2025 Conference

The conference featured three different tracks that allowed attendees to choose their area of focus:

• Innovative Leadership for Sustainable Solutions: Explore how leaders can use innovation to address sustainability challenges with an emphasis on creative problem-solving and the role of technology as highlighted by the U.N.’s Global Digital Compact of the Pact for the Future. 
• Global Collaboration for Innovation: Focus on how cross-cultural collaboration is driving innovation and how diverse perspectives can be used to solve global issues. 
• Transformative Leadership in a Changing World: Discover how the role of leaders is evolving to navigate complex global challenges with a strong focus on adaptive leadership and resilience. 

“Why Most Innovations Fail and How to Fix Your Innovation Problem”

Bob Neubert, Clinical Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship Operations Management and Strategy University at Buffalo School of Management

Innovation is critical for progress, yet most new ideas never achieve lasting impact. Why do so many innovations fail? The answer often lies in flawed assumptions, poor execution and idea-first thinking that ignores real needs. In this interactive workshop, we’ll break down the most common pitfalls that derail innovation efforts and provide a practical, needs-inspired framework to help you overcome them. Through real-world case studies, discussions and actionable strategies, you’ll learn how to diagnose weak points in your innovation process, refine your approach and drive meaningful, sustainable success.

“3 Presentations on Global Collaboration and Driving Sustainable Change”
Ballroom 2

• Indianna Minto-Coy, Deputy Executive Director, MBA and MS Programs, MONA School of Business and Management
• Patience Aseweh Abor, Associate Professor, Department of Health Services Management, University of Ghana Business School
• Professor Augustina Akonnor, Dean of Students, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration

Explore how sustainability has become a vital tool for financial institutions to assess their operations, why global collaboration is imperative in academia, and how multinational firms can catalyze sustainable transformation using diverse global perspectives. This session will feature three presentations from case studies in Ghana and Jamaica.

“Redefining Merit: Overcoming Inequality to Identify Talent”

Daniela Goya-Tocchetto, Assistant Professor of Organization and Human Resources University at Buffalo School of Management

Explore how economic background, including the advantages and disadvantages different socioeconomic classes experience, can influence access to career-building opportunities like internships and extracurriculars. Daniela Goya-Tocchetto examines how traditional hiring practices may unintentionally favor more privileged candidates and overlook others with equal or greater potential. Attendees will learn how companies can adopt more inclusive, skills-based hiring methods to better match talent with organizational needs, while promoting equity in the workplace.

Learn about practical action steps that can be taken to open doors for leaders to embrace sustainable solutions.

Led by Faustenia Morrow, Principal, Monarch of Infinite Possibilities, featuring:

• Jada Ivey, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, XII XX1 and Stylesbyjadamarie
• Robert Lowe, Pastor, New Beginnings Church of God in Christ; Founder & President, Nehemiah Community Development Corporation
• Chef Romone Anderson, Food Experience LLC

“Introduction of Sustainability to our Supply Chain”

Ryan Besecker, Director of Supply Chain Policy & Sustainability, Moog

Learn how Moog is responding to evolving industry sustainability standards and working with suppliers to align with these expectations.

“A World Buried in Trash: Responsible Solutions for a Growing Global Crisis”

Tom Ulbrich, President and Chief Executive Officer, Goodwill Western New York

In just one minute, 190,000 garments, 41,000 pairs of shoes and 1,000,000 plastic bottles enter circulation, fueling an environmental crisis hidden in plain sight. Ever wonder where all this ends up?
 
Uncover the startling afterlife of your trash, understand your role in this global challenge and learn simple, decisive actions you can take right now. Together, let's build a truly sustainable future. Your planet depends on it.

