Atendee Check-In & Breakfast

Abbott Pavilion | French Quarter 

Check-in, receive your badge, and grab breakfast.

Conference Welcome & Opening Remarks

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 In celebration of the 39th anniversary of the BMA Conference, our Co-Chairs will open the day by sharing the importance of being “paid in equity”, both financially and socially.

 

Francesca Cornelli, Dean of the Kellogg School of Management  

Taylor Martin | Kellogg 2Y ‘26, BMAC Co-Chair 
Angeline Harry | Kellogg 2Y ‘26, BMAC Co-Chair 
 

Opening Keynote: “Equity from Every Angle”

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Marty Nesbitt, Co-founder and Co-CEO at Vistria Group

John Rogers, Co-founder and Co-CEO at Ariel Investments

Moderated by Francesca Cornelli, Dean of the Kellogg School of Management  

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Legacy Letter Writing: Activity Overview

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The Legacy Letter Writing Activity invites attendees to craft a personal letter to their future selves, centered on the legacy and impact they hope to accomplish in the future from their current stage of life. This guided experience is designed to reinforce the theme of equity not just as a financial concept, but as a deeply personal and generational one. All materials will be provided, and letters can be kept private or sealed and mailed at a future date.

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Led by Yemi Akisanya, VP of Axon (Kellogg Alumnus '19)

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Break

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Boardrooms & Bias: How Equity is Distributed from the Top

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"Boardrooms & Bias” explores how power is acquired and maintained in corporate boardrooms. This panel will unpack the role of social capital in governance and the importance of board participation in driving meaningful impact. This panel will also explore strategies to reshape who holds influence at the highest levels of business.

Virginia "Ginny" Clarke, Conscious Leadership Expert | Former Executive at Google ('84 MBA)
Marques Torbert, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at 5th Century Partners
Steve Manley, Chief People Officer at Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Moderated by Raina Williams, 2Y Kellogg MBA '26

Break

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Fireside Chat: Still Hungry: Purpose, Potential, and Credibility

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Victor Barnes, Former CFO of The McDonald's Division of Coca-Cola | Executive Coach & Board Director | Author of Chasing Credibility ('08 MBA)
Moderated by Deondre Robinson, MMM Kellogg MBA '26

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Lunch & Sponsor Networking

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Building connections is an important part of any conference. Take the time meet some of our amazing BMA family, sponsoring organization, and supportive allies, and grow your professional network 

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How to "Bet on Yourself" Masterclass

Part 1: Equity as Compensation: Building Wealth

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Jennifer Jaucian, Associate Director - Career Advising and Education

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Part 2: Demystifying Equity and Building for the Long Term

Keyaira Lock, Director of Entrepreneurship at The Garage at Northwestern

 

Break

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DEI Reimagined: Beyond the Acronym

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As DEI programs face increased scrutiny, this panel will examine how leaders are redefining inclusion and advancing equity. Today’s leaders will share how they are finding new ways to push for systemic change within corporate systems even as legal and cultural backlash intensify.

Aaron Mitchell, Former Human Resources Executive at Netflix

Melissa Donaldson, Former Global Head of DEI at Morningstar ('17 MS)
Michelle Y. Bess, Former Chief People Officer, Oppfi
Moderated by Haley Hammond, 2Y Kellogg MBA '26

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Break

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Innovation with Roots

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​This conversation will explore how creators and executives in the tech and media spaces are reclaiming agency in industries, while navigating the rapid rise of artificial intelligence in media and technology. Panelists will discuss how they’re building sustainable futures rooted in authenticity and impact, all while examining what AI’s transformation of these industries means for both creators and consumers.

Esther Franklin, Chief Strategy Officer, Publicis Media ('93 MBA)

Lizette Williams, Managing Director, Global Head of Business Content Marketing at Meta ('07 MBA)

Tifair Hamed, Chief Growth Officer, P33 Chicago ('23 MS)

Moderated by Draper Brown, 2Y Kellogg MBA '27

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Break

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Closing Remarks: Courage, Conviction, and the Call to Lead

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Roslyn Brock, Chairman Emeritus of the NAACP ('99 MBA)

Moderated by William Towns, Adjunct Professor Social Impact Kellogg School of Management

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Alumni Networking Happy Hour

French Quarter

Please join us for an evening of drinks and hors d’oeuvres as you reconnect with your fellow Kellogg alumni! 

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