Where Chicago's Future Workforce Takes Root
Chicago's first intergenerational workforce conference will return in 2026 with even more impact. Join the movement that's creating jobs, opening career pathways, and reshaping how emerging and established leaders connect, learn, and grow together.
Spring 2026 | Bank of America Tower, 110 N Wacker Drive
75 Professional Connections
•
55 Students Mentored
•
48 Companies Represented
•
9/10 Likelihood to Recommend
•
75 Professional Connections • 55 Students Mentored • 48 Companies Represented • 9/10 Likelihood to Recommend •
Cultivate 2025 sold out - hold your spot today!
What 2025 Attendees Are Saying
With a 94% recommendation rate, here's why Cultivate 2025 exceeded every expectation:
“Cultivate surprised me in the best way because it helped me revisit certain long-held beliefs and “shoulds” with a fresh perspective. That mindset—being open and flexible enough to see something familiar in a new light—is where I think this conference really delivered.”
Emma Campbell, The Marketing Store
“Cultivate was incredible. That was my first time being at a conference with both professional adults and students in the same room. I think we need more of this in our community and I absolutely love the work that Prismatic is doing!”
Diara Bradley - Vi Living
“I walked into Cultivate thinking it was going to be an amazing experience for the students participating in Prismatic.
What I didn't truly anticipate was how much value, wisdom and connection was going to happen for the adults in the room as well. I met so many incredible people, learned so many things not only centered on intergenerational networking and connection, but things that I could implement immediately into my own role to make my own experiences richer. I can't wait for 2026!”
Caitlin McAllister, Workbox
“Being part of this gathering was a true honor. Debra Giunta and her team didn’t just host an event—they created a space that bridged generations, sparked ideas, and left everyone energized to grow and give back.
I believe I left more blessed than the students!”
George Miller - EQ Leadership
Cultivate 2025: Powered by Visionary Partners
We're grateful to the forward-thinking companies who made Cultivate 2025 possible and invested in Chicago's workforce future.
130
Total Attendees
Cultivate 2025 in Action
55
Students Mentored
48
Partner Companies
100%
of Surveyed Attendees Would Recommend
Photos by Nick Robins Photography and Dave Giunta
A Peek Inside Chicago's First Intergenerational Workforce Conference
Cultivate brings together Chicago's emerging and established leaders for a day of skill-building, mentorship, and meaningful connections. We're not just talking about bridging generational gaps - we're actively building those bridges.
Built on the understanding that emotional intelligence is for everyone - a lifelong learning journey that strengthens with intergenerational exchange, Cultivate offers three powerful experiences in one day:
Leadership Training
Emerging leaders dive deep into essential skills through expert-led workshops focused on emotional intelligence, communication, mental health awareness, and change management.
Youth Mentorship
High school and college students connect one-on-one with industry professionals, gaining career wisdom, leadership advice, and the encouragement to reach their potential.
Community Investment
Companies showcase their commitment to Chicago's future while building a pipeline of diverse, high-potential talent for tomorrow's workforce.
2025 Program Highlights
Cultivate featured an impressive group of speakers from industry thought leaders, to award-winning authors, to corporate executives.
-
![]()
Christine Schoeff
Advisor & Leadership Coach
-
![]()
Tori Franklin
2x Olympian & Holistic Wellness Practitioner
-
![]()
Corinne Rice
SVP, Global Talent and Employee Experience, The Marketing Store
-
![]()
Nicole D. Smith
Editorial Audience Director, Harvard Business Publishing
-
![]()
Tenny Ahn
Sr VP, Community Lending, NMLS #559861, Bank of America
-
![]()
Jane Scudder
Greenhouse Innovation Lab Leader
-
![]()
Lauren Pate
Director, Global People Operations, Four Kites
-
![]()
Malavika Rajkumar Justus
Sr Manager, Global Sustainability, The Marketing Store
-
![]()
Gabrielle Ruiz-Funes
Director, IDEO
-
![]()
Grace Flickinger
Associate Director of Human Resources Recruiting, LaSalle Network
-
![]()
Richard Alvarez
Principal - CX Strategy & Design Service Line, Apexon
-
![]()
Lisa Kaplin
Psychologist/Executive Coach
-
![]()
Michelle Bess
Managing Partner, MYB Ventures
-
![]()
Jaclyn Ferguson
Early Careers Recruiter, Publicis Media
-
![]()
Nakeva Barrett
University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign Class of 2025, Prismatic Alumni Student
-
![]()
Robin Koelsch
Chief Partnership Engagement Officer, Communities in Schools of Chicago
-
![]()
Shawn Scott