“Navigating Your Emotions: The Power of Emotional Intelligence at Work”

Emily Grijalva, Associate Professor Organization and Human Resources , University at Buffalo School of Management

This interactive presentation on Emotional Intelligence (EI) teaches practical skills necessary for workplace success. Participants will take a brief assessment to establish their personal baseline, examine common misconceptions about EI, and practice recognizing emotions in themselves and others. Professionals will gain actionable strategies to enhance emotional awareness and regulation, which ultimately can help to improve communication, reduce conflict, and build stronger workplace relationships.

Robert Skinner
Deputy Director and Chief of Partnerships and Global Engagement, Department of Global Communications, United Nations United Nations

The United Nations is spearheading global efforts to achieve a sustainable future through its 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This agenda encompasses 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at addressing critical issues such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation. By fostering international collaboration and mobilizing resources, the UN is working to ensure that all people can live in dignity and prosperity, leaving no one behind in the journey towards a resilient and sustainable world.

Biography
Robert Skinner is the Deputy Director and Chief of Partnerships and Global Engagement in the Outreach Division of United Nations Department of Global Communications. Prior to this, Robert was the Director of the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Washington, DC, serving in this role from April 2021 to September 2021 and from November 2015 to July 2018. In between these periods, Robert was Senior Special Advisor in the UN’s Department of Global Communications, focusing on the UN’s COVID-19 Communications Response Initiative, and the Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships. Prior to joining the UN, Robert was the Executive Director in the New York Office of the United Nations Foundation. Before joining the Foundation in 2006, Robert held several positions in the United States Department of State, including as Deputy Spokesperson at the United States Mission to the United Nations in New York, and as Public Affairs Officer for the United States Embassy in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. He also held diplomatic posts in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire and San Salvador, El Salvador. Robert was an attorney in the Office of the Cook County Public Defender, Chicago, Illinois before starting his diplomatic career. Robert holds a law degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Oakland University. He is married and has two children.

“Building Your Corporate Sustainability Strategy - Transforming Ambition into Action”

• Jennifer VanDewater, Vice President Enterprise Sustainability, Health, and Authenticity, Rich Products
• Amanda Harris, Senior Marketing Manager, Rich Products

As climate change impacts grow, it's crucial to include responsible business practices in core strategies for sustainable growth. Doing so also helps companies stand out, boost their value, improve their brand image and attract top talent. Understanding the need for change to address these impacts is one hurdle, but tackling it is another. Learn how to take foundational steps to establish a responsible business strategy, align your business plan with sustainability goals and transform your ambition into action.

“Labor and Sustainability Fireside Chat”

Steven Finch, retired President of Manufacturing Viridi Parente
Jennifer Rizzo-Choi, Executive Director, International Institute of Buffalo

Led by Maria Kraimer, chair, Organization and Human Resources and Donald S. Carmichael, professor of Organizational Behavior. This fireside chat centered on the intersection of labor and sustainability, focuses on how businesses can foster environmental responsibility while supporting workers' rights and well-being.

“Sustaining your People: Organizational Cultures That Are Built to Last”

Chuck Abramo, Group Vice President–HR, Delaware North

The sustainability conversation can't be had without talking about the sustainability of the people who drive and impact the agenda daily. This sector is supported by many successful companies driving innovative solutions, however, the challenges and demands that employees are facing today are bigger and more complex than ever before. This session will help leaders think about how they create lasting cultures that drive performance, sustain their teams and win in the marketplace for all stakeholders.

Led by Ryan McPherson, Chief Sustainability Officer, University at Buffalo

• Jennifer VanDewater, Vice President Enterprise Sustainability, Health, and Authenticity, Rich Products
• Chavuanne Cousins, Executive Vice President, Sustainability, M&T Bank
• Jon Powers, Co-Founder, CleanCapital
• Ken Kujawa, Regional Director, National Grid
  

This one-hour, conversation-style panel aims to explore the practical value and strategic importance of sustainability within modern organizations, especially during uncertain times. The session will be engaging, interactive and grounded in real-world experience from different perspectives.

