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Carol Stream, Illinois 60132

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© 2024 Opportunity Internationala 501(c)3 nonprofit. EIN: 540907624.

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You're Invited to the Opportunity International 2018 Summit in Minneapolis

We are at an unprecedented point in human history: for the first time ever, ending extreme poverty is within reach. 

Since 1990, extreme poverty around the world has been cut in half. Global leaders remind us that we have reason to be optimistic; that no matter how many challenges we still face, things are actually getting better. 

Join us this fall to celebrate the progress we have made so far, and look to the future with a renewed sense of possibility. 

Connect with old friends, and meet a new group of like-minded peers. Learn from international thought leaders as they share more about trends and innovations in our industry. Meet members of Opportunity's global staff who serve our clients in the field each and every day. And hear from the visionaries who are charting our collective course forward.

The Summit is your chance to join in the conversation about how we are going to tackle extreme poverty once and for all—together. 

The Details

When

October 12-14, 2018

Where

The Loews Minneapolis Hotel, 601 N. 1st Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55403

We have arranged for a room block at the Loews. Reserve your room through our link to receive a discounted rate. 

What

A three-day educational, inspirational, and encouraging event featuring speakers, thought leaders, and innovators from around the world. 

Who

Opportunity supporters, friends, global thinkers, philanthropists, business leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and most importantly, YOU! 

Event Agenda

Friday, October 12, 2018

Workshop Sessions

Dive deeper into Opportunity's work by participating in round-table workshops. These sessions are designed to offer attendees the opportunity to ask questions, interact with experts, and participate in more discussion-based activities. Workshop attendees will join three sessions on three different topics. Lunch is included. 

11:30 AM Lunch

Lindsay Plack, Director of Government Relations, U.S. Global Leadership Coalition

12:30 PM Women and Girls Workshop

Simona Haiduc, Managing Director of Strategic Partnerships, Opportunity International
Muffy MacMillan, Board Member, Opportunity International 
Vivian Mottey, Head of Transformation, Opportunity Ghana
Jeff Terry, Global Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Amway

1:45 PM Agriculture Workshop

Geoff Andersen, Director of Regional Ag Strategic Planning, John Deere Africa
Win Bennett, Corporate FP&A Lead, Cargill
Brian Conklin, Foreign Service Officer - Agriculture/Private Sector, USAID
John Magnay, Head of Agriculture Finance, Opportunity International 
Vivian Mottey, Head of Transformation, Opportunity Ghana
Rosa Wang, Global Director of Digital Financial Services, Opportunity International 

3:00 PM Education Workshop

Tineyi Mawocha, CEO, Opportunity Uganda
Andrew McCusker, Head of Education Finance, Opportunity International 
Robinah Zawedde, Head Education Specialist, Opportunity Uganda

4:30 PM Workshop Sessions Conclude

6:00 PM Cocktail Reception

7:00 PM Dinner and Program

Learn more about Opportunity's vision, connect with fellow supporters, and kick off a life-changing weekend. 

9:00 PM Evening Concludes

 

Saturday, October 13, 2018

7:30 AM Breakfast

8:30 AM Why We Are Optimistic

Last year, Melinda Gates wrote, "Optimism is a huge asset. We can always use more of it. But optimism isn’t a belief that things will automatically get better; it’s a conviction that we can make things better." 

Inspired by Bill and Melinda, we are cultivating optimism at this year's Summit—celebrating the remarkable progress we have already made, and reaffirming our commitment to continue to make things better. 

Featured speakers include: 

Cassie Burns, Vice President, The McCrea Burns Group at Baird and Co-Chair, Board of Governors, Opportunity International 
Dave Tolmie, Senior Partner, The Edgewater Funds and Board Chair, Opportunity International
John Crosby, Senior Pastor, Christ Presbyterian Church
Atul Tandon, CEO, Opportunity International 
Larry Reed, Senior Fellow, RESULTS

9:15 AM Optimism and Innovation in Africa

Learn from the leaders of our Agriculture Finance, Education Finance, and Transformation programs and hear from external experts and donors who are helping us end extreme poverty in Africa. 

Featured speakers include: 

Roger Thurow, Author and Senior Fellow of Global Food and Agriculture, The Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Jane Nelson, Board Member, Opportunity International
Peter Nelson, Co-Founder, International Farming Corporation
Erin Kabwe, Senior Director of Volunteer Engagement and Annual Giving, Opportunity International
Tineyi Mawocha, CEO, Opportunity Uganda
Andrew McCusker, Head of Education Finance, Opportunity International 
Vivian Mottey, Head of Transformation, Opportunity Ghana
Deyl Kearin, Founder, Run4Poverty, Ultramarathoner, and Opportunity Governor

10:30 AM Break

11:00 AM Optimism and Innovation in Latin America

Discover how we are transforming lives and families in Latin America by investing in community development. 

