CULTURE IMPACT LAB

2025 EVENT GUIDE

Answer the call to reimagine the role of work in societal change

May 14 & 15, 2025 in Chicago, IL

VENUE

JOIN US IN A VIBRANT COMMUNITY SPACE IN THE HEART OF CHICAGO.

THE JOINERY (LOGAN SQUARE)

2533 West Homer Street

Chicago Illinois

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STAY

CONSIDER OUR THREE RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN THE AREA (ALL UNDER 2 MILES FROM THE EVENT VENUE)

THE ROBEY

HOTEL AT MIDTOWN

HYATT AT NORTH & ASHLAND (WICKER PARK)

  • A Refuge for Changemakers

    A dedicated space and community designed to support and nurture individuals committed to advancing collective liberation, connecting to our shared humanity, and progressing a more equitable and just future for all.

  • Concrete Action & Strategies

    Participants spend time before attending the Culture Impact Lab developing a Lab Challenge statement. This is used to set intention for practical action that ultimately leads to meaningful and lasting change within their communities and spheres of influence.

  • Diverse Speakers & Participants

    Mind-sharing opportunities across disciplines and lived experiences to gain wider and deeper perspectives. Speakers are an active part of the Culture Impact Lab Community solving their own challenges alongside you.

  • Unmatched Energy and Community

    The Culture Impact Lab is a real-life role model of what we want to emulate in organizations — entities that can create powerful change in their communities and beyond. The Culture Impact Lab empowers changemakers with an inclusive, vibrant, and supportive community that begins the minute you register and continues long after the event.

  • Timely & Relevant

    As society evolves, so do the experiences, expectations, and behaviors reflected in our workplaces. The next generation is expecting something different, while previous generations are running back to a status quo that won’t exist in the future. We lean into this push and pull tension - discussing bold and timely topics that intersect social impact and workplace culture so we can contribute to societal progress versus reacting and detracting from it.

  • Action Learning

    Access to learning, tools, and experimentation that cuts through the status quo. Everything from a community-centered venue that offers inspiring immersions to revitalizing sessions and workshops aimed at human-centered learning - not presentations.

  • Thoughtful and Soulful Details

    The Culture Impact Lab is curated with changemakers and purpose-driven leaders in mind. Curating a space that creates authentic human connections, emotive expression, and anticipates needs is a differentiator of this gathering and community. We pour into you so you can pour into others <3

2025 CALL TO ACTION and Theme: GEN WHY?

Organizations are grappling with rapid changes in workplace requirements, driven not just by technological advances but also by the generational shifts redefining the role of work in our lives. The traditional, outdated approach that overlooks the importance of the role work has on culture and societal change are now being challenged by a new wave of workers “Gen Why?.” Gen Why is not to be confused with Gen Y and includes a common paradigm shift over 3 emerging generations - Millennials (who are now entering positions of power, influence, and leadership), Gen Z (which will make up 30% of the workforce by 2025), and the now emerging generation Gen Alpha.

Gen Why? demand more than just a paycheck and is causing organizations to rethink their values, goals, and societal impact. The social contract has shifted. The workplace, a microcosm of society, is on the brink of the most significant transformation since the industrial revolution, fueled by a wave of emerging generations insisting on work that aligns with their personal values and contributes positively to society. Unlike their predecessors, these workers are not content with the status quo. They seek meaningful work that fosters cultural and societal change, viewing their professional lives as an extension of their personal commitment to making the world a better place.

As society evolves and generations change, so do the experiences, expectations, and behaviors reflected in our workplaces. The next generation is calling for purpose-fueled work environments while rejecting old paradigms that lack it, while previous generations may cling to a familiar status quo that is rapidly becoming obsolete. This generational push and pull is a recurring tension in history, but rarely do business leaders learn to adapt to these forces in time to get ahead of them.

HOW MIGHT WE:

  1. Build a responsive workplace culture (rather than merely reacting to generational shifts) that aligns with the evolving demands for purpose and social responsibility at work?

