VENUE

EL CAMP

We’ve always said The Heart Series is like a playground for company leaders in the social good business space, so its fitting that we’re hosting the 2018 conference at venue that prides itself on feeling like a summer camp for creative professionals.

EL CAMP
2150 Park Pl #100,
El Segundo, CA 90245

GETTING THERE

PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION

El Camp is 4 miles from LAX and easily accessible from both the 105 and the 405.
There are various parking structures within walking distance to the conference. All charge approximately $15/day, no in-out privileges. Official parking garage for El Camp:  Apollo at Rosecrans parking garage, 2145 Park Pl, El Segundo, CA
There are two others within walking distance: Plaza Building parking garage (signage also says ‘Theater Parking’) at 870 Nash St, and The Atrium parking garage at 2311 Rosecrans Ave.
The venue is also adjacent to LA Metro’s Douglas Green Line Station, and a less than 5 min walk.
We highly recommend carpooling, ride sharing apps, or metro, if possible.

LODGING

WHERE TO STAY

We recommend two area hotels that we’ve also secured group rates with, listed here.  Please note there is a cut off to book as well as only a set number of rooms available, so please book early.  We have also listed the closest area hotel to the conference, below.  

The Belamar Hotel (.9 miles away)
A luxury boutique hotel.
3501 N Sepulveda Blvd
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Amenities: complimentary WiFi, onsite restaurant, valet parking for $15.
Room rate: $199.  Price valid until January 26, 2018.
Rates cover Feb 14 – 16.
Book by calling 888-BELAMAR and asking for ‘The Heart Series’ group rate or by using the online booking link The Heart Series.

Best Western Plus (1.5 miles away)
A business traveler’s favorite.
1817 N Sepulveda Boulevard
Manhattan Beach, California 90266
Amenities: complimentary WiFi, complimentary extensive hot breakfast and happy hour, complimentary underground parking.  

Room rate: $150.  Price valid until January 15, 2018.
Rates cover Feb 14 – 18.
Book by calling (310) 546-8942 or by emailing guestservices@bwpmbhotel.com and asking for ‘The Heart Series’ group rate.

Hyatt House (.3 miles away)
810 S Douglas St,
El Segundo, CA 90245

If you are looking for the closest hotel to the conference, this is it!  It is within walking distance to El Camp, our official 2018 venue.

Marriott Manhattan Beach (.5 miles away)
The closest accommodations!
1400 Parkview Ave
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

One more option that is within walking distance to El Camp.

And there is always airbnb.

 

 

 AGENDA

*Subject to Change

DAY ONE:
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 15, 2018

8:30 AM
CHECK-IN + BREAKFAST: Main Room

9:00 AM
WELCOME: Main Room
Hosts: Gail Cayetano + Meg Sette, Co-Founders, The Heart Series

9:15 – 9:30 AM
ACTIVITY: Main Room
HEART BEATS
Facilitator: Phil Beaudreau, Recording Artist, Def Jam Records

9:40 – 10:10 AM
TALK: Main Room
PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
Speaker: Gwendolyn Floyd, CEO, Soko

10:10 – 10:40 AM
TALK: Main Room
CREATING AND MAINTAINING VALUE
Speaker: Rob Michalak, Global Director of Social Mission, Ben & Jerry’s

10:50 – 11:40 AM
Breakout Session (choose one option)

PANEL: Main Room
INTERNAL CULTURE
Moderator: Sabrina Garba, CEO, Glass Ladder Group
Speaker 1: Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer, Vayner Media
Speaker 2: Lauren Michell, VP of Marketing & Customer Experience, G Adventures
Speaker 3: Mark Loranger, CEO, Chrysalis

WORKSHOP: The Study
GOOD IS THE NEW COOL: MARKET LIKE YOU GIVE A DAMN
Facilitator: Afdhel Aziz, Founder + Chief Purpose Officer, Conspiracy of Love

11:50 – 12:40 PM
Breakout Session (choose one option)

PANEL: Main Room
BRAND PROMISE
Moderator: Lisa Gluck, Director of Corporate Philanthropy, GVNG
Speaker 1: Keely Wachs, Company Affairs, Clif Bar & Company
Speaker 2: Suzanne Lerner, Founder, Michael Stars
Speaker 3: Blythe Hill, CEO, Dressember Foundation

WORKSHOP: The Study
MAPPING YOUR AUDIENCE’S VALUES
Facilitator: CJ Bruce, Founder, ChuckJoe

12:50 – 1:50 PM
LUNCH: Main Room

2:00 – 2:50 PM
Breakout Session (choose one option)

PANEL: Main Room
CREATIVE THAT ENGAGES
Moderator: Daniel Cohen, Founder, Collective Good
Speaker 1: Alexandra Spunt, Head of Creative, Everlane
Speaker 2: Natalie Ebel, CMO, Pencils of Promise
Speaker 3: Farhoud Meybodi, Creative Director, Wayfarer Entertainment

WORKSHOP: The Study
INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCES THAT IMPACT CHANGE
Speaker: Nicole àBeckett, Co-Founder, SameSide

3:00 – 3:30 PM
ACTIVITY: Main Room
THE GOOD EXCHANGE
Facilitators: Gail Cayetano + Meg Sette, Co-Founders, The Heart Series

3:40 – 4:10 PM
TALK: Main Room
IMPACTING POLICY
Speaker: Lindsay Dahl, VP, Community Affairs and Engagement, Beautycounter

4:20 – 4:50 PM
TALK: Main Room
THRIVING FORWARD
Speaker: Gunnar Lovelace, CEO, Thrive Market

