Where Chicago's Future Workforce Takes Root
Chicago's first intergenerational workforce conference is returning for it’s 3rd year in 2027, establishing itself as the premiere relationship building event for emerging and established professional. At Cultivate, we’re spearheading a movement of industry leaders creating jobs, opening career pathways, and reshaping how Chicago’s rising leaders connect, learn, and grow together.
Big goals call for a big community and an even bigger space to gather, so we’re thrilled to announce that Cultivate 2027 will be hosted in a brand new venue thanks to our lead partner, Baker Mackenzie! Join us in this stunning office overlooking the iconic Millennium Park for a selection of networking, collaborating, and so much more!
May 3rd, 2027 9am-4pm | Baker Mackenzie, 300 E Randolph Street
Tickets for Cultivate 2027 are now LIVE!
Powered by our Partners
Each year, the room is extraordinary. We're proud to partner with a growing list of organizations who believe in what's possible when a city invests in its next generation. A big shout out to Baker Mackenzie, our lead partner for this year’s event, and to all the leaders that believe in the power of mentoring future leaders and strengthening today’s workforce.
To learn how you can become a sponsor for Cultivate 2027, reach out to us at debra@prismaticmovement.org - we’d love to partner with you!
Join the movement that’s cultivating the next gen workforce.
Cultivate Conference 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 building the bridges themselves.
Cultivate 2027:
Establishing Our Impact
Cultivate 2027 will take place at a brand new venue courtesy of our lead partner Baker Mackenzie! This stunning space will host more than 50 high school all-stars with more than 50 seasoned leaders representing a wide range of industries, giving us the opportunity to inspire the next generation.
What to Expect at Cultivate 2027
Opportunities for professionals to participate alongside youth in sessions regarding EQ in the workplace
Time to reflect with professionals about engaging youth on your teams
Chance to visit and host a table at Cultivate’s Opportunity Fair
Enhanced workshop tracks led by industry experts
Chicago-based keynote speaker
Extended networking opportunities at breakfast, lunch and happy hour
Alumni network connecting 2025 and 2026 participants
Get Your Tickets Today!
Cultivate is built on the understanding that
emotional intelligence is for everyone.
Cultivate Conference offers three powerful experiences that support both
emerging and established leaders thrive throughout their career journeys.
Leadership Training
Industry experts lead 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.
Past Year Speakers
Throughout the day, you’ll hear candid insights from top executives, leadership experts, and changemakers. From keynotes to unscripted panel discussions, our speakers will share what it really takes to lead, mentor, and grow — in your career and your company.
Stay tuned to meet our speakers for Cultivate 2027!
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Dilla
Emmy Award-winning Modern Historian
& Cultural Worker -
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Tenny Ahn
Sr VP,
Community Lending,
Bank of America -
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Ellen Bailey
Consultant,
Board Member,
Prismatic -
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Anthony Bolden
Co-Founder
CEO
Bridgework -
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Charles Cammack
Co-Founder
COO
Bridgework -
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Gabrielle Ruiz-Funes
Director,
IDEO -
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Ryan Larkin
Business
Development Lead,
IDEO -
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Matt Hovde
Design
Director,
IDEO -
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Ashante Walker
LCSW,
Associate Director,
IL Dept of Human Services -
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Nakeva Barrett
Community Associate,
Workbox,
Prismatic Alumni Student -
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Robin Koelsch
Chief Partnership Engagement Officer,
CIS of Chicago -
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Ben Sanders
Founder, Singleton Group
Managing Partner, Wells Street Growth -
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Diara Bradley
HR and DEI
Manager,
Vi Living -
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Laura Jordan
Director,
Mentoring Programs,
Chicago Innovation -
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GiGi Hernandez
Program Manager,
Enrichment Educator,
Prismatic
Cultivate 2026: Bigger Ideas, Bigger Impact
75 Professional Connections
•
55 Students Mentored
•
48 Companies Represented
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9/10 Likelihood to Recommend
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75 Professional Connections • 55 Students Mentored • 48 Companies Represented • 9/10 Likelihood to Recommend •
What Past Attendees Are Saying
With a 94% recommendation rate, here's why Cultivate exceeds 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.”
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
“As an HR executive, I'll admit that my interactions with high school students are usually limited - so this unique opportunity to step outside of my day-to-day and hear directly from such bright, thoughtful students who represent the next generation of the workforce was incredibly meaningful and inspiring.”
Corinne Rice, The Marketing Store
Cultivate 2027 is LIVE!
Questions?
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Small companies are more than welcome. The average number of attendees from each company is 3-8.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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Participants will be asked to attend for the full day event, Monday, May 3rd from 9am-4pm. All corporate partners will also be invited to our optional reception from 4pm-6pm.
Have more questions? Email debra@prismaticmovement.org — we’re happy to chat!