Plenary Sessions

Opening Plenary: Realization, Rethinking, and Reinvention in the Wake of Crisis

Sunday, April 29 - 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

On the 20th anniversary of the Los Angeles riots, we will explore three examples of how crisis events can become turning points: the civic and philanthropic response in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina's revelations of social inequality; the experiments underway in Detroit amidst crisis and social despair; and, of course, how Los Angeles changed in the wake of the civil unrest two decades ago. What can we learn from the creative responses that have emerged in each instance? And what are the implications for today's society?

This session will also feature the presentation of the Distinguished Service Award to Michele Prichard, director, Common Agenda, Liberty Hill Foundation.

Moderator: Manuel Pastor, professor, Geography and American Studies and Ethnicity, USC
Presenters: Flozell Daniels, president, Foundation for Louisiana; Carol Goss, president and CEO, Skillman Foundation; Marqueece Harris-Dawson, President and CEO, Community Coalition; Antonia Hernandez, President and CEO, California Community Foundation; Stewart Kwoh, President and Executive Director, Asian Pacific American Legal Center; Kurt Metzger, director, Data Driven Detroit; Allison Plyer, executive director, Greater New Orleans Community Data Center; Angela Reyes, executive director, Hispanic Development Corporation; Saket Soni, executive director, New Orleans Worker Center for Racial Justice
Closing Remarks: Carol Larson, president and CEO, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation

Looking Back, Moving Forward, A Performance by Anna Deavere Smith

Sunday, April 29 - 2:30-6:00 p.m.

On the 20th anniversary of the Los Angeles riots, actress-playwright Anna Deavere Smith will give a moving performance from Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992. Presented and designed by Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy and the Association of Black Foundation Executives, this special event focuses on issues such as racial division, healing, and'ultimately'the human condition.

The Power of Celebrity and Philanthropy

Monday, April 30 - 8-9:30 a.m.

What happens when high-profile celebrities lend their names and efforts to social and environmental causes? In some cases, they shine a brief spotlight. But in others, their passion and creativity is sustained over the long term. Academy Award-winning actor Geena Davis, founder of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media; Sheryl Lee Ralph, stage/screen actor and founder of the Diva Foundation; and Mandy Moore, singer-songwriter, actor, and PSI ambassador will share their personal stories, their causes, and the lessons they've learned.

Moderator: Jim Canales, President and CEO, James Irvine Foundation
Presenter(s): Geena Davis, actor and founder, Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media; Sheryl Lee Ralph, actor, activist, and author; Mandy Moore, singer-songwriter, actor, and PSI ambassador

America's 'Vanishing' Middle Class - and What Philanthropy Can Do to Help

Tuesday, May 1 - 8'9:30 a.m.

This two-part session will examine the instability of the middle class and how this large segment of the population can regain its economic footing. Panelists and other leaders will offer insight about the role philanthropy plays in areas that affect many middle-class Americans, such as workforce and business development, partnerships with government, education, and health care.

Moderator: Kai Ryssdal, Host and Senior Editor, Marketplace
Presenter(s): Don Peck, Editor, Atlantic Media Company; Angela Glover Blackwell, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, PolicyLink; Jamie P. Merisotis, President and CEO, Lumina Foundation for Education

What's the Big Idea? Vignettes about Philanthropy

Tuesday, May 1 - 12-1:30 p.m.

Ignite sessions encourage speakers to share their passions in a fast-paced, succinct manner. For the first time ever at a Council conference, we are presenting an Ignite session on philanthropy so speakers from various backgrounds and experiences can share their passions, inspire us to think in new ways, and perhaps even provoke us with their insights and ideas. Fasten your seat belts and join us!

Special remarks from: Antonio Villaraigosa, Mayor, City of Los Angeles
Introduced by: Fred J. Ali, President & CEO, Weingart Foundation
Moderator: Mayur Patel, Vice President, Strategy and Assessment, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Presenters: Lucy Bernholz, Managing Director, Arabella Advisors; Emmett D. Carson, PhD, CEO and President, Silicon Valley Community Foundation; Wendy Cohen, Senior Director, Film Campaigns, Participant Media; Andy Goodman, Cofounder, The Goodman Center; Josh Kun, Associate Professor of Communication and Journalism, University of Southern California; Robert Lewis, Jr., Vice President for Program, Boston Foundation; Albert Ruesga, President and CEO, The Greater New Orleans Foundation; Sue Santa, Senior Vice President for Public Policy, Philanthropy Roundtable; Constance Steinkuehler, Senior Policy Analyst, Office of Science and Technology Policy, Executive Office, The White House