4:50 – 5:00 PM
WRAP UP: Main Room

5:00 – 5:50 PM

ICE CREAM SOCIAL: The Patio
Sponsored by Ben & Jerry’s

6:00 – 8:00 PM
*HEART TO HEART:
THE AFTER HOURS EVENT
A special add-on experience hosted by Yoobi, Cheeky Home and Beach House Group

 

DAY TWO:
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 16, 2018

8:30 AM
BREAKFAST + NETWORKING: Main Room

9:00 – 9:05 AM
WELCOME: Main Room
Hosts: Gail Cayetano + Meg Sette, Co-Founders, The Heart Series

9:05 – 9:25 AM
ACTIVITY: Main Room
LET IT FLY
Facilitator: Shabnam Mogharabi, CEO, SoulPancake

9:25 -10:05 AM
TALK: Main Room
TAKING A CHANCE
Speaker: Steve Larosiliere, Founder and President, Stoked
Sponsored by Clif Bar

10:15 – 11:05 AM Breakout Sessions (choose one option)

PANEL: Main Room
ACTIVATING YOUNG PEOPLE AND BEYOND
Moderator: Rachel Sumekh, Founder and CEO, Swipe Out Hunger
Speaker 1: Ryan Westberg, Founder and CMO, Serengetee
Speaker 2: Maggie Leung, VP of Content, NerdWallet
Speaker 3: Matthew Bass, Founding Board Member, Hilarity for Charity

WORKSHOP: The Study
DREAMING UP IMPACT PARTNERSHIPS
Facilitator: Melissa Levick, VP of Business Development and Strategy, Pledgeling
Sponsored by Pledgeling

11:15 – 12:05 PM Breakout Sessions (choose one option)

PANEL: Main Room
THINKING OUTSIDE OF THE BOX
Moderator: Mark Eckhardt, CEO, Common
Speaker 1: Merlin Clarke, Co-Founder and Head of Happenings, Dogeared
Speaker 2: Jason Wilson, Director of Digital Communications, Share our Strength
Speaker 3: Morgan DeBaun, Founder and CEO, Blavity

WORKSHOP: The Study
REFLECTION
Sponsored by Ecojot

12:05 – 12:40 PM
LUNCH: Main Room

12:40 -1:00 PM
ACTIVITY: MAIN ROOM
DE-STRESS AND ENERGIZE
Facilitator: Nicole Mixdorf, Founder, Balance By Nature

1:00 – 1:30 PM
TALK: Main Room
CHANGING THE GAME
Speaker: Alexandra Williamson, Head of Brand,  Bumble

1:40 – 2:10 PM
TALK: Main Room
THE REALM OF WHAT’S POSSIBLE
Speaker: Art delaCruz, Chief Operating Officer, Team Rubicon

2:10 – 2:20 PM
AWARDS: Main Room
#HAVEHEARTDOWELL
Staff Choice Presenter: Danny Wright, Founder, Gravity Water
People’s Choice Presenter: Lori Yalem, Major Accounts, Homeboy Recycling

2:20 – 2:30 PM
CLOSING: Main Room

ONGOING EVENT EXPERIENCES

WELLNESS LOUNGE  Take a moment to chill and relax, with wellness shakes sponsored by Arbonne, lounge seating by Smoothbag, meditation resources sponsored by Headspace, and massages sponsored by OMA.

ARTS AND CRAFTS LOUNGE Show us how you “Have Heart” through art. Tackle a canvas in  the arts and crafts lounge to decorate at any point during the event. Illustrate your impact. We’ll be displaying these in our art garden all conference long. Then take your art home with you on Friday. Sponsored by worksmART.

SPEAKER BIOS

DAY ONE:
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 15, 2018

ACTIVITY: Heartbeats

Phil Beaudreau

Phil Beaudreau is a recording artist signed with Def Jam and he makes up one part of the duo AOE. “AOE (Ambassadors on Earth) is a left-field pop duo consisting of singer/multi-instrumentalist Phil Beaudreau and veteran hip-hop producer Dawaun Parker (Jay-Z, Eminem, 50 Cent, Kendrick Lamar). The duo’s songs are dreamy and experimental, yet contain fairly direct sentiments of loneliness and longing, and at times they sound like a blend of Kid a-era Radiohead and the Weeknd… After signing to Def Jam, AOE released their debut single “I’m Right This Time” in early 2017. The track was accompanied by an intense, colorful animated music video that was created by Beaudreau over the course of two years.” (Def Jam Recordings) Check out AOE’s website at: http://www.weareaoe.com/

 

TALK: Past, Present + Future

Gwendolyn Floyd

Gwendolyn Floyd, Founder of Soko, is a serial social entrepreneur and designer. She is the founder of 4 companies and has 15 years of experience leading teams and projects working at the intersection of design, technology, and international development. Her expertise and passion is in using the tools of entrepreneurship and design to accelerate systemic change that vastly improves the way the world buys and trades. Gwendolyn built off her expertise in mobile innovation and appropriate design to found the fashion-tech company Soko, which leverages mobile technology to connect developing world artisan entrepreneurs to global market demand.

 

TALK: Creating + Maintaining Value

Rob Michalak

Rob Michalak is the Global Director of Social Mission for Ben & Jerry’s.  Rob sits on Ben & Jerry’s Global Leadership Team and is the lead advocate at Ben & Jerry’s to keep its Social Mission vigorous and in balance with the company’s Product Mission and Economic Mission. Ben & Jerry’s Social Mission works to create innovative ways that the business can apply its many resources to achieve positive social change in the world and make progress on the company’s sustainable corporate concept of “linked prosperity.” Rob has been with Ben & Jerry’s twice.  His first role at the company was as its PR Czar from 1989-1998.  He came back to the company to serve as its Social Mission Director starting in 2006.  Before that, and in between his Ben & Jerry’s days, Rob worked in broadcast media holding a variety of jobs in news, public affairs and independent productions.

