation and leadership in all aspects of philanthropy, from heading the YWCA, the largest and oldest women’s organization in the United States, to guiding the charitable giving decisions in their households,” said Dr. Debra Mesch, Ph.D., director of the Women’s Philanthropy Institute and the Eileen Lamb O’Gara Chair in Women’s Philanthropy at the school. “In connecting women’s philanthropic activity to the broader context of civil society, this symposium enhances, energizes, and elevates women’s long standing, powerful roles in the public square.”
Conference topics will examine:
• how venerable organizations reframe their messages over time to stay vibrant and relevant
• how women are integrating impact investing and social entrepreneurship to accelerate social change
• how women’s funds are leveraging partnerships for maximum impact
• how women’s philanthropy is ahead of the curve on future trends
• how the intersection of philanthropy and advocacy can lead to greater impact
Among the confirmed speakers are:
• Vini Bhansali, Executive Director, IDEX/Thousand Currents
• Sonya Campion, President, Campion Advocacy Fund
• Susan Danish, Executive Director, Association of Junior Leagues International
• Kristin Goss, Associate Professor, Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University
• Trista Harris, President, Minnesota Council on Foundations
• Hali Lee, Co-Founder, Asian Women Giving Circle
• Dr. Dara Richardson-Heron, CEO, YWCA USA
The two-day symposium includes panel discussions, personal interviews and short talks. Participants also will have ample opportunity for networking and engaging conversations that fuel action and collaboration.
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 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, and the Women’s Philanthropy Institute. Follow us on Twitter or “Like” us on Facebook.