FLYWHEEL IMPACT CATALYST MIDWEST 2026
Memorial Hall | Cincinnati, OH | June 23, 2026
SCHEDULE & SESSION INFORMATION
7:30 AM | Registration, Breakfast + Networking
Sponsored by Miami University Center for Social Entrepreneurship
Coffee generously donated by Laterza Coffee
8:30 AM | Welcome Remarks
Donna Zaring | Executive Director, Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub
MORNING SESSION BLOCK
Sponsored by The Greater Cincinnati Foundation
Keynote Addresses
9:00 AM | Jenna Nicholas | CEO, Lightpost Capital, Co-Founder + CEO, Impact Experience (San Francisco) MAINSTAGE
In this keynote, Jenna Nicholas—a nationally recognized impact investing leader, bridge-builder, and Forbes 30 Under 30 Social Entrepreneur—will challenge and inspire attendees to think bigger about the role of capital in driving systems change. Drawing on insights from her recently published book, Enlightened Bottom Line, she will illuminate how aligning investment with community priorities can unlock lasting transformation, offering a powerful vision for how purpose-driven capital can shape a more promising future for all.
10:00 AM | Michael O’Bryan | Founder & CEO, humanature + Director, The Wealth + Work Futures Lab (Philadelphia) MAINSTAGE
Demonstrated through his experiences as a nationally-recognized workforce strategist, Michael will highlight how communities can move beyond constraints and embrace the intersections of capital, design, and collaboration to produce meaningful outcomes. Attendees will be invited to hold a clear vision for the future while navigating ambiguity in the present to build the kind of inclusive economic growth and wellbeing our region will depend on.
Panel Discussion
11:00 AM | From Vision to Action: Advancing Regional Priorities in the Midwest | MAINSTAGE
This panel will bring the conversation home—connecting national perspectives to the real opportunities and challenges shaping our region. Our regions’s civic and business leaders will share how they are aligning public, private, and philanthropic efforts to address critical gaps, strengthen the regional economy, and drive inclusive growth, offering a view of what’s working and where collaboration can accelerate lasting impact across the Midwest.
Workshops
11:00 AM | Funder Engagement 101: What Investors Look For | BALLROOM 1
This practical workshop equips purpose-driven entrepreneurs with the tools and insights needed to successfully engage funders and secure investment. Learn what investors prioritize when evaluating opportunities, how to navigate the due diligence process with confidence, and best practices for tracking and communicating both financial performance and social impact. Ideal for founders looking to strengthen their fundraising strategy and build lasting investor relationships.
Featuring: Jennifer Abel, VC414 | Sheri Chaney Jones, Founder and CEO, Sure Impact | Sue Bevan Baggott, Investor, QCA Ventures and Founder, Power Within Consulting
MID-DAY BLOCK
Boxed Lunch and Networking
12:00 PM — 1:00 PM | BALLROOM 2
Elevator Pitch Showcase
12:15 PM - 12:45 PM | MAINSTAGE
Facilitated by Jonathan Preedom, PHD Professor of Entrepreneurship at Louisiana State University
(Selected Founders to be announced)
Fireside Chat
1:00 PM | Suzanne Smith | Founder and CEO, Social Impact Architects + Professor, University of Texas (Austin) | MAINSTAGE
In this engaging fireside chat, Flywheel sits down with Suzanne Smith, a nationally respected social entrepreneur and nonprofit strategist, to explore what it takes to turn bold ideas into measurable, purpose-driven impact. Drawing on Suzanne’s extensive experience accelerating social change, the conversation will highlight key lessons from her career and the evolution of the social impact landscape over the past decade.
Together, they will dive into practical strategies for building and sustaining strong networks of organizations, funders, and community leaders—unlocking the kind of collaboration needed to drive collective impact at scale. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how to foster alignment, amplify impact, and create lasting systems-level change.
AFTERNOON SESSION BLOCK
Sponsored by Ohio Valley Goodwill
Workshops
2:00 PM | Intro to Impact Investing | BALLROOM 1
This workshop is designed for individuals looking to begin their journey in impact investing. Led by a cross-sector group of experienced practitioners, the session will demystify the landscape, explore different entry points for deploying capital, and offer practical guidance on aligning your financial goals with meaningful social and environmental impact. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the tools, strategies, and next steps to start investing with purpose.
Featuring: Sabari Raja Raja, Managing Partner, JFF Ventures | Mark Conrad, Private Funds Attorney, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP | Sue Bevan Baggott, Investor, QCA Ventures and Founder of Power Within Consulting
2:30 PM | Gather 4 Good: Building a Regional Social Impact Ecosystem | | STUDIO SPACE | *Pre-registration required
Sponsored by Social Venture Partners
A highly participatory facilitated half-day working session connecting insights into action, activating regional partners to shape a shared vision and identify practical next steps for building a thriving Midwest social impact ecosystem.
Facilitated by Catherine Salzman, Founder of Heartwood Strategies, and the G4G Founding Partners: Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub, SEA Change, Conscious Capitalism, Social Enterprise Alliance, Social Venture Partners, Social Impact Architects
3:45 PM | Capital and Community: Investing in Place for Lasting Impact | BALLROOM 2
In this breakout session, experts will dive into innovative strategies in place-based impact investing—exploring how capital can be deployed to generate both financial returns and meaningful community benefit. Experts will share how they are structuring deals that integrate traditional real estate investment with revenue-generating social enterprises, unlocking new models for sustainable, locally rooted impact and long-term economic vitality.
Featuring: Gary Painter, Director, University of Cincinnati Center for Real Estate | Pamela Ruossos, Executive Director, Weaving Impact | Joshua Pine, Director, Cincinnati City Innovation Team (Bloomberg Philanthropies)
Panel Discussions
2:30 PM | Purpose and Profit: How Corporations Are Driving Impact and Growth | MAINSTAGE
Sponsored by E.W. Scripps
A panel discussion exploring how corporations are leveraging purpose-driven innovation to strengthen brand identity, while creating meaningful value for the communities they serve. Leaders will share real-world strategies for aligning business goals with social impact to drive long-term trust, loyalty, and growth.
2:30 PM | Social Enterprise in Action | BALLROOM 2
Sponsored by University of Cincinnati 1819 Innovation Hub
Meet The Trailblazers Reshaping our Region (Founders to be announced)
3:45 PM | Investing in Our Region’s Youth | MAINSTAGE
Sponsored by Tablesense Kids
For both investors and social entrepreneurs alike, this session will discuss opportunities to generate a double bottom-line centered on improving youth outcomes. Covering private sector, philanthropic and government-funded solutions, including “blended capital” models, this diverse panel will demonstrate what is already working, and where there are opportunities for additional field-building.
Featuring: Kaitlin Watts, Director of Innovative Finance, Institute for Child Success | Dr. Kelly Kelleher, Vice President, Nationwide Children’s | Katie Nzekwu, Founder & CEO, Found Village
5:00 PM — 7:00 PM | Networking & HAPPY HOUR
Sponsored by Game Day Communications
Who is attending: ~300
Investors and Funders — Private, Community, Corporate Foundations, Angel and Venture Investors
Community Leaders — Government, Business and Nonprofit leaders from the region
Social Entrepreneurs — Founders, Innovators, and Support Organizations