Attendee Check-in and Breakfast

Abbott Pavilion | French Quarter

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Check in, receive your name tag, and join us for breakfast.

Welcome Address & Opening Remarks

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As we celebrate the 38th anniversary of the BMA Conference, our Co-Chairs will shed light on what it means to have a "seat at the table" and the importance of everyone having a voice.

Alexandre Pendergrass | Kellogg 2Y '25, BMAC Co-Chair

Whitney Winn Hawkes | Kellogg 2Y '25, BMAC Co-Chair

Greg Hanifee | Associate Dean, Degree Programs and Operations

Opening Keynote: "Setting the Table for Change"

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"Setting the Table for Change" explores how leaders can drive meaningful social impact by creating inclusive spaces where diverse voices are empowered to take action. Attendees will gain insights on using their influence to address societal challenges and foster lasting, transformative change.

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Njideka Harry  | Global Vice President & Leadership Group member, Ashoka

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Moderated by Michele Rogers

"Taking a Seat in Unity"

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"Taking a Seat in Unity" focuses on how strategic partnerships can strengthen communities and create shared opportunities for success. Panelists will discuss collaborative approaches to overcoming challenges and building inclusive initiatives that benefit all stakeholders. 

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Cheerese Johnson | Diversity & Inclusion Strategy Lead, Chevron (Kellogg '07)

Tawa Mitchell | Senior Program Officer, MacArthur Foundation

Susan Campbell | Director of Planning and Development, Cook County Bureau of Economic Development​

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Moderated by Dr. William Towns

"Creating Your Own Table"

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"Creating Your Own Table" dives into the key considerations for starting your entrepreneurial journey, from identifying opportunities to building a strong foundation. Panelists will share insights on overcoming obstacles, fostering innovation, and developing a vision that leads to long-term success.

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Star Cunningham | Founder & CEO, 4D Healthware LLC (Kellogg '01)

​Peter Anthony Jackson | Business Buyer, Jackson Acquisiton Search 2.0 (Kellogg '10)

Ivy Walker | CEO, Purposeful Workforce Solutions (Kellogg '98)

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Moderated by Deondre Robinson (MMM '26)

Lunch & Transition

French Quarter

"Designing for Every Seat"

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"Creating Your Own Table" dives into the key considerations for starting your entrepreneurial journey, from identifying opportunities to building a strong foundation. Panelists will share insights on overcoming obstacles, fostering innovation, and developing a vision that leads to long-term success.

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Angela Simpson | Senior Vice President of Marketing, NARS Cosmetics (Kellogg '98)

Kenard Gibbs | Vice President of Midwestern Sales, BET Media Group (Kellogg '94)

Shirley Golen | Head of Business Development, Amazon (Kellogg '06)

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Moderated by Dr. Rima Toure-Tillery

"The Head of the Table"

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"The Head of the Table" delves into how leaders can identify and leverage their unique skills to drive success and inspire others. The speaker will offer insights on cultivating self-awareness, developing effective leadership strategies, and creating environments where diverse talents can thrive and contribute meaningfully.

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Francesca Cornelli | Dean of Kellogg School of Management

Janice Bryant Howroyd | Founder & CEO, ActOne Group

Jim Lowry | Senior Advisor, Boston Consulting Group and Founder, James H. Lowry & Associates

Closing Remarks

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Gillray Cadet | Finance Director, Amazon Business (Kellogg '06)

Celebratory Networking Happy Hour 

French Quarter

Please join us for a networking happy hour to continue the conversation and foster new connections.