Connecting social entrepreneurs, Conquer for Good launches event series
July 17, 2017 | Meghan LeVota
To spur the creation of socially-conscious enterprises in Kansas City, brand strategy firm Will & Grail announced Thursday the launch of Conquer for Good: Connect, an event series.
Following up on the conversation from the Conquer for Good conference in March, the monthly event series will feature talks from Kansas City business leaders who lead purpose-driven companies.
CEO of Will & Grail Mark O’Renick said that the Conquer for Good conference’s inaugural event was a success, adding that the conference will return in 2018. The event featured speakers from firms such as Charlie Hustle, Water.org, the Arnold Development Group and more.
“The March event validated the desire for conversation, collaboration and community building focused on social innovation and purpose-driven business,” O’Renick said. “Based on the incredible response to the first event, we saw a need for smaller, more frequent interactions — which is what the Connect series will provide.”
O’Renick said that the Conquer for Good: Connect series aims to strengthen the community of social entrepreneurs in Kansas City, creating a positive impact for the metro.
“The community response has been amazing,” O’Renick said “We’re really thankful for the people who stepped forward to help. People are willing to help promote the event and connect us with organizations that are changing how we view the role of business in the world, how we solve social problems, and balance money and meaning in our lives.
He said that Conquer for Good, an initiative of Will & Grail, is currently forming a steering committee that will help the movement evolve to better support Kansas City. O’Renick added that he plans to take the conference to other cities in the future.
“If we do this right, we’re confident we can have a profound, positive impact on lives, communities and the world,” O’Renick said. “And that’s work that matters.”
The Connect series kicks off Aug. 8 at 5:30 p.m. at Will & Grail’s offices at 1810 Cherry in the Crossroads Arts District.
Here is the full schedule of speakers:
- The Call KC, Brent Lager — Aug. 8, 5:30 p.m.
- By Grace Designs, Emily Moon — Sept. 12, 5:30 p.m.
- Community Services League, Doug Cowan — Oct. 10, 5:30 p.m.
2017 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
She was prepared for a ‘no’ but Niki Baker’s blind outreach scored her exclusive licensing with her alma mater
Faithful to her colors, Niki Baker’s fondness for Kansas State University is unwavering long after she left its campus behind to pursue an art career and a family, she said. Pouring her maker’s mission out on canvas and painting possibility, Baker is now one of the rare few to hold a piece of her alma…
Two Black, women-owned bookstores open conversation on police abolition; Why this UMKC alumna says it could reduce gun violence in KC
Two of Kansas City’s newest Black-, woman-owned bookshops are teaming up to host Derecka Purnell — human rights lawyer, author and University of Missouri-Kansas City alumna — for a community discussion on police abolition and eliminating harm. Aya Coffee + Books and BLK + BRWN are presenting “Community Book Chat with Derecka Purnell” 6:30 p.m.…
KC Tech Council elevates apprenticeship leader to COO, concluding succession plan after CEO’s departure
A leading advocate for the region’s tech community announced this week a promotion from within as the KC Tech Council transitions to new leadership after longtime CEO Ryan Weber left the organization this spring. Newly-announced chief operating officer Erin Christensen, who has served as the tech council’s program manager since October 2020 and leads its…
Bring out your good: Un-Dumpster Day launches Saturday with mission to de-clutter
As residents across Kansas City prep for the final weekend garage sales of the spring, a locally-launched website is offering an easier — and more environmentally sustainable solution: connecting those who have personal items to donate to the people, pets and nonprofits that need them. “What we thought was, ‘Why not make a one-stop drop…