AGENDA>> CORPORATE PARTNER SUMMIT OCTOBER 14-15 ACCENTURE, ATLANTA
Synergy in Action: Building Cultures Where People Belong
CORPORATE PARTNER SUMMIT
TABLE OF CONTENTS >>
Agenda...........................................................................................Page 3-8 Speaker Info.................................................................................Page 9-16 Restaurant Recommendations.........................................................Page 17
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CORPORATE PARTNER SUMMIT
WELCOME TO ATLANTA!
The annual Best Buddies Corporate Partner Summit brings together top businesses and corporate leaders from across the country to learn, share, and collaborate on creating corporate culture and engagement opportunities. So if you’re an Employee Resource Group Lead, Corporate culture leader, HR professional, or looking for impactful employee engagement opportunities for your company, you’re the perfect candidate to attend! We’re excited to host in Atlanta this year—previous Summits have been held in San Francisco, California, New York City, Bloomington, Indiana, and Chicago, Illinois.
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CORPORATE
AGENDA >>
PARTNER SUMMIT
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14TH >> 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 - 1:15 PM
Summit Kickoff Speaker: Sarah Cline
Global Workplace Inclusion & Diversity Lead, Workplace Accessibility & Inclusive Design, Accenture
Lise Lozelle VP Branding & Field Engagement Best Buddies International
Kick off the Summit with a warm welcome and a look at what’s ahead as we set the stage for two days of connection, collaboration, and fresh ideas.
1:15 - 1:30 PM
Welcome Keynote
Video Message from Mayor Andre Dickens
Speaker: Angela Bowers-Thomas
Director of Disability Access & ADA Compliance, City of Atlanta
A special welcome from the City of Atlanta, highlighting its commitment to accessibility and inclusion across city government and creating a community where everyone can participate and belong.
1:30 - 1:45 PM
Partner Spotlight Speaker: Ryan Harchar SVP, PDS Transformation Lead, JLL
Conversational session where Ryan will share his experience with best Buddies and inclusive employment at JLL.
1:45 - 2:45 PM
Human First: AI & the Future of Work Speakers: Microsoft Team Roguens Stinvil, Zaya Naidandorj, Manasa Jayaprakash
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Explore emerging trends in AI and the future of work, with practical insights from Microsoft on how technology can enhance productivity, accessibility, and human connection in the workplace.
2:45 - 3:00 PM
Break/Networking
3:00-4:00 PM
Engaging Your Workplace: Turning Partnership into Impact Panelists:
Chris Cavendish Manager, Network Operations, Insight Global
Koya Tyson Inclusive and Accessible IT, Director, Accenture
Valerie Madison Business Operations + Community Programming and Events Leader, Microsoft
Jody Seibel Engagement Experience, Learning & Development, JLL
Betsy Lessard Program Manager, Belmont Village
Moderator: Emily Raich Director, Partner Engagement Best Buddies International
Learn from fellow corporate leaders about how they’re activating their BB partnerships to engage employees and create meaningful impact. Hear real-world examples and ideas for bringing partnership to life across your workplace.
4:00 - 5:00 PM
Building Inclusive Cultures of Belonging: Backed Insights and Tools Speaker: Vanessa Lecorps VP, of Engagement & Belonging, Children’s Aid Gender Studies Professor, NYU’s Graduate School of Public Service
Explore evidence-based strategies, practical tools, and best practices for fostering belonging and building workplaces where everyone feels valued and empowered
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CORPORATE PARTNER SUMMIT
5:00 - 5:10 PM
Day 1 Wrap-Up + Ice Breaker Speakers: Best Buddies Team Close out day one with key takeaways and a quick opportunity to connect with others in the room.
5:10 - 7:00 PM
Networking Reception Mission Moment Speaker: Andrew Participant, Best Buddies in Georgia
Connect with fellow attendees over light bites and beverages while enjoying a special Best Buddies mission moment.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15TH >> 8:00 - 9:00 AM
Breakfast/Welcome
9:00 - 9:15 AM
Mission Moment Speakers: Hannah Jenkins
Community Impact Associate Manager Inspire Brands Foundation
Martha
Participant, Best Buddies in Georgia
An interview-style mission moment from an inspiring buddy pair. With time for audience Q&A.
