THE Event for People of Color in Philanthropy
Philanthropy addresses the world’s most pressing challenges. The Summit is our annual signature Joy-Raising experience, bringing together visionary leaders and innovative thinkers to equip ourselves with the tools, insights, and inspiration needed to make a lasting impact.
Join us for The Summit 2025
June 23 & 24, 2025 at the University of Chicago!
The Summit
2025
June 23-24, 2025
University of Chicago
Community- Leadership - Affinity - Progress
Registration Fees:
Early Bird (Through April 21, 2025): $1,050
General Admission (After April 21, 2025): $1,250
Includes meals on both days and reception dinner
Limited fellowships are available:
info@joy-raising.com
2025 Speakers for The Summit
(More speakers announced soon!)
Brian Li
Financial Educator
Joshua Ireland
CEO,
Jefferson Bridge Capital, LLC
Janiece Evans- Page
CEO, Tides
Karl Kemp
Executive Director,
Common Ground Foundation
Dr. Jennifer Turner
Founder & CEO
The MADCOOL Company
Steven Wallace
Managing Director and VP
Aspen Leadership Group
Christal M. Cherry
Founder
F3 Fabulous, Female Fundraisers
More Speakers
Coming soon!
Who's Coming?
The Summit welcomes professionals and volunteers of color who champion positive change within nonprofits, foundations, corporate social responsibility efforts, and social enterprises. Our attendees include:
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Executive Directors and CEOs
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Board Members
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Heads of School
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Chief Advancement Officers
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Directors of Development
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Major Gift Officers
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Program Officers
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Marketing and Communications Managers
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Dedicated Volunteers
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And those aspiring to these roles
Whether you're just embarking on your journey in this sector or you're a seasoned expert, The Summit promises to deliver an invaluable experience tailored to your professional growth.
Those traveling to Chicago for The Summit
You're in luck! June is typically one of the best times of the year to visit Chicago, for weather and activities. Here are som details that will help you plan your stay:
Where to Stay
We have arranged a special group block with the beautiful Sophy Hotel located near campus in Hyde Park. Use this link to make your reservation and receive a 15% discount:
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Book Online:
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Group Name: SOPHY – Joy Raising
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Group Rate: $239/Night
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Group Code: 170527
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Stay Dates: Sunday, June 22nd – Tuesday, June 24th, 2025
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Note: Should you wish to stay outside of these dates, you must book your reservation for the group block dates online first and then reach out to Paige Brown in sales via email (pbrown@sophyhotel.com) with your confirmation number to add the additional nights. Trying to include additional dates not listed above will result in a “Invalid Code” message.
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Must Book By: May 22nd, 2025
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Book by Phone: (833) 347-0042
You may also consider Airbnb listings in Hyde Park or many hotels in Chicago through Hotels.com.
The Summit is For You
In the vast landscape of philanthropy, many of us, as people of color, have walked into rooms where we're the sole torchbearers of our communities. We've risen to the occasion, gracefully maneuvering through these spaces, driven by the knowledge of our indispensable presence. Now, envision a space where that spark is multiplied, where every corner resonates with talent, passion, and unity.
Welcome to The Summit - a haven where you're not 'the only', but part of a powerful majority, where you can unapologetically be your authentic self, driving transformative change for all.
The Gordon Parks
Arts Hall
On the prestigious University of Chicago's campus lies the Gordon Parks Arts Hall, a state-of-the-art facility that embodies the spirit and dedication of the legendary photojournalist, Gordon Parks. With an unwavering commitment to social justice, Parks' legacy is beautifully intertwined with the hall's contemporary architecture and its embodiment of excellence. A perfect venue for The Summit.
Industry Leaders
At Joy-Raising, we're not just hosting another philanthropic event. With The Summit, we're curating a dynamic assembly of visionary leaders, each one trailblazing their way through society's most pressing challenges. Their stories resonate with authenticity, passion, and transformative impact.
Esteemed Leaders Who Have Inspired Us
Dr. Trisha Bailey
Business Mogul - Philanthropist
Greg Bishop
Executive Director
Joe and Clara
Tsai Foundation's Social Justice Fund
Cecilia Conrad, PhD
MacArthur Foundation
Lever for Change
Billy Dexter
Partner
Heidrick & Struggles
Valencia Bembry
Former Head of Philanthropy,
United Nations Foundation
Reveta Bowers
Former Head of School
The Center for Early Education
Ayana Byrd
Author, Journalist, Screenwriter
James Calleroz White
Head of School
The Galloway School
Trustee
Alexandria Wyllie
Development Manager, Urban Ed Academy
"I'm returning to The Summit again this year because it was honestly the best conference experience I’ve ever had. The speakers were very generous with their experience, and I left The Summit with a refreshed sense of excitement for fundraising and a larger network of BIPOC fundraising leaders."
The Summit is an annual gathering where leaders of color in philanthropy unite for impactful learning, collaboration, and networking. Now in its fourth year, The Summit continues to grow in significance, fostering knowledge-sharing and connections in a supportive, empowering environment.
By sponsoring, your organization aligns with this transformative experience and amplifies its mission. Choose a sponsorship level that matches your vision, and join us in making a difference.
Sponsorship Levels:
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Platinum: $25,000
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Gold: $15,000
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Silver: $10,000
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Bronze: $5,000
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Copper: $2,500
Contact us today to secure your sponsorship:
Past Sponsors
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