  2. Meet the moment of Gen Why? and seek to move beyond the latest HR or business trend to adopt a more expansive, outward-looking approach that considers both internal and external human dynamics - reimagining that role of workplace culture in impacting people and society?

  3. Build the next generation of the social enterprise that seeks to advance collective liberation, connect back to our shared humanity, and progress a more equitable and just future for all?

2025 Program Highlights

90 Days Before You Go:

Develop Your Lab Challenge Statement

The Culture Impact Lab is an actionable space, and participants take time before joining attending developing a Lab Challenge Statement that aligns with the theme of the event. This is used to set intention for practical action that ultimately leads to meaningful and lasting change within your communities and spheres of influence.

EXAMPLES OF PREVIOUS LAB CHALLENGE STATEMENTS

2025 AGENDA OVERVIEW (5/14 + 5/15)

  • There are several options for transportation to the venue.

    You may opt to be placed in a curated walking group, for extra time to connect with other attendees.

    Of course, you are also welcome to rideshare, take public transportation, or walk solo.

  • Start each day vibing to our live DJ or engaging with our live poet, Zoe Branch and her 1931 Remington Noiseless typewriter for a personalized and bespoke experience transforming your words to power and intention into action and movement.

    You’ll spend time checking in, settling in and grabbing your program materials.

  • Angela R Howard, CEO Call for Culture

    Angela, founder of Call for Culture, will set the tone for the next two days, and bring a sense of focus and action around the 2 days.

    Together, we’ll take a moment to pause, ground, and connect back with your body.

    We’ll set in intention, giving us the ability to move from intent to action. This moment of transition and grounding will help you be fully present and committed.

    Facilitator:Raymond Achille, CEO at Balance Period

  • To be announced

  • Spend time taking a nourishing brain space break or taking time to connect with others and apply what you’ve learned.

  • To be announced

  • Lab Time focused on bringing your Lab Challenge Statement to Action.

  • Break for lunch

  • To be announced

  • To be announced

  • Spend time taking a nourishing brain space break or taking time to connect with others and apply what you’ve learned.

  • To be announced

  • To be announced

  • TBD - more information to come

2025 SPEAKERS TO BE ANNOUNCED IN NOVEMBER 2024

In the meantime, take a look at some of our past speakers from previous events.

  • Theon Hill

    Associate Director of Communications at Wheaton College, The Aspen Institute Civil Sociey Fellow

  • Kim Clark

    Co-Author of “The Conscious Communicator: The Fine Art of Not Saying Stupid Sh*t

  • Jasmine Bellamy

    Head Merchant & Culture Transformer, Sports Illustrated 100 Influential Black Women in Sports

  • Melissa Villanueva

    CEO, Brewpoint Coffee

  • Ben Frank

    Chief Wellness Officer at NAMI Chicago

  • Paul E. Wolfe

    Human First Leadership Advocate and Former CHRO at Indeed

  • Gary Ware

    Founder, Breakthrough Play

  • Aparna Rae

    Speaker and Author. Advisor, Moving Beyond

  • Bhavik Shah

    Culture Change Leader. Mental Health/DEB Keynote Speaker and Facilitator

  • Samantha Stilwell

    Cultural Anthropologist and Founder of CultureDynamiq

  • Adamo Gumowski

    Architect and Founder of STUTTIO

  • Payal Beri

    CEO and Founder of RK Empathy

  • Nina Nesdoly

    Neuroscientist and Stress Expert

  • Alex Draper

    CEO, DX Learning and Author of The CARE Equation: The Four Leadership Habits of High-Performing Teams

  • Chris Powell

    CEO, Talmetrix

  • Ray Achille

    CEO, Balance Period

  • Aaron Delgaty, PhD

    Anthropologist of Work and Resilience. Practice Leader at the Starr Conspiracy.