Felipe Queipo
Program Management and Communications Officer, United Nations

This thought-provoking lecture will explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and global governance, emphasizing how AI both supports and challenges the objectives of the United Nations. This keynote will address the ethical implications of AI and engage dialogue to actively shape a more just and inclusive digital future.

Biography
Felipe Queipo began his United Nations career at the NGO Relations & Advocacy Section of the Department of Public Information in 2008. He currently serves as the Communications Officer responsible for outreach, engagement and global communications with civil society within the recently renamed Department of Global Communications (DGC). Queipo is a member of the United Nations Speakers Bureau, and travels extensively to speak at conferences, forums and academic institutions on civil society and public diplomacy, the role of youth in the international arena, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, among other subjects. His presentations are dynamic and participatory, and he is often invited to address young audiences given his approach to youth empowerment and engagement.

He has given presentations at conferences in Australia, England, Germany, Kenya, Malaysia and Thailand among others. He is also the focal point for technology and social media platforms in the Civil Society Unit in DGC and is a strong advocate of new information tools and their role in developing effective communication and media strategies. In this capacity, he assists civil society organizations in developing media policies and strategies to increase the efficacy of their outreach efforts in support of the United Nations. Queipo is also the focal point for faith-based organizations within DGC. He leads the team that organizes the "Focus on Faith" briefings within the Department, an initiative that studies the links between faith traditions and religious organizations, and the work and mission of the United Nations. The Focus on Faith Series has explored, amongst other themes, the role that gender plays in religious institutions, the contribution of religious organizations in preventing violent extremism as well as the efforts to address the refugee and migrants crises around the globe and the resettlement work of governments and faith-based civil society. Before Graduating from Brigham Young University Idaho, where he studied Political Science, Queipo studied Theology and Biology in Spain, emphasizing his training on Political and Social Theology.

“Harnessing AI, Circularity, and Transparency - Sustainable Supply Chain Innovations”

Anupama Pasricha, Dean, School of Business, St. Catherine University

Explore how the latest technological advancements are fueling sustainable progress in the supply chain industry.

“’ESG is Dead': Adapting Communications for the Future”

Carly Battin, Chief of Staff, CleanCapital

Current trends may seem to be moving away from ESG, renewable energy and efforts to address the climate crisis, but the business case for sustainability more compelling than ever for companies, investors and consumers. In this session, dive into real-world examples of companies that have pivoted their terminology and communication strategies to appeal to and align with diverse groups of stakeholders.

“Reimagining Sustainability Leadership: Policy Change, Courage and Companies Competing to Be Greener”

Adam Rome, Professor of Environment and Sustainability, University at Buffalo

In the last 35 years, a growing number of corporations have sought to reduce their environmental impact, but the gravest threats to planetary well-being are more concerning than ever. The disjunct between effort and result comes from fundamental flaws in our economic system. To be effective sustainability leaders, executives need to join with citizens, environmental professionals, and policymakers to ensure that sustainability pays.

Ryan Dunlap
Chief Conflict Officer and Founder, Conflictish

Innovation and sustainability demand bold leadership, but bold leadership isn’t always popular. Too many leaders hesitate to make tough decisions or delay hard conversations out of fear of being disliked. The reality? If you’re going to lead change, you must be willing to challenge comfort, face resistance and stand firm when others waver. Explore the tensions leaders face when driving change, from handling criticism to balancing care with accountability. Gain actionable insights on navigating resistance, delivering hard truths with tact and maintaining composure under pressure.

Biography
Ryan Dunlap is a thought leader and conflict strategist at the intersection of conflict psychology, leadership development and personal transformation—teaching people how to handle pressure before it handles them. With a career spanning law enforcement, executive leadership and ministry, he has spent over two decades helping leaders navigate high- pressure moments and master difficult conversations, turning pressure into their greatest competitive advantage. From hostage negotiations to corporate boardrooms, Ryan has guided executives, teams and organizations through their toughest challenges. His work with global brands across multiple industries has shaped outcomes, changed organizations and saved lives.