Today’s university students may be the leaders of tomorrow, but they can always use a bit of guidance and support when it comes to making the right choices.

That’s what the Social Impact Summit aims to provide.

Now in its 12th year, the two-day conference, hosted by the Centre for Social Impact at Smith School of Business on Friday, Oct. 14 and Saturday, Oct. 15, brings together leading academics and practitioners to expose students to a wide variety of issues and topics that will empower them to move forward and make a social impact. This year’s theme is ‘Imagine Possibilities.’

“We are delighted to welcome back so many alumni and speakers who inspire, educate, and build community with our students,” says Tina Dacin, Director, Centre for Social Impact, Smith School of Business.

The event begins with a keynote address on Friday by Juno Award-winning musician and Queen’s alumnus Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo. He will be introduced by fellow alumnus Walt Macnee, Vice Chairman of Mastercard and Director of their Centre for Inclusive Growth, who first taught Mr. Cuddy how to play the guitar during their time at Queen’s.

A full day of learning and networking activities follows on Saturday, including morning plenary sessions featuring Mr. Macnee and Jacqueline Prehogan, founder and president of Canada Pooch Ltd. The afternoon offers a series of panel discussions and workshops on topics such as Women in Economic Development, Social Enterprise and Aboriginal Initiatives.

More than 165 delegates are expected to attend the Social Impact Summit, including Queen’s commerce students as well MBA and Master of International Business students, many of whom are enrolled in the Certificate in Responsible Leadership Program.

Visit the Centre for Social Impact for the complete agenda.

The Centre for Social Impact at Smith School of Business was established in 2004 with a mission to educate students and foster outreach, research, and advocacy on issues impacting our local and global communities. Every year, the centre presents and supports a wide range of programming for students, staff, faculty, and members of the Queen’s community to learn more about the processes and practices that drive social impact – including the business practice of responsible leadership and, more recently, social innovation, which refers to an innovative product, process, or program that profoundly and positively changes a social system and is widely recognized as a key driver of solutions to such complex issues. For more information please contact the centre at csi@queensu.ca.