Director of Talent Acquisition, Vi Living
-
![]()
Brian Adelman
Executive Director, Belmont Village Senior Living
-
![]()
George Miller
Owner, EQ Leadership
-
![]()
Frank Baumann
Human Resources Manager, Bank of America
-
![]()
Trenton Dunn
Director of THINKChicago, World Business Chicago
-
![]()
Jason Smith
Former Chief Growth Officer, Publicis Health Media
-
![]()
Thomas Detillion
Strategy & Operations Team Lead, Accenture
-
![]()
Alida Miranda-Wolff
CEO, Ethos Talent
Tenny Ahn (Bank of America) kicks off Cultivate with an inspiring address to intergenerational attendees
Naveka Barrett, Recent University of Illinois, Champaign Urbana graduate leads our panel discussion titled Communicating Your Worth, From Application to Offer Letter
Prismatic Executive Director, Debra Giunta, shares the wisdom she's gained from intergenerational learning spaces
Lisa Kaplin, Psy. D., PCC Leads Cultivate Participants through Navigating Change With Confidence: Tools for Thriving in Uncertainty
Tori Franklin, OLY, Shares her journey as an Olympic athlete in Finding Your Center
Frank Baumann (Bank of America) shares wisdom on the hiring process
Shawn Scott (Vi Living) and Grace Flickinger (LaSalle Network) sharing insights on the panel Communicating Your Worth, From Application to Offer Letter
George Miller (EQ Leadership) on The Science of Staying Centered
Nicole Smith (Harvard Business Publishing) on Cultivating Authentic Connections in a Digital World
Malavika Rajkumar (The Marketing Store), Lauren Pate (FourKites) and Trenton Dunn (ThinkChicago) share insights on the panel Chicago's Social Innovation Spotlight
Christine Schoeff brings her decades of HR leadership experience to our discussion on pioneering change in the Windy City
Jane Scudder (Greenhouse Innovation Lab) leads our plenary room
Michelle Y Bess and Nakeva Barrett lead our keynote session titled The Multiplier Effect: How Intergenerational Mentorship Transforms Careers, Companies and Communities
Creating Opportunities, Opening Doors: Cultivate’s Opportunity Fair
The Cultivate Opportunity Fair connects students directly with internships, entry-level positions, and career pathways across Chicago's leading industries.
Photos by Nick Robins Photography and Dave Giunta
Cultivate 2026: Even Bigger Impact
We're excited to announce that Cultivate 2026 will once again take place at the gorgeous Bank of America Tower at 110 N Wacker Drive, showcasing the beauty of Chicago in the heart of our city.
What's New for 2026:
Expanded capacity for more students and professionals
Enhanced workshop tracks based on our 2025 feedback
New keynote speakers and industry thought leaders
Extended networking opportunities
New industry focus areas reflecting Chicago's economic priorities
Alumni network connecting 2025 and 2026 participants
Ready to Shape Chicago's Future?
For Future Attendees
Join the 2026 Waitlist
Be the first to know when registration opens for an event that 100% of past attendees would recommend.
For Companies
Become a 2026 Partner
Align your company with an event featuring industry-leading programming while building tomorrow's talent pipeline.
FAQs
-
Small companies are more than welcome. The average number of attendees from each company is 3-8.
-
Executives are more than welcome to attend the event with their teams, however the learning sessions will be geared towards all ages or emerging leaders. This is an excellent opportunity to invest in new managers.
-
Yes! As a corporate partner your logo will be featured on all materials and digital communications leading up to the event. You’ll also have the opportunity to speak on a panel, further introducing your company to next generation talent.
-
Your sponsorship will still fund student attendance at the event, and we’ll be sure to feature you throughout the entire experience. Additionally, Prismatic will make the best effort to engage your Chicago-based employees in our volunteer engagements throughout the year!
-
In addition to funding free attendance for high-potential Chicago youth, your company will receive exposure throughout the event and in all marketing materials leading up to Cultivate. You’ll have the opportunity to join the stage with fellow leaders in Chicago and receive professional assets like photos and videos to celebrate your team’s commitment to leadership development and youth mentorship.
-
This is not a recruiting event. However, Prismatic’s students are career-motivated and interested in learning more about early career opportunities in their home city of Chicago. Sponsors will be encouraged to share applicable career opportunities with our students.
-
Participants will be asked to attend for the full day event, Monday, May 19th from 9am-3pm. All corporate partners will also be invited to our optional reception from 3pm-5pm.
Still have questions? Email debra@prismaticmovement.org — we’re happy to chat!