
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.
Featured speakers have included Nobel laureates, elected officials, corporate and nonprofit leaders, and social entrepreneurs.
Our social innovation conferences and events are designed for anyone who is committed to making the world more equitable and sustainable, including nonprofit and business leaders, social entrepreneurs, board members, impact investors, and Booth students, faculty, and alumni.
Due to COVID-19 and in accordance with Booth’s events policy, all events will be hosted virtually until further notice. Visit UChicago’s website for more information, or email the Rustandy Center.
If you’re a student interested in a virtual meeting with a Rustandy Center executive in residence, contact us. We hope that these resources will support you in your work to create meaningful impact here in Chicago and around the world.
Signature Events
Economics of Social Sector Organizations Conference
This annual event brings together faculty from across disciplines to explore the broad range of organizations addressing social issues.
Economics of Social Sector Organizations ConferencePerspectives in Impact Investing
This event series provides an overview of career paths in impact investing, public and private markets, and the future of the field.
Perspectives in Impact InvestingMaking the Switch
We offer events and resources to help Booth alumni leverage their MBA for a career in the social impact sector.
Making the SwitchPerspectives in Sustainability
Get insights into the most challenging issues facing our planet and learn how you can use your business skills to tackle them.
Perspectives in SustainabilityPerspectives in Philanthropy
Join the Rustandy Center for an event series that explores the role of philanthropy in American society.
Perspectives in PhilanthropyUpcoming Events

ESG Investing: Impact Measurement and Future of the Industry
Thursday, July 14, 2022, 8:30 – 10 a.m. HKT | Virtual
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations and strategies have catapulted in popularity and importance in recent years. As corporations and investors work to incorporate ESG strategies into their missions and models, a broad understanding of this new and growing area has emerged. Join us for this webinar to learn more about ESG at the investing level.
In this webinar, you will learn about the social impact of ESG investing, how to manage and measure it, and how to incorporate it into decision-making and incentives. This event is intended for audiences in Hong Kong interested in learning more about ESG.

Virtual On Board Summer Series: Finding Your "Right" Fit Board
Thursday, July 21, 2022, 12 – 1 p.m. CT | Virtual
In this interactive workshop you will explore different types of organizations and boards and outline how to narrow down your passions, find opportunities, approach and introduce yourself to an organization, and learn what questions to ask before joining a board. You'll also hear from a current nonprofit board member about how they found their "right fit board." Leave with a to-do list and strategic plan to start your search for a meaningful nonprofit board service experience.
Part of the Rustandy Center's virtual On Board Summer Series, this event is designed for Booth alumni seeking guidance as they search for a nonprofit board opportunity and is open to Booth alumni in the U.S. and internationally.

Virtual On Board Summer Series: Booth in the Board Room
Thursday, July 28, 2022, 12 – 1 p.m. CT | Virtual
Join Caroline Grossman, adjunct associate professor of strategy and executive director of the Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation, as she guides attendees through a case study on a nonprofit faced with a complex decision. Through this case you will learn new ways to think about the board's role in critical strategic decisions.
Part of the Rustandy Center's virtual On Board Summer Series, this event is designed for seasoned board members seeking best practices in board governance and is open to Booth alumni in the U.S. and internationally.