9:15 - 10:00 AM
Building System-Wide Culture Opportunities Speakers: Arianne Dowdell
VP, Chief Culture & Engagement Officer Houston Methodist Hospital
Anya Reed Director, Culture & Engagement Houston Methodist Hospital
Learn how Houston Methodist’s Fall Scholars Program is creating opportunities for people with IDD while driving broader change across the organization. Hear how the program has influenced workplace culture and helped create a more inclusive environment.
10:00 - 10:45 AM
Accessibility in Action Speakers:
Annie Livingston Hospitality & Office Operations Coordinator, Accenture
Sylvio Loppe SELECT/TXA Lead, Accenture
A short presentation on Accenture Accessibility. Take a guided tour of the Accessibility Center to explore tools, innovations, and strategies that advance accessibility and inclusion in the workplace.
10:45 - 11:00 AM
Break/Networking 6
11:00 - 11:15 AM
Becoming Best Buddies Speakers:
Best Buddies Team
Aaron Johnson's short film showcases the power of coming together as a community.
11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
Building a Culture That Shows Up Speaker: Nate Wylie Head of Talent - Principle Recruiter, Infinate Talent
Explore the gap between organizational values and actions, with practical insights to turn good intentions into meaningful change and build workplace cultures where people belong.
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Lunch/Networking
1:00- 1:15 PM
Best Buddies Program Growth Speaker: Jessica Wylie VP Field Development Best Buddies International
Get a quick look at new and emerging Best Buddies initiatives, opportunities, and what’s ahead for our mission.
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1:15- 2:00 PM
Partnership in Action: Growing Together Speakers: Sarah Cline Global Workplace Inclusion & Diversity Lead, Workplace Accessibility & Inclusive Design, Accenture
Lise Lozelle VP Branding & Field Engagement Best Buddies International
Explore how an intentional corporate partnership can evolve, grow, and create lasting value for both organizations. Hear lessons from Best Buddies and Accenture on identifying opportunities, adapting together, and building a partnership designed for long-term impact.
2:00-2:45 PM
Ideas in Action Speaker: Best Buddies Team Reflect on what we’ve learned, share what’s working, and exchange ideas with fellow attendees through rapid-fire discussion and facilitated conversation.
2:45 - 3:00 PM
Closing Remarks & What’s Next Speakers: Sarah Cline Global Workplace Inclusion & Diversity Lead, Workplace Accessibility & Inclusive Design, Accenture
Lise Lozelle VP Branding & Field Engagement Best Buddies International
Close out the Summit with final takeaways, what’s ahead, and the exciting reveal of our 2027 Corporate Partner Summit location! 8
CORPORATE PARTNER SUMMIT
SPEAKERS>>
Sarah Cline As the Global Workplace Inclusion & Diversity Lead at Accenture, Sarah leads the company’s strategy for creating accessible, inclusive environments across its global workplace operations. She ensures that accessibility trends are embedded in both global and local workplace strategies, while overseeing the management of 45+ Accessibility Centers, the Accommodation Support Tool, and inclusive office design for over 700 locations worldwide. In addition to her role, Sarah volunteers as the leader of the U.S. Disability Employee Resource Group (ERG), guiding the vision and strategy for over 2,500 members across 33 chapters. She is a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) and brings her personal experience with a hearing disability, along with her connection to a beautifully neurodivergent family, to her work. This perspective drives her passion for fostering inclusive cultures where everyone can thrive.
Lise Lozelle Lise Lozelle is Vice President of Branding & Field Engagement at Best Buddies International, where she leads signature event communications, branding, and corporate engagement initiatives that advance the organization's mission to expand opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). With more than 25 years of leadership experience, she is passionate about building partnerships, strengthening communities, and fostering authentic connections that inspire action. As both a nonprofit leader and the parent of a daughter with IDD, Lise brings a unique perspective on creating workplaces and communities where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to belong.