 

PANEL: Internal Culture

Sabrina Garba (Moderator)

Sabrina Garba is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Glass Ladder Group (GLG) where she leads over 2,000 global intercultural experts in the development and execution of intercultural training and research that helps people from different cultures work together to increase organizational efficiency. Sabrina is a certified intercultural trainer and a graduate of Dartmouth University, Tuck School of Business Minority Business Programs. She has a Master’s in Corporate Communications and Public Relations from Georgetown University and Bachelor’s in Communication and Culture from Howard University. In her spare time, Sabrina supports many non-profit efforts.

Claude Silver

As VaynerMedia’s first Chief Heart Officer, Claude Silver unlocks human potential by forging human-to- human connection with honest and empathic communication. Claude’s unique perspective on corporate leadership and team-building comes both from her training in Transpersonal Psychology & Human Development and her experience in talent management, employee retention, workplace culture, and people operations for over 750 employees. Prior to VaynerMedia, Claude held leadership positions at JWT (London & San Francisco), SAYMedia, and Publicis London after founding and running an outdoor adventure company for women in the SF Bay Area.

Lauren Michell

A career marketer, brand specialist and avid adventure traveler, Lauren Michell joined G Adventures in 2017 as the company’s new Vice President for Marketing and Customer Experience based at its ‘Basecamp’ headquarters in Toronto, Ontario. With nearly 20 years of client and agency experience in consumer packaged goods, retail, and the hospitality/food service industry, Lauren has led teams on both the brand and agency side of business. In her role with G Adventures, Lauren works with a mission-driven ethos as she guides a team of nearly 60 storytellers, data specialists, and creative designers across the travel company’s global staff. One of her most recent personal adventures involved reaching Mount Everest Basecamp!

Mark Loranger

Mark Loranger leads Chrysalis, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit that works with the homeless and those disconnected from the workforce to help them find and retain employment. During his ten years at the agency, Mark has led significant expansion of Chrysalis, including a 60 percent growth in programmatic outcomes, the redevelopment of all three of its centers, and a doubling of the agency’s revenue. Prior to being named CEO in early 2009, Mark served as Vice President of Chrysalis Enterprises, a group of social enterprise businesses that provide transitional jobs for Chrysalis clients.

 

WORKSHOP: Good Is The New Cool

Afdhel Aziz

“Afdhel [Aziz] is one the world’s leading experts on brand purpose, marketing innovation and how business can be a force for good. Based in Los Angeles, California, he is also Founder and Chief Purpose Officer at Conspiracy of Love, a social impact consultancy that advises Fortune 500 companies like Adidas, Sonos, Bacardi, Mars and Coty how to ‘make money AND do good by harnessing the power of cool.’ He is the co-author of the best-selling book Good is the New Cool: Market Like You Give a Damn. An expert on brand partnerships and pop culture, he has worked with world-class artists such as Lady Gaga, Deadmau5 and Kanye West, as well as diverse partners like the TED Conferences, Art Basel, Coachella Festival, and the Andy Warhol Foundation.” Source https://www.afdhelaziz.com/about-afdhel

 

PANEL: Brand Promise

Lisa Gluck (Moderator)

Lisa Gluck is the Director of Corporate Philanthropy at GVNG, the world’s first PhilTech Company (Philanthropy Technology), where she leads the day-to-day operations of GVNG’s corporate charitable clients. By leveraging the power of technology for good, Lisa helps individuals and corporations become leaders, impactful citizens and champions for pressing social issues. Previously, Lisa was a Foundation Manager at The Giving Back Fund where she developed and managed charitable foundations for professional athletes, entertainers and entrepreneurs. Lisa also worked in corporate social responsibility at Dermalogica, a global beauty brand present in over 90 countries. Lisa attended the University of Michigan and American Jewish University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Business.

Keely Wachs

Keely Wachs is the Director of Company Affairs for Clif Bar & Company, a leading maker of nutritious and organic foods for people on the go. Guided by the company’s five bottom lines – Sustaining our Business, our Brands, our People, our Community and the Planet – he is responsible for leading the company’s branding, global issues, reputation and public affairs efforts. Before joining Clif Bar & Company, Keely served as Vice President of Corporate Communications for BrightSource Energy and also led Pacific Gas & Electric’s Environmental Communications Department. Keely holds a Masters in International Affairs from the University of California, San Diego with a focus on environmental and economic policy, and a B.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of California, Berkeley. An avid surfer and soccer player, Keely spends his free time at the beach or on the field. He resides in Oakland, California with his wife and two children.

Suzanne Lerner

“Suzanne Lerner boasts decades of experience in business, as well as a background in philanthropy with a primary focus on gender equality, economic empowerment and social justice. In 1983, Lerner founded Lerner et Cie, a leading women’s contemporary showroom with four locations nationwide. In 1986, Lerner co-founded retail clothing company Michael Stars of which she now serves as President. Today, both entities have merged under the Michael Stars umbrella to represent the lifestyle and accessories collection. Lerner’s second career is philanthropy and giving back to communities both domestically and abroad. She supports numerous causes personally, as well as through the Michael Stars Foundation.” Source http://www.suzannelerner.com

Blythe Hill

Blythe Hill is the CEO and Founder of Dressember, a nonprofit organization that raises awareness and funding for anti-trafficking initiatives. Since 2013, thousands of people in over 100 countries have raised more than $5 million toward anti-trafficking work internationally. Blythe is passionate about using an intersection of fashion and business to create a world in which people are free to live vibrant, autonomous lives. Blythe enjoys writing and photography in her free time.