  • Brad Kewalramani

    Founder/Managing Director at Culture Mindful

  • Rob Hadley

    Founder at Tekano Strategy and Analytics

  • Dr. Rachael Mahmood

    2024 Illinois Teacher of the Year and Educator

  • Kai Stowers

    LGBTQ and Organizational Effectiveness Consultant

  • Geoffrey M. Roche

    Director of Workforce Development at Siemens Healthineers

  • Dr. Donte Vaughn, DM, MSM

    Founder and President at Light Point Advisors

  • Laura Louise Green

    Founder, Healthy Pour

  • Angela R. Howard

    CEO & Founder, Call for Culture

  • Benjamin Tanen

    Director of Coffee at Brewpoint Coffee

90 Days After the Lab:

Join the Call for Culture Community of Practice for Learning Beyond the Lab

Attendees of the Culture Impact Lab get free access to our online Call for Culture Community of Practice. The Call for Culture Community of Practice is a beacon of empowerment, a crucible for mobilizing our collective strength to build a better world and better world of work through community leadership and culture building. It is designed to unite and be a refuge for social impact leaders (industry and sector agnostic) called to reimagine the role of work in society - advancing collective liberation, connecting to our shared humanity, and progressing a more equitable and just future for all. Joining our community means leading change with community while connecting and growing our impact.

TRANSFORM YOUR WORKPLACE

AND POSITIVELY IMPACT YOUR COMMUNITY

A Call for Culture Experience & Community of Practice.

The Culture Impact Lab is a beacon of empowerment, a crucible for mobilizing our collective strength to build a better world through community leadership and culture building. It is designed to unite and be a refuge for social impact leaders (industry and sector agnostic) called to reimagine the role of work in society - advancing collective liberation, connecting to our shared humanity, and progressing a more equitable and just future for all.

 

Culture Impact Lab 2024 Re-cap Video (May 2024)

COMMUNITY GUIDELINES

The Culture Impact Lab is a real life role model of what we want to emulate in organizations — powerful entities that can create powerful change in their communities and beyond. Each year, (with your help of the community), we create community guidelines that set out expectations for inclusive and respectful behavior and prohibit discrimination, harassment, or exclusionary behavior.

  • Consider this a no-sell zone. Everything we do as a community should be centered around support, learning, and pouring into each other, not business development. Amplifying your work is great (we’re here to see you win!) and help us create an intentional space for learning and genuine connection.

  • Respect personal boundaries by seeking consent before any form of physical interaction, whether it be a hug or any other form of touch. Always ask for permission, as everyone has different comfort levels with physical contact.

  • Give each other the freedom to bring their whole human selves to the space in a way that is also safe, respectful, and responsible to others.

  • Language matters. Be conscious of the language you use, avoiding expressions of terms that may be offensive, inaccurate, stigmatizing, or exclusionary to certain groups.

    Consider this resource for additional learning, awareness, and application.

  • Be here with us and minimize cell phone and technology use outside the purpose of the learning space.

  • Acknowledge that this is a space for learning and brain expansion - bring your patience with yourself and others. Recognize and accommodate diverse learning styles. Understand that people may have different preferences and methods for processing information. Encourage a variety of approaches to learning and communication to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all community members.

  • Title, expertise, or experience in this space is context - not value.

  • Avoid passive aggressive behavior if someone disagrees with your point of view.

  • Work to listen/learn and then integrate and apply.

  • Think bigger than the workplace and put into perspective the ripple effect.

  • Have fun and play!

  • Assume positive intent and default on trust.

  • Demonstrate Empathy and providing support where and when needed.

  • Ask & Treat others the way they want to be treated.

  • Maintain confidentiality, always.

  • Keep on time and respect others’ time.

JOIN US IN 2025!