Angela Bowers-Thomas, M.S., PMP® Angela Bowers-Thomas serves as the City of Atlanta’s Director of Disability Access & ADA Compliance, where she advances accessibility, inclusion, and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). With nearly two decades of public service, she is committed to fostering a more accessible and equitable city where people with disabilities can fully participate in civic life and community opportunities. Angela holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and a Master’s degree in Management. She is a Project Management Professional (PMP®) and a Certified ADA Coordinator. Through collaborative partnerships, disability awareness, and community engagement, she works to strengthen accessibility across City services, programs, and events.
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As a representative of the City of Atlanta, Angela is honored to bring greetings to the Best Buddies International Corporate Partner Summit and recognize the organization’s commitment to building a more inclusive world through friendship, leadership development, and integrated employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
CORPORATE PARTNER SUMMIT
SPEAKERS>>
Ryan Harchar Ryan Harchar leads transformation for JLL's Project & Development Services team on The Church account, co-architecting the scale-up of the Project Management organization from current state to a stable, fully operating model. Partnering directly with the Project Director, he owns the end-to-end roadmap, coordinating people, process, platform, and organizational structure while defining milestones and managing risks and interdependencies across workstreams. He designs the target operating model, aligns hiring plans with HR and regional leaders, and builds the onboarding frameworks that bring new team members up to speed on standards. He also leads the Ingenious platform deployment, driving requirements, configuration, and phased go-live, while auditing current-state workflows to build the standard operating procedures and governance frameworks that will scale across the organization. He serves as the primary transformation point of contact for senior leadership, delivering decision-ready updates and executing the change communication strategy that keeps the team informed and aligned. He also establishes the reporting infrastructure that gives leadership real-time visibility into operations and defines the long-term operating model that will carry the account into steady state.
Roguens Stinvil Roguens Stinvil is a Lead Data Center Technician with Microsoft Cloud Operations + Innovation and a U.S. Marine Corps and Army veteran. He holds two MBAs in Business Intelligence & Data Analytics and Transportation & Logistics and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). His background spans technology, enterprise resource planning, logistics, and leadership, with a passion for continuous learning, inclusion, and helping others succeed.
Zaya Naidandorj Data Center Technician Manager and Disability Advocate, Microsoft With six years of experience at Microsoft across various roles, she currently serve as a People Manager and an Atlanta Metro Accessibility Champion. She is also a Lead Trainer within the disAbility in Marketing Inclusion Network, where she supports accessibility awareness, inclusive practices, and professional development. Currently attending a Master of Arts in Assistive Technology, Zaya is passionate about advancing accessibility, fostering inclusion, and empowering people of all abilities to thrive.
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CORPORATE PARTNER SUMMIT
SPEAKERS>>
Chris Cavendish Chris has been with Insight Global for 5½ years and currently serves as the lead in Network Operations and AV Engineering. A few years ago, he was looking for a meaningful way to spend his philanthropy hours and was introduced to Best Buddies. He quickly fell in love with the mission and has since been involved through Walks, Galas, and community awareness efforts. Chris is passionate about helping create a more inclusive world and supporting the incredible work Best Buddies does every day.
Koya Tyson Koya Tyson is a User Experience Architecture Senior Manager at Accenture, where she leads the Pivot Patterns & Practices team within Global IT and supports enterprise transformation, responsible innovation, and the future of work. Throughout her career, Koya has brought together technology, accessibility, and inclusive leadership to help organizations create experiences and environments where more people can contribute and succeed. Koya also serves as the US Disability Employee Resource Group Lead and is a board member of Disability:IN Greater Atlanta. She actively supports partnerships and community initiatives with organizations including Best Buddies, Special Olympics, Disability:IN, and the International Association of Accessibility Professionals. As a Black woman and disability inclusion advocate, Koya understands the importance of representation, access, and meaningful opportunity. She is passionate about building authentic partnerships, elevating the strengths and perspectives of people with disabilities, and helping businesses translate their commitments to inclusion into lasting impact.