Featured speakers include: 

Paul Cooley
Rebekah Gladson
Martha Arias, Director, Latin America, Opportunity International Canada
Jeannie Buckner
David Kone, Executive Director, Opportunity International Nicaragua
Brian Olarte, Director, AGAPE
John Ross, Senior Minister, Wayzata Community Church 

12:15 PM Lunch

1:30 PM Getting Involved

Explore how we can all be involved in the fight to end extreme poverty. Hear from experts in national advocacy, strategic investment, philanthropy, and more; and be a part of our interactive conversation! 

Featured speakers include: 

Atul Tandon, CEO, Opportunity International 
Ted Moser, Senior Partner, Prophet
Jay Bennett, Chairman, The National Christian Foundation
Ward Brehm, Author and Humanitarian
Vivian Mottey, Head of Transformation, Opportunity Ghana
Linda Nyarko, Founder, Lindice Bakery

3:00 PM Break

3:30 PM Optimism and Innovation in Asia

Look to the future with us as we explore a region with incredible growth potential. Hear from the practitioners who are bringing life-changing tools and services to Asia. 

Featured speakers include:

Frankie Bennett, Associate, LDR Investments
Barbara Lupient, Chairman of the Board, The Lupient Companies and Board Member, Opportunity International 
Rob Dunn, Global Executive Director, Opportunity International 
Saneesh Singh, CEO, Dia Vikas
Rosa Wang, Global Director of Digital Financial Services, Opportunity International 
Atul Tandon, CEO, Opportunity International 

4:30 PM Sessions Conclude

5:30 PM Dinner and Celebration

Celebrate how far we've come, and look to the future with a renewed sense of possibility. Join us at Latitude Elevate, and conclude a day of learning with a party! 

Buses will run continuously between the Lowes and Latitude. Please plan to leave your vehicle at the Loews and return to it when you are ready to depart. Parking is not readily available near Latitude. 

8:00 PM Evening Concludes

 

Sunday, October 14, 2018

8:00 AM Fun Run/Walk with Run4Poverty

Join ultramarathoner Deyl Kearin and his Run4Poverty team for a fun run/walk around downtown Minneapolis! Go at your own pace—and enjoy a morning outside. 

10:00 AM Breakfast and Worship Gathering

Conclude the weekend with a worship celebration, and return home inspired and encouraged. 

2018 Summit Speakers

Simona Haiduc

Simona Haiduc

Senior Vice President, Institutional Advancement
Opportunity International

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Jeff Terry

Jeff Terry

Global Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Amway

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John Crosby

John Crosby

Senior Pastor, Christ Presbyterian Church

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Barbara K. Lupient

Chairman of the Board - The Lupient Companies

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Peter Nelson

Peter Nelson

Co-Founder of International Farming Corporation

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Jane Nelson

Jane Nelson

Governance Committee Chair, Marketing & Philanthropy Committee, OTI Executive Committee

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Jay Bennett

Jay Bennett

Chairman, The National Christian Foundation

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Andrew McCusker

Andrew McCusker

Head of Education Finance

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Ward Brehm

Board Member, Chairman of the United States African Development Foundation

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Larry Reed

Senior Fellow, RESULTS

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Rev. Dr. John F. Ross

Wayzata Community Church

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Saneesh Singh

CEO, Dia Vikas

Director of Governance and Regional
Director

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Atul Tandon

CEO, Opportunity International

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Deyl Kearin

Co-Founder of EnduravestPartners

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Brian Olarte Cashin

Director AGAPE, Colombia

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Nick Hall

Founder and Chief Communicator for PULSE

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Robert Dunn

Executive Director, Opportunity International Global

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Lindsay Lee Plack

Director of Government Relations, U.S. Global Leadership Coalition

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John Magnay

Head of Agriculture for Opportunity International

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Geoff R. Andersen

Director Regional Ag Strategic Planning, Deere

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Jeannie Buckner

Jeannie Buckner

Opportunity International Nicaragua Board

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Jeremy Carroll

Jeremy Carroll

Co-Founder & President of Latitude

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Krista Carroll

Krista Carroll

Co-Founder & CEO of Latitude

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Vivian Akofa Selase Mottey

Vivian Akofa Selase Mottey

Head of Transformation

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Muffy MacMillan

Muffy MacMillan

Director on the Board of Opportunity Bank of Colombia

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Roger Thurow

Roger Thurow

Author and Senior Fellow of Global Food and Agriculture at The Chicago Council on Global Affairs

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Warren R. Staley

Warren R. Staley

Retired Chairman & CEO Cargill, Incorporated

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Register Now

Please select which portions of the program you would like to attend. 

Register before September 1 to take advantage of Early Bird prices for the Friday and Saturday educational programs.

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Welcome to Minneapolis!

Minneapolis is a city known for honoring creativity, embracing industry, and taking care of its neighbors. As a city, it's "Minnesota Nice"—embodying a culture of kindness and hospitality. We can't imagine a better place to gather, celebrate, and be inspired.

Enjoy the weekend at the Loews Minneapolis Hotel in downtown Minneapolis. Walking distance from Target Center and Target Field, connected to the Skyway, and blocks from the Lightrail Station, you will be ready to explore this beautiful city in the Bold North.

Reserve rooms at the Loews for $189/night through our room block.

Reserve a Room

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