  • General Admission: $1,500

    Includes 2-day all access pass to the Culture Impact Lab. Cost also includes meals (breakfast, lunch, snacks, and light bites if attending our post day 1 hang) and a free membership to our growing online community so you can take your learnings beyond the conference ($495/year value). 5% of proceeds go to our selected social impact causes run by women and in support of historically excluded communities in the Chicagoland area.

    REGISTER

  • Get Funding

    To ensure that the Lab remains accessible, we have funding and tuition assistance available via our Culture Impact Lab Tuition Grant Program. We hope to award discounted and full funded seats to people that identify with the following categories: Non-Profit or Community Leadership, Startups or Entrepreneurs in Accelerator Programs, B-Corps Current Students, and Professionals Lacking Organizational Support.

    Apply

  • Sponsors & Partners

    Showcase your organization’s commitment and dedication to social impact and thriving workplaces. By partnering with Call for Culture and the Culture Impact Lab, you’re not only contributing to societal good, but also reaping strategic benefits that can support your overall business and ethical commitments. Sponsor or partner (through our different tiers of sponsorship) with us on our annual event or multi-city roadshows kicking off in 2025!

    SPONSOR

  • Fund a Changemaker

     To ensure that the Lab and community remains accessible, we have funding and tuition assistance available via our Culture Impact Lab Tuition Grant Program. Your support helps fund discounted and full funded seats to people that identify with the following categories: Non-Profit or Community Leadership, Startups or Entrepreneurs in Accelerator Programs, B-Corps Current Students, and Professionals Lacking Organizational Support.

    SUPPORT

2025 FAQs

  • The opposite side of Homer St. is free along with many surrounding streets within walking distance. The CTA Blue Line is 1.5 blocks away, along with a few city bus stops.

  • The first floor is fully accessible including two ramps and 2 handicap bathrooms.

  • The Joinery is a member of The Green Wedding Alliance and was completely designed with sustainability practices in mind. The venue also strongly urges caterers to use a recycling system at their facility.

  • The 2025 Culture Impact Lab will be held May 14-15, 2025 and hosted at The Joinery in Logan Square: 2533 West Homer Street, Chicago Illinois.

  • You can register using this link: https://callforculture.circle.so/checkout/culture-impact-lab-2025-non-member-access

  • The registration fee includes a 2-day all access pass to the Culture Impact Lab. Cost also includes meals (breakfast, lunch, snacks, and light bites if attending our post day 1 hang) and a free membership to our growing online community so you can take your learnings beyond the conference ($495/year value). 5% of proceeds go to our selected social impact causes run by women and in support of historically excluded communities in the Chicagoland area.

  • Not at this time. Priority registration (and a $250 discount) is given to our current Call for Culture Community members.

  • The event will run from 9-5 each day.

  • Yes! to be added

  • Coming soon!

  • Yes! All sessions and materials will be available in our online community of practice post event.

  • Yes! We have a 1 stop shop in our Call for Culture Community of Practice app - Circle. Once participants register, they will be granted to the broader community and a specific 2025 event space for announcements, schedules, and additional interactive details.

  • There are no refunds on ticket sales; however, we will work with participants to transfer tickets if needed.

  • SAFETY AT OUR EVENT

    We have implemented the following measures to ensure the safety of all attendees and staff.

    Social distancing and venue capacity restrictions

    Our event is being hosted at a venue with sufficient capacity to accommodate all attendees. We will take appropriate steps to support the social distancing of all attendees and staff if they choose. We have also implemented community guidelines to ensure consent before physical contact.

    COVID-19 cleaning and sanitising

    Our event venue is regularly cleaned in accordance with COVID-19 safety requirements.

    At the event, there will be hand-sanitizing stations available to all guests and staff.

    Contact tracing

    We will collect patron information from all attendees and staff for contact tracing in case we need to follow up. We will collect your name and contact information (email and phone number) before you can enter the event venue.

    All participants will have an opportunity to submit additional necessary accommodations to meet their needs and preferences.

  • You can reach out to a member of the Call for Culture team using our general contact email address: admin@callforculture.com