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CORPORATE PARTNER SUMMIT
SPEAKERS>>
Valerie Madison At her core, Valerie Madison is a connector, community builder, and champion for belonging. She serves as a Business Operations and Community Programming Leader with the CAP Executive Office at Microsoft and an Advisory Board Member with Best Buddies of Georgia, while continuing her commitment to service through GLEAM Southeast as Chairperson for the queer community at Microsoft, HER at Texas Southern University as Founder and Grad Advisor, and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Valerie is passionate about creating spaces where people of all abilities and backgrounds feel welcomed, celebrated, and empowered to thrive. Whether she’s hanging out with her awesome nephews and nieces, building programs, supporting her community, or bringing people together, she leads with heart, purpose, and a little fun. And if there’s a karaoke mic nearby, don’t be surprised if she’s the first one to grab it!
Jody Seibel
Jody Seibel wears two hats at JLL, working across Culture & Employee Experience and Learning & Development, where her work focuses on creating engaging employee experiences, learning opportunities, and stronger connections across teams. She also serves as co-chair of JLL’s Disability Empowerment Network (DEN), where she helps turn disability inclusion into everyday workplace practices. Jody serves on the Best Buddies Washington Advisory Board and leads JLL’s participation in the Best Buddies Friendship Walk nationwide, bringing colleagues together across the country in support of Best Buddies. It also happens to be her favorite Best Buddies event, as this past May, she spent the day living her best life as a rainbow unicorn mascot, bringing smiles, energy, and a little extra magic to the Walk. Her approach to disability inclusion is simple: build accessibility in from the start so fewer people need to ask for adjustments. She believes many of the small changes that support someone with a disability ultimately make things better for everyone.
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CORPORATE PARTNER SUMMIT
SPEAKERS>>
Betsy Lessard Betsy Lessard is a Program Manager with Belmont Village Senior Living, where she leads initiatives that create meaningful employment opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With more than a decade of experience in talent acquisition, workforce development, and employee engagement, Betsy is passionate about building inclusive workplaces where everyone can thrive. She also lives in Austin, TX and serves on the Central Texas Advisory Board for Best Buddies, supporting opportunities for friendship, leadership, and employment for individuals with disabilities.
Emily Raich Emily Raich is Director of Partner Engagement at Best Buddies International, where she works to advance the organization’s mission to expand opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Since joining Best Buddies in 2019, she has been passionate about building strategic partnerships, strengthening connections between corporate partners and local communities, and creating meaningful opportunities for engagement across employment, leadership development, volunteer engagement, fundraising, and advocacy. A graduate of Vanderbilt University, where she studied Psychology and Corporate Strategy, Emily believes in the power of collaboration to foster inclusive communities where people with and without IDD can connect, contribute, and thrive.
Vanessa Lecorps Vanessa Lecorps is the Vice President of Engagement and Belonging at Children’s Aid and a gender studies professor at NYU’s Graduate School of Public Service. Her focus is on creating the conditions, practices, and ways of working that build an engaging and productive environment for all. Vanessa is an organization development strategist, who is energized to leverage the power of leadership behaviors and inclusive habits to generate cultures of wellness and belonging. Vanessa is known as a connector, a people practitioner and a culture shaping expert. She has been recognized for her culture work in the U.S. and internationally across industries (Financial Services, Oil and Gas, Food and Beverage, Manufacturing, Nonprofit, Higher Ed, Consulting).
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She is fluent in French, Haitian Creole, Spanish and English and has led teams and projects in North, South and Central America, Europe, Asia Pacific and North Africa. Vanessa enjoys coaching, mentoring, and sponsoring across cultures and borders.
CORPORATE PARTNER SUMMIT
SPEAKERS>>
Andrew Andrew Dixon is a longtime Best Buddies leader and passionate advocate for inclusion who has transformed his own journey from isolation to independence. A member of the Best Buddies chapter at Emory University since 2008, Andrew, who is on the autism spectrum, struggled with communication and social situations but through years of friendships, campus events, and leadership opportunities with Best Buddies, he has built remarkable confidence, social skills, and a strong sense of belonging.
Hannah Jenkins
Hannah Jenkins is a community impact professional with a passion for connecting people, purpose, and meaningful opportunities to give back. She works on the Inspire Brands Foundation supporting iconic brands like Arby’s and SONIC where she focuses on initiatives around youth empowerment through hunger and education. In addition to her professional work, she’s personally involved in her community as a Board Member for the Corporate Volunteer Council (CVC) of Atlanta, a Big Sister through Big Brothers Big Sisters, and has been a proud buddy to Martha Haythorn through Best Buddies Georgia for 2 years. Hannah brings a thoughtful, people-first approach to her work and enjoys helping turn big ideas into meaningful experiences for others.
