Innovation & Impact Conference 2026

The Conference will take place in the main event venue located on the 2nd floor of the CIC.
Conference Agenda

12:00-1:00 pm: Registration, Expo, Networking
Light Refreshments
1:00-1:10 pm: Welcome
Founder's Welcome: Nishita Roy-Pope, Founder & CEO, Courage Builder
CIC Leader
1:10-1:30 pm: Opening Keynote
Cortney Nicolato - CEO, United Way of Rhode Island
1:30-2:20 pm: Mainstage Panel - Innovation with Impact
(Focus on responsible innovation, ethical AI and social impact-focused innovation)
Jeff Wilhelm - CEO, Inflused Innovations
Julie Sullivan Owens - CEO, Social Enterprise Greenhouse
Scott A. McGregor - CEO, A Bigger Table consulting firm and Former Director at Cisco
Nishita Roy-Pope - CEO, Courage Builder - Moderator

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

2:50-3:40 pm: Mainstage Panel - Courageous Leadership
(Focus on stories of courage and leadership strategies to create a more vibrant, innovative and connected workforce)
Dr. Marissa Ruff - Vice President, Seven Hills Foundation of Rhode Island
Rebecca Twitchell - CEO, half full
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 Presentation
Closing Remarks
4:30-5:30 pm: Expo, Networking & Refreshments

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