 

WORKSHOP: Mapping Your Audience’s Values

CJ Bruce

CJ Bruce is the Founder of ChuckJoe, a conscious digital marketing agency based in Los Angeles. CJ worked with brands, agencies, media companies, influencers, and small businesses for over ten years and decided that without social good baked into the companies’ business models, the work was not fulfilling. This is what inspired CJ to create ChuckJoe, which builds automated digital marketing systems for natural food brands that prove to reach, engage and convert new customers. Before ChuckJoe, CJ worked founded New Antics, which developed online video technologies to integrate content with commerce. He received his B.A. in Communication and Media Studies and Political Science from the University of Arizona. CJ currently serves on the board of Conscious Capitalism Los Angeles.

 

PANEL: Creative That Engages

Daniel Cohen (Moderator)

Daniel Cohen’s passions lay at the intersection of social good and design. He is the founder of Collective Good, an organization that connects nonprofits with designers looking to give back through a variety of projects and events. Collective Good supports a broad range of causes, from clean water initiatives and animal rescue to education and environmental issues. Daniel is also a passionate photographer who enjoys capturing minimalist portraits and soaring landscapes. He has worked with a variety of clients such as Goop, Toyota, Macallan, NYFW, and Starwood Hotels. In his 9 to 5, he can be found producing brand illustrations at Facebook. His work can be found at danielcohen.is and @cohen on Instagram.

Alexandra Spunt

Alexandra Spunt runs the creative department at Everlane and has been with the company since its start. She is also the coauthor of No More Dirty Looks, a book about the chemicals in personal care products. Prior to that, she led the branding team at American Apparel where she helped develop advertising campaigns and acted as a company spokesperson. Alexandra is now a freelance journalist and marketing consultant in Los Angeles.  

Natalie Ebel

Natalie Ebel is Chief Marketing Officer at Pencils of Promise (“PoP”​), an innovative nonprofit organization that blends nonprofit idealism with for-profit business principles in order to provide children around the world with access to quality education. During her time with PoP, Natalie has ensured that the organization remain at the forefront of branding, technology and digital media strategy. Natalie has both launched and nurtured multiple partnerships with innovative brands, such as Instagram, Microsoft, Amazon, Stuart Weitzman x Gigi Hadid and more. She also executed the organization’s first virtual reality film in October 2015, positioning PoP as an early adopter of social good storytelling.

Farhoud Meybodi

Creative Director of Wayfarer Entertainment, Farhoud Meybodi is a writer, director, and producer focused on “disruptively inspirational” storytelling content across scripted, unscripted, and branded distribution channels. Farhoud is also a firm believer in the power of “Anti-branded content,”Farhoud Meybodi a term he coined that represents authentically constructed branded content that gives viewers the space to connect with universal brand values without forcing them into a sales conversation. At his core, Farhoud is passionate about creative content that entertains, educates and inspires, without coming off as heavy handed. He believes in the power of raw and honest storytelling to help transcend political/social divisiveness through shared experience, and empathy. Some of his most recent work involved his directing and executive producing Season Three of My Last Days, developing and executive producing Chefs Without Borders, and much more.

 

WORKSHOP: Interactive Experiences That Create Change

Nicole àBeckett (Facilitator)

Nicole àBeckett is the Co-Founder of SameSide, a platform making grassroots political action accessible through music, art, and culture so passionate people have their voices heard in politics. Nicole, along with her brother and Co-Founder, David Legacki, knew there had be a more exciting way to get others involved in and passionate about political issues affecting them and their communities. They started by rallying 10 people to phone bank during Sara Hernandez’s campaign for Congress in Los Angeles in Spring 2017. Since then, they have empowered hosts to lead thousands of grassroots political actions such as phone banking, postcard writing and canvassing for issues like healthy food in impacted communities, defending DACA, veterans homelessness and gender pay equality.

 

TALK: Impacting Policy

Lindsay Dahl

Lindsay Dahl is Beautycounter’s Vice President of Community Affairs and Engagement. A nationally recognized campaigner, Lindsay is responsible for bringing the company’s social mission to the halls of Congress and state legislatures as well as advancing policy goals that strategically contribute to business growth and marketplace leadership. She leads the company’s state and federal advocacy, incorporates the social mission into marketing campaigns, crafts key brand positions related to safety and transparency, and develops leadership opportunities for the brand and CEO. Prior to joining the Beautycounter team, Lindsay spearheaded the passage of more than a dozen health protective laws at the state and federal levels, including the nation’s first ban on the toxic chemical BPA from baby bottles and sippy cups. 

 

TALK: Thriving Forward

Gunnar Lovelace

Gunnar Lovelace is a serial entrepreneur in nonprofits, technology, fashion and real estate. Most recently he is the founder and Co-CEO of Thrive Market, an online wholesale buying club on a mission to make healthy living easy and affordable for every American family. Thrive Market currently offers the 4,000 most popular natural and organic products in the world at 25-50% off retail, shipped anywhere in the U.S. for free. For every paid member on the site, the company also sponsors a free membership for a low-income family. Previously, he co-founded Love Heals, a conscious jewelry company, as well as two technology companies in Los Angeles in software education and natural language processing.

