Social Innovation Conferences and Events
The Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation holds social impact events globally, offering insights into how the sector operates and helping our community members prepare to solve complex problems.
Upcoming Events
Executives in Residence Office Hours
Audience: Open to Booth students
Whether you're working on social impact projects or are interested in social impact careers, you can turn to the Rustandy Center's executives in residence (EIRs) for guidance on sustainability, impact investing, civic impact, social entrepreneurship, ESG, and more.
Edwardson Civic Scholars Program Information Sessions
Wednesday March, 25, 5 - 6 p.m. CDT and Wednesday, April 15, 5 - 6 p.m. CDT, virtual
Audience: Open to evening and weekend MBA applicants committed to public or social sector careers.
The Edwardson Civic Scholars Program at Chicago Booth offers a full-tuition scholarship for Evening and Weekend MBA applicants committed to public- or social-sector careers.
In addition to taking courses as an MBA student, Edwardson Scholars join a cohort experience that includes specialized programming, dedicated faculty directors, and unique opportunities to engage with industry leaders in the civic space. Booth’s Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation ensures the Edwardson Civic Scholars Program integrates the school's business fundamentals with evidence-based research and experience-based learning opportunities that bolster your social sector work.
Interested in applying to the program? Join us for an information session this spring to learn more.
March Information Session
Wednesday, March 25, 5 - 6 p.m. CDT, virtual
April Information Session
Wednesday, April 15, 5 - 6 p.m. CDT, virtual
Golub Capital Social Impact Lab Annual Lecture
Tuesday, April 7, 5 – 7 p.m. CDT at Gleacher Center 621
Audience: Open to all
Join us for the Golub Capital Social Impact Lab Annual Lecture, Health, Wealth, and Opportunity: The Systems That Shape Our Lives, featuring Helene Gayle, president emerita of Spelman College, and Karen Freeman-Wilson, president and CEO of the Chicago Urban League.
Drawing on Gayle’s two decades of experience championing health equity and Freeman-Wilson’s public service career, the conversation will examine how social determinants of health influence long-term opportunity and the role of institutions in advancing equity and prosperity.
Conversations in Business and Democracy
Wednesday, April 8 and Tuesday, April 14, 11:45 - 1:15 p.m. CDT, Harper Center
Audience: Open to Booth MBA students
Join us for Conversations in Business and Democracy, a two-part, discussion-based series that creates space for thoughtful student-led dialogue about how business institutions interact with democratic systems.
In session one, on Wednesday, April 8, students will explore the broader ecosystem of corporate political activity, lobbying, and the role of business leaders in shaping policy discourse.
In session two, on Tuesday, April 14, students will dive into specific policy areas: corporate taxation and redistribution, technology regulation and AI governance, corporate power and antitrust, national economic interests and supply chains, public-private partnerships, and local development.
