Keynote Speakers
Welcome Plenary: Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Surviving and Thriving through Seasons of Change
A diverse panel of nonprofit and philanthropic leaders will share their perspectives on the strengths and challenges of Michigan’s nonprofit sector. Speakers will provide insight on how we can best celebrate the past; evaluate the environmental factors of our present and plan most effectively for the future.
Luncheon Plenary: Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Partners in Success
Featuring: Red Wagon Awards, Michigan’s Promise
Speaker: Rip Rapson, President & CEO, The Kresge Foundation
Mr. Rapson will share his vision as the new President & CEO of The Kresge Foundation, including his perspective on the larger issues facing philanthropy and the nonprofit sector as we move beyond survival and into a sustainable, collaborative sector.
Breakfast Plenary: Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Becoming Who You Are ~ Nonprofit Capacity from a Lifecycle Perspective
Speaker: Dr. Susan Kenny Stevens, author, Nonprofit Lifecycles: Stage-based Wisdom for Nonprofit Capacity
Dr. Stevens will present a 30 minute overview of a “lifecycles” approach to capacity followed by a fifteen minute question and answer period. This session will be based on her award-winning book Nonprofit Lifecycles which has sold more than 10,000 copies and is used as a text in many nonprofit management programs across the country.
Dr. Stevens will conduct a book-signing in the conference bookstore following her presentation, and will provide a workshop for further discussion of the topic during Workshop Session V.
Closing Plenary: Wednesday, May 16, 2007
The Promise of the Future
Speaker: Lou Gossett, Jr.
Lou Gossett Jr. remains one of the most sought after and busiest veteran actors in the film and television industry today. His unique talent for portraying powerful and charismatic characters has charmed audiences worldwide, resulting in an Oscar, Emmy, and Golden Globe. You've seen him in Roots, An Officer and a Gentleman, The Josephine Baker Story, Iron Eagle, and many others.
His passion for his work is matched only by his strong belief in helping others by giving back to the community. He serves as a spokesperson and a behind the scenes leader for many charitable organizations including one that is especially close to his heart, geared to assisting youngsters throughout the US who do not have a solid family foundation. Gossett is currently developing a nonprofit foundation called Eracism Foundation, whose aim is developing and producing entertainment that bring awareness and education to issues such as racism, ignorance, and societal apathy. Mr. Gossett will close the Nonprofit SuperConference 2007 with his thoughts on how nonprofits, funders, and individual citizens can work together to deliver The Promise of the Future.