DAY TWO:
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 16, 2018

ACTIVITY: Let It Fly

Shabnam Mogharabi

Shabnam Mogharabi has more than 15 years of experience in media and entertainment building startups and organizations with an emphasis on digital content, social platforms, production, and news media. She is currently the CEO of SoulPancake, an inspiring entertainment company she co-founded with actor Rainn Wilson that creates daily positive, socially conscious videos about human connection. As CEO, she is responsible for steering the company’s vision, safeguarding its mission, and supercharging its growth past its current community of 10M fans online and nearly 1B video views. She also advises SoulPancake’s parent company, Participant Media, and its board on strategic issues, acquisition opportunities, and the company’s social impact goals. Prior to SoulPancake, Shabnam was an award-winning journalist and editor, having served as the youngest Editor-in-Chief at Hanley Wood Business Media, where she oversaw a group of 4 print publications, 8 websites and e-newsletters, and 3 annual live events in the real estate space.

TALK: Taking A Chance

Steve Larosiliere

Steve Larosiliere is a social entrepreneur, marketer, and thought leader who loves working with businesses with a purpose. As a passionate youth advocate, Steve is the Founder and President of STOKED, an award winning youth development program voted to the NY 100 and named Social Entrepreneur of the Year by the National Black MBA Association. Steve speaks worldwide on the subject of youth empowerment, social entrepreneurship, and closing the opportunity gap at places such as Do Lectures, Creative Mornings, Nike, The United Nations, and various universities. He also hosts the Stoked Lifestyle podcast which interviews entrepreneurs and athletes on how to live your best life while giving back. Steve holds a degree in History from Stony Brook University and an MPA in Nonprofit Management from Baruch College.

 

PANEL: Activating Young People + Beyond

Rachel Sumekh (Moderator)

Rachel Sumekh is the Founder & CEO of Swipe Out Hunger, which is a leading organization that addresses hunger amongst college students by allowing students to donate their unused meal points to food insecure students. Swipe Out Hunger started as a college project among a few friends while attending UCLA, and it has now spread to 37 universities, serving 1.4 million meals. Before going full time with Swipe Out Hunger, Rachel served as a case manager for individuals facing poverty in Chicago. In her spare time, Rachel enjoys advising early stage social entrepreneurs and she also sits on the boards for L.A. Kitchen and IKAR. (http://www.swipehunger.org/team)

Ryan Westberg

Ryan Westberg is the Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Serengetee, a social clothing venture launched out of his dorm room 6 years ago. Since then Ryan has traveled to over 80 different countries around the world sourcing fabrics and meeting with cause partners, all while growing Serengetee into a multi-million dollar brand.

Maggie Leung

Maggie Leung leads a team of more than 80 staff writers and editors and serves on the executive team at NerdWallet. The San Francisco-based startup annually helps more than 100 million consumers make informed decisions about their personal finances, including autos, banking, credit and debt, credit cards, estate planning, homeownership, household spending, insurance, investing and retirement, personal loans, small business, student loans and taxes. NerdWallet’s content and content team are widely recognized as best in class across the financial technology industry. Maggie has helped build NerdWallet from its early stages, starting its content team from scratch. Before joining the startup world, Maggie spent more than 20 years in mainstream news, at outlets such as CNN, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal.

 

Matthew Bass is one of the founding board members of Hilarity for Charity. He is a screenwriter by day and philanthropist by night. After attending a boring, stuffy, rubber chicken Alzheimer’s Gala, Matthew Basswith some close friends, Matthew realized there was no voice that spoke to their generation. With that in mind, HFC was born. Its mission is to raise awareness amongst the younger generation and to provide a voice for those dealing with such an awful disease. To date, HFC has raised nearly 7 million dollars, thanks to their LA and NYC Variety Shows and their HFC U program which encourages college students to put down the keg and pick up the cause.

 

WORKSHOP: Dreaming Up Impact Partnerships

Melissa Levick (Facilitator)

Melissa Levick is the VP of Business Development and Strategy at Pledgeling, a social enterprise that empowers brands to add mission and purpose into their products and organizations by integrating charitable giving into their customer experiences. Before Pledgeling, Melissa was the Executive Director at ONEHOPE Foundation in Los Angeles. Melissa has worked as an Associate at Google Ventures and as Head of Marketing for True Religion Brand Jeans, where she managed marketing, licensing, and public relations. She received her B.A. with honors in Communication and Education from the University of Southern California and her Master’s degree in Social Entrepreneurship from NYU. Melissa currently serves on the board of Dizzy Feet Foundation and is a social innovation fellow at StartingBloc.

 

PANEL: Thinking Outside Of The Box

Mark Ekhardt (Moderator)

Forever curious about the intersection of culture, neuroscience, and business, Mark Ekhardt has spent the last two decades applying his insights in a wide range of projects and organizations. He has worked with high level executives, renown creative professionals, startups, and large corporations. Former positions include Vice President of Client Affairs for Globefish Media BV, and Principal at UFUSE Visionary Strategy Management. As the CEO of COMMON, Mark works with entrepreneurs and businesses to accelerate social innovation, and promote a new way of doing business that is pro people and the planet. He is married to Malene from Denmark, father of two beautiful girls, a classical composer, and lover of tractors.

Merlin Clarke

Merlin Clarke is Co-Founder and “Head of Happenings” at Dogeared, the California-based, B-Corp certified jewelry brand. Merlin and his wife, Marcia Maizel-Clarke, started Dogeared on the sunny beaches of Southern California in 1991. With his dedication to giving back, a commitment to American-made manufacturing, and a passion to lead by example for social and environmental change through business, Merlin has worked to clarify the brand’s mission, purpose, and promise to advocate the importance of being a good corporate citizen throughout all aspects of their business. Merlin has held board and advisory positions with several organizations, a few of which are The Venice Family Clinic, The Shark Fund of Malibu, and The DoGood Bus.

