SOCIAL INNOVATION SUMMIT 2026

MEETING THE MOMENT

Speakers

The Social Innovation Summit program elevates, inspires, and mobilizes cross-sector action spanning the corporate, philanthropic, investment, policy, cultural, civil society, and innovation landscape. Our diverse mix of speakers help frame the conversation.

Please see our latest 2026 speakers below and check back for updates on the incredible thought leaders joining the line up this June!

2026 Speakers

Al Roker
Host & Weatherman, NBC's TODAY Show & CEO
Al Roker Entertainment
Allan Golston
President, United States Program
Gates Foundation
Ann Canela
Head of Niagara Cares
Niagara Cares
Asha Varghese
President, Caterpillar Foundation
Caterpillar Inc.
Chef José Andrés
Chef, Restaurateur, and Author
Cindy Nguyen Thomas
Managing Director, Head of Sports and Entertainment Marketing
Bank of America
Erin Izen
Executive Director
The Home Depot Foundation
Francesca de Quesada Covey
Vice President, Community Impact
Knight Foundation
Irisaida Méndez
Executive Director
Univision Foundation
Jennifer Sirangelo
President & CEO
Points of Light
Jo Christine Miles
Head of Principal Foundation
Principal Foundation
Julia DiCesare Furnari
Executive Director
Tapestry Foundation & Coach Foundation
Lauren Coape-Arnold
Global Head of Citizenship
Apollo Opportunity Foundation
Lauren Stovall
Global Head of Nonprofit Programs
Amazon Web Services
Odessa Jenkins
CEO
Women’s National Football Conference
Shabnam Mogharabi
Founder
Soul Boom Project

Speaker Inquiries

Social Innovation Summit year-round events feature blockbuster speakers and industry thought leaders in a variety of formats, including main-stage keynotes and panel discussions, interactive breakouts, roundtable discussions, experiences, and VIP social events.

Please note that while we will continue to accept submissions for this year’s program, we will be unable to respond to each one.

Nominate a Speaker

Meet Our Speakers

The Social Innovation Summit program elevates, inspires, and mobilizes cross-sector action spanning the corporate, philanthropic, investment, policy, cultural, civil society, and innovation landscape. Our diverse mix of Speakers help frame the conversation.

Previous Social Innovation Summit speakers include…

Nomination FAQ

Throughout the year, the SIS Programming team curates the most compelling content, elevating top industry thought leaders and luminaries, CSR, ESG, & DEI executives, social impact practitioners, cultural icons, and other special guests to fill our speaking roles.

We invite you to review the following FAQs ahead of submitting an application:

Speaker Guidelines

Who can I nominate?

We welcome all types of nominations, whether a colleague, client, or yourself. You may nominate a particular individual, or even a group of individuals for an entire proposed session. Regardless of the nature of your nomination, please be sure to clarify your relationship to the proposed speaker in your application.

Who are you looking for?

Everyone! Our speakers range from the most influential and well-known business leaders and cultural icons, to the undiscovered kid-scientist who will one day change the world. The only key parameter is that we are looking for individuals who are mission-driven and passionate about social impact.

Are speakers compensated?

While we are unable to offer speaker honorariums, we are from time to time able to assist with travel and accommodation for speakers in demonstrated need.

Nomination Process

How do I suggest a speaker?

Please use our Nomination Form and provide the speaker’s essential details: bio/background, content focus, and links to website profiles, news articles, or past engagements. This information goes directly to our programming review team, who will follow up with each applicant.

Is there an application deadline?

We accept nominations on an ongoing basis. Of course, the earlier the better, as our speaking roles are limited.

When can I expect to hear back?

Our programming committee reviews nominations on a rolling basis. Please note that we are no longer able to respond to each inquiry for this year’s program.

Can I become a speaker via SIS partnership?

Yes and No. While many of our SIS partners also contribute thought-leadership as a speaker, our Partnerships team does have a set of parameters to validate and ensure the content and messaging is relevant, mission-oriented, and authentic for our audience. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a partner in addition to a speaking role, please just let us know inside your speaker application.

Additional Questions?

We want to hear from you!

For any additional questions, or to follow-up on an existing application, don’t hesitate to reach out to a member of our SIS Programming Team, who will be happy to assist:

Zak Miller

VP, Programming & Partnerships