Events
TBG 2025 Sessions
Our carefully curated sessions will equip you with practical strategies to:

  • Leverage employee volunteering to boost retention and create belonging
  • Master collaborative problem-solving techniques that transform workplace culture
  • Connect with fellow purpose-driven professionals making a difference in the Triangle

Whether you’re looking to launch your first volunteer program or elevate your existing CSR initiatives, you’ll leave with actionable insights from social impact experts and local changemakers who are redefining what it means to be a business for good.

Event Details

  • Wednesday, May 14, 2025
  • }8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Raleigh Founded, 509 West North Street, Suite 224, Raleigh

Big & Bold-Small & Mighty: Strategies for Creating Impactful Volunteer Initiatives Regardless of Your Organization’s Size

Moderator: Gerald Givens, Boots on the Ground & Activate Good

Panelists:

Natalie Smith, ThinkTech Advisors

Libby Richards, Lenovo

Tyler McKenney, Emendo

Marisa Madia, Wasserman

Katherine Koonce, Southern Energy Management

In this session, we’ll explore how organizations of all sizes can design and implement powerful volunteer initiatives that create meaningful impact in their communities. You’ll discover practical strategies for leveraging your unique organizational strengths—whether you have abundant resources or operate with limited capacity—to build sustainable volunteer programs that amplify your mission.

Employee Engagement For Good: Best Practices to Boost Culture, Belonging & Retention

Presenter: Stephanie Brady, i.f.g. Studios

Learn why and how community engagement and employee volunteering can boost talent retention, recruiting, and a culture of belonging. We’ll highlight recent “workforce for good” research and best practices.

Ethical Leadership: Driving Business Value Through Values

Moderator: Katherine Garcia, BaySix

Panelists:

Cheryl Howard, Howard Consulting

Dr. Susie Castellanos Hansley, Ph.D, Smart Stress Solutions

Dr. Amna Shabbir, Amna Shabbir Wellness Coaching

Brandi McCarn Gerew, Pinnacle

In this session, you’ll discover how ethical leadership practices can create sustainable business value while strengthening organizational culture and stakeholder relationships. We’ll explore practical frameworks for aligning core values with strategic decision-making, empowering leaders to drive both profitability and positive social impact in today’s complex business environment.

DEI: More than Words - Responsibility

Moderator: Marcy Bullock, Marcy Lee Coaching

Panelists:

Sertrice Shipley, Plan to Action

Diana Graham, Crowned for Success Global Consulting, LLC

Alex Dumas, Abundant Leadership Ventures

Kim Korando, Smith Anderson

Anu Miller, ETS & Activate Good

Deanna Jones, Pres. of Harmony LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce

Kim Korando, Smith Anderson

In this session, you’ll discover actionable frameworks for transforming diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments into meaningful organizational change and accountability; a crucial conversation on navigating challenges – valued, seen, heard, and respected.

Collaborative Problem Solving - Collaborative Approaches To Corporate Social Responsibility and Creating Positive Impact Beyond Financial Metrics

Presenter: John Cerquiera, Pinwheel Associates

In many organizations, when challenges arise, miscommunication, misunderstandings, and unstructured collaboration lead to inefficiencies, frustration, and potentially conflict. Without a shared approach to problem solving, ideas get lost, voices go unheard, and decisions .

Collaborative problem solving isn’t just about exchanging information—it’s about fostering an environment where ideas flow freely, trust is built, and teams work together toward shared goals. Setting the right tone and following a structured process ensures that discussions are productive, diverse perspectives are valued, and collective decision-making leads to meaningful action. By mastering collaborative problem solving, individuals and teams can improve efficiency, strengthen relationships, and drive better outcomes.

This session will equip participants with the tools and strategies to enhance their communication skills, create a more collaborative culture, and navigate complex conversations with confidence.

Community Partnerships- Cultivating, Establishing, and Nurturing Relationships

Moderator: Olivia Ecker, VitalEdge Technologies & Activate Good

Panelists:

Jessie Hathcock, The Loading Dock

Jennifer Meyer, Consider Jennifer

Patricia Marks, Bugg Magnet Center for Design and Computer Sciences

Crash Gregg, Hodge & Kittrell Sotheby’s International Realty

Angelyn Smith, Microsoft

In this session, you’ll learn proven strategies for building authentic, sustainable partnerships with community organizations that create mutual value and lasting impact. We’ll explore the entire partnership lifecycle—from initial outreach and relationship cultivation to formal establishment and ongoing nurturing—providing you with practical tools to develop collaborative initiatives that strengthen both your organization and the communities you serve.

Why You Should Attend

  • Gain expert insights to inspire even the most hesitant leaders to embrace social impact.
  • Learn how to level up your employee volunteer program—whether you’re big and bold or small and mighty.
  • Discover how to build volunteer opportunities that truly engage your employees.
  • Explore the transformative local impact of The eLOVEate Schools Project and how your business can make a difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about the Triangle Businesses for Good Summit? Check out our F.A.Q. below. Still have questions? Contact us at corporate@activategood.org.
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What is Triangle Businesses for Good?
Triangle Businesses for Good (TBG) is a membership group for Triangle area for-profit companies of all sizes. Members engage with Activate Good as part of a movement to create positive change. Through TBG, member businesses discuss social responsibility, inclusive and deep-impact employee volunteerism, and the business community’s role in creating both short and long-term impacts. Members have opportunities to network, serve together, and collaborate with Activate Good and each other to move the needle on local issues.  
How does my company join Triangle Businesses for Good?
Learn more about annual membership fees and how to apply here!
Does my company have to be a TBG member to attend this Summit?
Nope! But, TBG members receive discounts on Summit tickets (among other year-round perks!).

(919) 535-6550

1053 E. Whitaker Mill Road
Suite 115
Raleigh, NC 27604

info@activategood.org

Tax ID: 20-3057526

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