Jason Wilson

A respected digital leader in the nonprofit space, Jason Wilson has been an innovative force for good in technology for more than 15 years. He’s an expert in all facets of the digital experience including: project management, marketing, web development, digital acquisition, advertising, SEO/SEM, CRM, brand-building, analytics, testing, storytelling, and creating and fostering social communities. In his role as the Director of Digital Communications for the No Kid Hungry campaign, he leads a team that raises millions and engages many more each year with the goal of ending childhood hunger in America. A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi and an avid fan of technology and music, he has roots in coding and communications, helping him bridge the gap between the user and the digital experience of a brand.

Morgan Debaun

Morgan Debaun is the CEO of Blavity, an online platform where Black millennials can engage, connect, and empower one another. Blavity receives several millions of visitors each month and includes content that is created for and by young Black Americans. Morgan was recognized on the Forbes 30 Under 30 List of “Young People Transforming the Future of Media,”, the Roots 100 List of the “100 Most Influential African Americans,” and the MVMT50 “Top 10 Innovators of the Year” in 2016. Before founding Blavity, Morgan attended Washington University in St. Louis, where her idea for Blavity first began, and she later worked at Intuit in product management and business development. Morgan launched a Blavity conference called EmpowerHer in 2016 as well as AfroTech, the largest tech conference for young Black professionals in Silicon Valley.

 

ACTIVITY: De-Stress + Energize

Nicole Mixdorf (Facilitator)

Nicole Mixdorf is a Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist and the CEO of Balance by Nature, a corporate health & wellness consulting firm. Nicole is a motivational leader and speaker who inspires people to be the very best that they can be. After leaving the stressful corporate world, she launched Balance by Nature as a way to help busy professionals to find more balance and peace in all areas of their lives. Her team of highly experienced teachers bring fitness, nutrition, stress reduction, health education and mindful leadership programs to companies in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, New York City, and Washington DC. These customized wellness programs help corporations to reduce healthcare claims by supporting positive health outcomes, while also boosting morale and attracting top talent.

 

TALK: Changing The Game

Alexandra Williamson

Alexandra Williamson el-Effendi is Bumble’s Head of Brand. She majored in Cinema-Television at SMU, where she discovered her love of content creation.  Having a variety of experience with film and production, Alex began managing social media for Bumble in October 2014 and worked her way into her current position with an unwavering passion for the company’s mission and a strong belief in the brand. el-Effendi helps empower Bumble users and brings Bumble CEO and founder Whitney Wolfe Herd’s innovative ideas to life. Alex communicates this vision with the Bumble community through voice, content, social media, and customer service.

 

TALK: The Realm Of What’s Possible

Art delaCruz

Art delaCruz is the Chief Operating Officer at Team Rubicon, a nation-wide nonprofit that unites American military veterans with first responders to provide immediate disaster relief. Art served in the Navy as a Naval Officer for 22 years. After retiring from the Navy, Art realized he was having a hard time finding a job that aligned with his skills. This is what inspired him to join Team Rubicon, so he could empower military veterans like himself to take their specific skills gained from the military and apply them to providing essential disaster relief. Art worked for the aerospace engineering company Northrop Grumman in Business Strategy and Strategic Planning before accepting his current position at Team Rubicon.

Social goodness is weaved into all aspects of The Heart Series. We invite you to join us in supporting our socially conscious 2018 partners.

About Food and Beverage Partners

Boxed Water:A sustainable drinking water company that believes in better, changing the way water is sold, shipped and consumed. Each water carton is recyclable, 100% BPA free, and made using paper from well-managed forests. Sourced and purposely purified near end consumption to reduce transportation carbon footprint.  A member of 1% for the planet. boxedwaterisbetter.com @boxedwater

Bare Snacks + GoGo SqueeZ: Providing our breakfast parfaits, Bare Snacks are crave-ably crunchy snacks from simple, real ingredients. Real fruit sliced and baked to a hearty crunch. Only the ingredients you need with nothing extra, no added oil, and nothing artificial. They’ve collaborated here with GoGo SqueeZ, the leading 100% fruit in a pouch with over 20 varieties of fruit, veggieZ and YogurtZ – they are Goodness on the Go. baresnacks.com and gogosqueez.com @baresnacks @gogosqueez

Ben & Jerrry’s:  Ben & Jerry’s operates on a three-part mission that aims to create linked prosperity for everyone that’s connected to the business – product, economic and social missions.  Socially, as the campaign to label food products made with GMO ingredients moves across the states, including Vermont, Ben & Jerry’s is proud to stand with the growing consumer movement for transparency and the right to know what’s in our food supply by supporting mandatory GMO labeling legislation. benjerry.com @benandjerrys

Califia Farms Coffee & Juices:  Califia Farms helps us love our body by being natural and GMO-free. They love the planet by being sustainably-sourced. From packaging materials to using renewable energy, from upcycling the process-water to local agriculture and developing Direct Trade relationships with coffee farmers, Califia Farms is on a journey toward a sustainable, plant-powered future.  califiafarms.com @califiafarms  

Deep River Snacks:  At Deep River Snacks they’re committed to making delicious snacks and helping communities, pledging to donate at least 10% of profits to charity each year.  In addition, each bag features a charity partner in an effort to provide exposure and support.  Deep River Snacks has donated tens of thousands of bags of chips to charitable events every year.   deepriversnacks.com/giving-back @deepriversnacks

