Our 2024 Gathering: Imagination, Love, & Leadership
Our 2024 Network Summit united leaders from The 1954 Project Network, CAST US Fund, and The CAFE Group's supporters for three transformative days. This recap features daily highlights, celebrating the vision, resilience, and love that defined our time together.
Day One: A Welcome Home
Our first day set the tone for bold collaboration, fostering rich dialogue on sustaining institutions, navigating systemic challenges, and elevating equity as a core principle across sectors. The 1954 Project Network gathered to share insights, deepen connections, and envision a more inclusive future.
1954 Project Luminary William Jackson co-presents a session on accessing funding from the federal government.
The CAFE Group's Chief Impact Officer, Tiffany Thompson, speaks with 1954 Project Network Member Ethan Ashley.
1954 Project Network Members Jason Coleman, Sharif El-Mekki, and David Merritt
1954 Project Luminary William Jackson co-presents a session on accessing funding from the federal government.
Day Two: Cross-Sector Collaboration
On day two of The CAFE Group’s Network Summit, attendees experienced a unique blend of insights from leaders across the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, focusing on shared challenges and creative solutions around topics such as leadership, access to capital, and cross-sector collaboration.
This day underscored the power of community as entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders engaged in deep conversations on issues ranging from sustaining diverse talent pipelines to innovative impact measurement strategies. The sessions were anchored in Chicago’s vibrant cultural context, reflecting our mission to drive community-rooted change.
Main Stage Spotlight: Uniting Entrepreneurs and Social Innovators for Collective Impact
The session, featuring Aimée Eubanks Davis (Braven), Kristi Whitfield (Nathan Cummings Foundation), Jessica Droste Yagen (Impact Engine), and Fran Maier (BabyQuip), opened with a strong call for breaking down perceived walls between nonprofit and for-profit sectors. As the panelists discussed, true impact transcends tax codes, with each sector bringing unique strengths. Droste Yagan observed, “Impact should be integral, not just added,” urging attendees to think of equity as a core business tenet.
CAST US entrepreneur Fran Meyer of Baby Quip noted that, just like for-profits, nonprofits can also benefit from “a business mindset.” Drawing from her experiences, she emphasized that “the best way to impact is to ensure the sustainability of your mission, whether that’s as a nonprofit or a for-profit.”
Curated for You
Honoring Radical Imagination & Building Legacy
Our final day of the Network Summit was a powerful celebration of legacy, vision, and community impact. The day began with a special brunch honoring our first-ever class of Luminaries, marking a significant milestone for The 1954 Project and our network. We were privileged to hear from Ruha Benjamin, whose inspiring reflections on “radical imagination” encouraged us to envision a future where love, equity, and possibility drive lasting change. Her words set the tone, reminding us of the power of hope paired with vision.
In celebration of our graduates, Liz shared her reflections on how The 1954 Project began with a simple yet profound idea—that something transformative could grow from the dreams and resilience of those who came before us. Today, that legacy is embodied by our community of Beacons, Luminaries, and partners, each committed to reimagining what’s possible in education and equity.
The day concluded with network members reflecting on their collective journey and the impact they are creating together. This closing moment emphasized that our work is not only about individual successes but about building a future where everyone can thrive, united by a shared purpose and vision.
Looking Ahead
The energy and insights shared at this Network Summit continue to energize us and are the fuel that propels us forward. Together, we’re building a legacy that celebrates innovation, sustains resilient leadership, and transforms philanthropy. This is only the beginning, and we are profoundly grateful to all who joined us for this year's powerful gathering.