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 Conference
Perspectives 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 Investing
Making the Switch
We offer events and resources to help Booth alumni leverage their MBA for a career in the social impact sector.
Making the Switch
Perspectives 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 Sustainability
Perspectives in Philanthropy
Join the Rustandy Center for an event series that explores the role of philanthropy in American society.
Perspectives in PhilanthropyUpcoming Events
Rustandy Challenge: Design Thinking Mindsets Workshop
Tuesday, January 11, 12-1 p.m. CT | Virtual
Cohosted with the Innovation and Design Club
Join the Innovation and Design Club for a crash course on design thinking, the method behind the Rustandy Challenge's approach to economic development.
Rustandy Challenge: Entering and Exiting Communities Training
Tuesday, January 18, 12-1:15 p.m. CT | Virtual
Cohosted with the University Community Service Center
Join the University Community Service Center for a training that will help you to meaningfully approach community interactions by examining your own identity and experiences and understanding the University’s civic engagement history and philosophy.
SNVC Application Workshop and Quick Pitch
Wednesday, January 19, 12-1 p.m. CT | Virtual
Hear from Booth professor Rob Gertner to learn about best practices for completing your SNVC application. Participate in a quick pitch exercise, network with fellow social entrepreneurs, and gain key insights into what makes a compelling SNVC application.
Unpacking ESG
Monday, January 24, 5:30-6:30 p.m. CT | Virtual
Cohosted with the George J. Stigler Center for the Study of the Economy and the State
Join the Rustandy and Stigler Centers for an event that will examine how the diverse and varied applications of the "ESG" label have given rise to the ambiguities that surround this field. A panel of industry and academic thought leaders will discuss the ways in which ESG is, is not, and could be a force for social and environmental impact.
Equitable A.I. in Finance
Tuesday, January 25, 12-1 p.m. CT | Virtual
Cohosted with the Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence
Join the Rustandy Center and the Center for Applied A.I. for an event that will explore how financial applications of A.I. can be used to advance social equity. Hear from industry experts on how A.I. is impacting the world of finance and what opportunities for improvement exist.