Le Pain Quotidien:  Le Pain Quotidien means the daily bread.  It’s much more than mere sustenance; it’s a way of life as friends gather around communal tables to share in the time-honored tradition of breaking bread.  Le Pain Quotidien serves simple, rustic fare made with organic ingredients whenever possible, for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  lepainquotidien.com  @lepainquotidien

Isabella’s Cookie Company: Isabella’s Cookie Company was founded on 1) only the finest ingredients are used to generate a consistent product every time. Real butter, sweet vanilla, and wholesome chocolate and peanut butter are used in every batch to produce the cookie creations! 2)  freshness is crucial to the enjoyment of treats.  Because they do not contain any artificial ingredients or preservatives, they only have a fourteen day shelf life before they begin to lose their freshness, but they never last that long!  3) Satisfaction is guaranteed with every treat. Your sweet tooth will be satisfied.  Isabellascookies.com  @iloveisabellas

Kite Hill: is proud to create delicious plant-based food using time honored techniques. They have figured out how to make buttery fresh ricotta, aged nut milk delicacies, creamy almond milk yogurt, and fantastic entrées and desserts — all out of fresh nut milk. You shouldn’t have to choose between good taste and good ethics. Kite Hill makes it easy — and delicious — to reduce your environmental impact. No matter how you slice it, plant-based diets are kind to the earth and kind to animals. www.kite-hill.com/sustainability @kitehillfoods

ROOTS Hummus: An award winning hummus, established in the Arts District of Asheville North Carolina, marked as “The Best Hummus on the Planet” and can be found at any Whole Foods.  ROOTS Hummus has launched The Roots Foundation, a social enterprise dedicated to enhancing education by creating thriving outdoor classrooms and enriching our communities through edible landscapes. rootshummus.com/purpose/  @rootshummus

Suja Juice: Suja, meaning long, beautiful life, embodies the promise that flows from the cold-pressured beverages it delivers in each and every bottle. With Suja cold-pressed juice, you can help renew, refresh and reset healthy habits every day. Their juices are always certified organic, cold-pressed and never GMO. At Suja, if it’s not organic, it’s not in their bottle.  Sujajuice.com @lovesuja

This Bar Saves Lives: It’s simple: for every non-GMO, gluten free, and ridiculously delicious bar sold, This Bar Saves Lives gives life-saving food to a child in need. Buy a bar. Feed a child. We eat together.  Thisbarsaveslives.com @thisbar

Sweetgreen: A destination for simple, seasonal and healthy food – from locally sourced ingredients and trusted suppliers. The food is prepared every morning in scratch cooking style and from produce supplied the very same day. Sweetgreen believes the choices we make about what we eat, where it comes from and how it’s prepared, has a direct impact on the health of individuals, communities and the environment. sweetgreen.com @sweetgreen

Verve Coffee Roasters:  Verve Coffee Roasters supports producers, exporters, roasters, and baristas in making each cup an authentic, quality experience – from Farmlevel to Streetlevel. The Streetlevel focus is to deliver exceptional customer interactions, while encouraging those at Farmlevel to consistently produce the best coffees on the planet. By connecting farmers at Farmlevel, with customers at Streetlevel, the Farmlevel Initiative creates an open line of communication that transcends distance, language, and culture.  Vervecoffee.com @vervecoffee.com

And our plateware, napkins and utensils have been provided by Cheeky Home:  Cheeky® creates modern mealtime solutions with a witty spirit to help end hunger in the U.S. Cheeky tableware is available exclusively at Target stores and Target.com. For each Cheeky item purchased, Cheeky helps give a meal* through its partnership with Feeding America® and No Kid Hungry®. Since Cheeky launched in November 2014, the company has already generated over 12 million meals. Cheeky believes in the transformative power of sharing a meal and is on a mission to make mealtime matter. *For more information visit cheekyhome.com/cause  

Following the conference all remaining food and drinks are donated to Down But Not Out and Monday Night Mission.  For close to four years, every Thursday Down But Not Out serves food and water to the homeless people of Skid Row in Downtown Los Angeles, but more than the food are the conversations, hugs and smiles they get to exchange with their friends who are ‘Down But Not Out’.  Monday Night Mission meets every weeknight to feed homeless brothers and sisters on Skid Row.  dbnohelps.com facebook.com/mondaynightmission  @dbnohelps @mondaynightmission   

About Our Material and Décor Partners

All notebooks and various experience products are provided by Brandless: A consumer goods company with one big mission, at one awesome price. Find everything you need, from groceries to household items all at $3.  Brandless has partnered with Feeding America®, the nation’s leading domestic hunger relief organization, donating a meal every time you shop on Brandless.  brandless.com @brandlesslife  

Our printed material such as the conference program, bag tags and various signage has been graciously printed by California Green Press, the recognized leader in Eco-friendly printing with a focus to deliver quality printed collateral in the most environmentally-friendly manner possible, educated on all of the new environmentally-friendly products and technologies that are available in the print industry. californiagreenpress.com

Thought journals have been provided by Ecojot, one of Canada’s first B Corporations, founded by brother and sister team Mark and Carolyn Gavin.  Ecojot paper is 100% post-consumer recycled – made entirely from old waste paper in the award-winning Cascades mill in Quebec, Canada.  All inks and glues are vegetable based, and all black and kraft boards are sourced from sustainable suppliers in North America. Through their buy 1, give 1 campaign, Ecojot has donated hundreds of thousands of pens and notebooks to children in some of the poorest countries on the planet.  ecojot.com  @ecojot

The writing supplies available around the event are provided by Yoobi: Yoobi creates fun, colorful stuff for school, home or office that gives back. For every Yoobi item you purchase, a Yoobi item will be donated to classroom in need, right here in the U.S. Since the launch in 2014, Yoobi has impacted 2 MILLION kids in need, and that’s just the beginning.  Yoobi.com @yoobi

Much of the wood used in our signage is purchased from Habitat for Humanity ReStores, nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers whose proceeds are used to help build strength, stability, self-reliance and shelter in local communities and around the world.  

