Zimpleman Business for Good Summit

Join influential thought leaders and industry pioneers as they showcase how business can be a force for good in our rapidly evolving world.

Drake’s Zimpleman Business for Good Summit features Pernell Cezar, Co-founder and CEO of BLK & Bold Specialty Beverages. Join us for an inspiring luncheon fireside chat that delves into the company's remarkable journey as a mission-driven business. Cezar will share insights into how BLK & Bold has become a leader in the coffee industry while prioritizing social impact, particularly through its commitment to supporting under-resourced youth by donating 5% of its profits to related initiatives.

Thank you to Summit sponsor SGS the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company.

Pre-Registration is required for entry to this event.

Zimpleman Business for Good Summit

Friday, May 2, 2025

8:00 a.m. - Arrive at Drake Olmsted Center for Check-In (Upper Gallery)

8:30 a.m. - Opening Session

Tory Flynn, Chief Sustainability Officer, Hillenbrand

The Archie Boe Lecture Series is proudly presented by the Kelley Center for Insurance Innovation at Drake University.

9:15 a.m. - Break

9:30 a.m. - Session 1 (Breakout Rooms)

Option A: Big Grove Brewery “Big Grove For Good,” and Ahmed Musa, Musa’s Lemonade
Option B: Sean Severe, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Economics, Drake University
Option C: Bill Witherspoon, Founder, Sky Factory

10:15 a.m. - Q+A

10:30 a.m. - Break

10:45 a.m. - Session 2 (Breakout Rooms)
Option A: Mission-driven business internship experience panel with moderator Kelley Ellis, Drake University
Option B: J.W. Paquette Young Alumni Lecture Series
Option C: Financial wellness workshop

11:30 a.m. - Q+A

11:45 a.m. - Break

Noon - Lunch + Keynote Speaker (Parent’s Hall & Livestreamed)
Introducer: Dean Alejandro Hernandez, Zimpleman College of Business

Keynote Speaker: Pernell Cezar, Co-founder and CEO, BLK & Bold Specialty Beverages

1:30 p.m. - Break

1:45 p.m. - Closing Session

Alicia Simmons, Senior Sustainability Manager, Frontier Co-op

3:00 p.m. - Reception (Upper Gallery)

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Olmsted Center, 2875 University Avenue, Des Moines, United States