Innovation & Impact Conference 2026

CONFERENCE AGENA

12:00-1:00 pm: Registration, Innovation Expo, Networking
Light Refreshments
1:00-1:15 pm: Welcome
Nishita Roy-Pope - CEO, Courage Builder
Stacey Messier - General Manager, CIC New England
1:15-1:30 pm: Keynote
Cortney Nicolato - President & CEO, United Way of Rhode Island
1:30-2:20 pm: Mainstage Panel - Responsible Innovation
A conversation focused on socially responsible innovation and ethical AI
Alison Bologna - Founder and Executive Director, Shri Studio, Service Corps and Bark
Jeff Wilhelm - CEO, Infused Innovations
Julie Sullivan Owens - CEO, Social Enterprise Greenhouse
Scott A. McGregor - CEO, A Bigger Table consulting firm and Former Director at Cisco
Florcy Morisset - Client Partner, Accenture & AI and Innovation Leader (Moderator)

2:20-2:50 pm: Networking, Innovation Expo
CIC Tour - Optional

2:50-3:40 pm: Mainstage Panel - Courageous Leadership
A conversation focused on how to navigate with courage during uncertain times and strategies to succeed when championing for long-term change
Dr. Marissa Ruff - Vice President, Seven Hills Rhode Island
Rebecca Twitchell - CEO, half full
Monika Zuluaga - President, Northern RI Chamber of Commerce
Dr. John Oleiro - Executive Director, URI Office of Strategic Initiatives
Garry Foisy - Partner and Principal Facilitator, Dirigo
Nishita Roy-Pope - CEO, Courage Builder (Moderator)
3:40-4:10 pm: Mainstage Leadership Conversation
Kevin Lopes - Vice President, ESPN Sports Business Development and Innovation
Nishita Roy-Pope - CEO, Courage Builder (Moderator)

4:10-4:30 pm: Leadership Awards & Closing
Dr. Ruby Roy Dholakia Memorial Award
Closing Remarks
4:30-5:30 pm: Innovation Expo, Networking & Refreshments
Conference Location: District Hall - CIC 2nd Floor

INNOVATION EXPO - FEATURED ORGANIZATIONS

• Social Enterprise Greenhouse
• Half Full
• Dirigo
• Providence Business News
• Infused Innovations
• NautIQ

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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