Our gift bags  are made out of 100% recycled PET, the kind of plastic bottles that are recycled every day, and entirely made in the USA.  Each gift bag is filled with products from truly socially good companies; thank you to our partners and speakers: This Bar Saves Lives, Sweetgreen, Suja Juice, Cheeky, Brandless, Yoobi, Kurandza, MARLOWE.Skin, You Are Amazing Beauty, Latada, Mitchell + Peach, Hand In Hand Soap, The Smile Life, Rouse Condoms, Dogeared, Cocofloss, Ben & Jerrys, Eco Jot, Thrive Market, Krochet Kids Intl., MyIntent, Tarte Cosmetics, dailyKARMA, Follow The Sun, Faucet Face, Arbonne, Bumble,  YouCaring, Team Rubicon, G Adventures, Urbana Sacs and Bare Snacks.  

About Our Activation Partners

Arbonne:  Arbonne vegan and gluten-free certified products are developed with premium blends of vitamins, minerals, botanicals, antioxidants, enzymes, prebiotics, and probiotics for maximum product effectiveness, providing all the nutrients needed for high-quality formulas for every body.  clarabaum.arbonne.com

SmoothBag™: produces innovative and very comfortable inflatable lounging furniture that is setup within seconds without needing a pump and also easily packed back up in seconds so you can literally use it anywhere and anytime. SmoothBag™ is praised for its easy setup, great pricing as well as premium durability and is the official licensee of several major brands. Aside from inflatable loungers SmoothBag has a very popular collection of innovative non-inflatable loungers such as floating beanbags, trendy digitally printed poufs & cubes and much more! www.smoothbag.com

Two Bit Circus Foundation: Designed to cultivate a new generation of inventors, Two Bit Circus Foundation (2BCF) encourages environmental stewardship and spurs community engagement.  2BCF minimizes environmental waste and maximizes MAKER-influenced, innovative classroom education by capturing California manufacturers’ over-runs and clean discards headed to landfills and redirecting them to teachers for hands-on learning. 2BCF’s STEAM Carnival (SC) is a full stack replacement for the science fair and the bake sale. The SC Playbook gives students the guidance and all the tools needed for a successful event.

UMA Oils:  Handcrafted in the Ayurvedic tradition, UMA’s organic remedies are unparalleled in their purity and therapeutic benefits. Each formula is grown, blended and bottled in small batches at our lush Indian estate. These traditional treatments, originally handcrafted for Indian Royalty over 800 years ago, have been passed down in the family in secrecy, and continue to deliver time-tested impact in the most luxurious way.  umaoils.com  @umaoils

 

worksmart: worksmart delivers training experiences that engage creativity and innovative thinking at every level of an organization. Their methods help companies discover and utilize the innate creativity of their people – because everyone has good ideas, and we are all creative. By fostering this creativity, you unleash a wealth of ideas that benefit your business, your people, and your community.  worksmartadvantage.com @worksmartadvantage

Additional marketing has been provided by PR with Heart, founded by Tanya Rivas, bringing publicity to brands that want to get exposure + create the impact that they want to make.   prwithheart.com

Digital marketing assistance has been provided by ChuckJoe, a conscious digital agency focused on working with brands, businesses, and people with a purpose. Creating a great product is no longer enough. Consumers, employees, shareholders and the general public are looking for companies with a mission. This is true today and will be even more true tomorrow. This can be built directly into a product, business model, or culture. At ChuckJoe their mission is to help purpose-driven organizations navigate the ever-changing digital landscape.  chuckjoe.co  @YoChuckJoe

About Heart To Heart: The After Hours Event Partners

We are honored and proud to partner with Yoobi, Cheeky and Beach House Group brands to host our annual Thursday evening event.  As listed above, all of these great companies have a give back model that impacts millions of people in need.  

Beyond Meat: Beyond Meat is dedicated to improving human health, positively impacting climate change, conserving natural resources and respecting animal welfare. The Beyond Burger is made from simple plant-based ingredients, applied in fresh ways. Peas provide the protein. Trace amounts of beet lend the beefy red color. Coconut oil and potato starch ensure mouth-watering juiciness and chew. The result is an uncompromisingly delicious burger, made directly from plants.  beyondmeat.com  @beyondmeat

ONEHope Wine:  Founded by eight friends with a lofty vision; to create exceptional products that inspire people to indulge while doing good.  Their commitment to quality wine is as important as their commitment to the causes they support.  To date they have made more than $3 million in donations, provided 46,000 people with global health care, 49,000 forever homes for shelter animals, 1.8 million meals for children, 163,000 life saving vaccines, and so much more.  onehopewine.com @onehope  

The Coffee Bean + Tea Leaf:  The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® embodies a passion for connecting loyal guests to one another with carefully handcrafted products, and known for sourcing and providing the finest ingredients and flavors from around the world.  From investing in programs that care for farmers’ well-being, to training the next generation of growers, to protecting the environment, Coffee Bean does everything they can to leave the communities sourced from a little better than they found them.  coffeebean.com  @thecoffeebean

Tin Roof Bistro: Providing our dessert for the evening is Tin Roof Bistro, a Manhattan Beach locals’ hang out with a wine country vibe, offering two separate outdoor dining experiences: a courtyard with full service and a front porch great for appetizers, drinks and a game of cornhole. tinroofbistro.com @tinroofbistro