Purpose-Driven Leadership & Innovation
A joint conference of Sacred Heart University’s Center for Nonprofits & Social Issues Research Group
April 17, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. | West Campus
Join nonprofit leaders, researchers and University faculty for a dynamic day focused on innovation and leading with purpose and courage in a time of uncertainty and change.
Together, we’ll explore how research-informed thinking and real-world experience can strengthen resilience, spark innovation and deepen impact. Leave with perspective and practical strategies for what leadership requires now.
Following the keynote, breakout sessions will offer nonprofit leaders practical, research-informed insight on the issues shaping their work right now. Through interactive workshops and research discussions, participants will explore leading through disruption and volatility, designing innovative workforce strategies to strengthen retention and performance, and approaching AI with strong governance and mission integrity. The program is intentionally designed to bridge a big-picture perspective with actionable tools leaders can bring back to their organizations immediately.
Session details and speaker highlights are coming soon. Check back for updates!
Space is limited. Register today!
Keynote Speaker
Luciana Bonifacio, Social Impact and Philanthropy Executive
Luciana Bonifacio is a global development leader with more than 25 years of experience in the philanthropic sector. She is recognized for building collaborative partnerships that align donor purpose with community outcomes. As chief development officer for Save the Children, she guided the organization through a period of transformation and growth, expanding the scale and scope of private partnerships and deepening its women’s philanthropic network.
Bonifacio has a reputation of being a connector and “people person,” leads with authenticity and empathy to understand motivations and translate vision into possibility. In her work with Save the Children, this approach resulted in tens of thousands of midwives trained, newborn lives saved, children inspired to read and girls empowered to stay in school.