Martha
Martha Haythorn is a vibrant 26-year-old woman with Down syndrome who is determined to live life to the fullest and make the world more inclusive. She’s a graduate of Georgia Tech’s EXCEL Program in Public Policy and an alum of the GaLEND leadership program at Georgia State University. Martha serves as an aide in the Georgia Senate, sits on the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, and speaks across the state about inclusion and disability rights. Since moving into Best Buddies Living, she’s become even more confident and independent—building a home, deepening friendships, and fully engaging in her community.
Arianne Dowdell Arianne Dowdell is Vice President, Chief Culture & Engagement Officer at Houston Methodist. She is responsible for leading the hospital’s culture and vision for unparalleled safety, quality, service and innovation through system-wide engagement strategy, programming and implementation with key internal and external partners.
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CORPORATE PARTNER SUMMIT
SPEAKERS>>
Anya Reed Anya Reed is Director of Culture & Engagement at Houston Methodist, where she leads initiatives that strengthen organizational culture, advance employee engagement, and enhance the communities Houston Methodist serves across the health system, driving key performance metrics and initiatives that strengthen the organization’s culture. With more than 15 years of experience spanning healthcare, marketing, and corporate communications, Anya specializes in translating strategy into action through cross-functional collaboration and high-impact programming. She directs system-wide initiatives that drive employee experience, leadership engagement, and organizational effectiveness, with a focus on measurable outcomes and sustainable results. Her role builds on prior success as Manager and Senior Project Manager in the department, where she led high-profile projects including policy changes, local OCE committees, and strategic partnerships. Anya’s career includes notable achievements in operations, marketing, and corporate communications. At Houston Methodist, she directed the organization’s Centennial celebration, delivering signature projects such as a documentary premiere and historical exhibits to mark the hospital’s 100-year anniversary. Previously, at MD Anderson Cancer Center, she worked on national marketing campaigns that exceeded patient acquisition goals, and drove significant growth in digital engagement. Recognized for her collaborative leadership style and strategic mindset, Anya is passionate about building high-performing environments that connect people, purpose, and performance.
Annie Livingston
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Annie Livingston is a Workplace Location Services Analyst on Accenture’s Workplace Hospitality team, where she helps create a warm, organized, and efficient experience for employees, clients, and visitors every day. From supporting meetings and events to coordinating hospitality services and managing workplace spaces, she’s often the friendly, steady presence that keeps things running smoothly. Based in Atlanta, Annie also serves as the architect and host of Accenture’s Atlanta Accessibility Center, where she showcases accessible technologies and inclusive workplace solutions. Her work reflects her passion for making spaces welcoming, empowering, and truly inclusive for people of all abilities.
CORPORATE PARTNER SUMMIT
SPEAKERS>>
Sylvio Loppe Sylvio has been with Accenture for 33 years. He started as a consultant, became a trainer, and now lead their technology advisors and support meeting events for the Atlanta Innovation Center.
Nate Wylie Nate Wylie is the Founder and Talent Partner at Infinate Talent, an AI-driven fractional recruiting firm based in Charlotte, NC. With about 15 years in talent acquisition, Nate's career spans military service, staffing, corporate, big tech, start-ups and nonprofits. Today he helps startups and mission-driven organizations hire with intention, using AI and automation to move faster without losing the human side of hiring.
Jessica Wylie Jessica Wylie is Vice President of Field Development at Best Buddies International, where she oversees the national teams that support fundraising across the organization's signature events, including the Best Buddies Friendship Walk and Champion of the Year, as well as the Major Gifts team. Jessica brings a practical, people-first approach to fundraising, helping teams across the country grow their impact for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Drawing on 17 years of nonprofit experience, she focuses on building strong teams, smart systems, and donor relationships that last.
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CORPORATE PARTNER SUMMIT
RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS >> Momonoki
Edgar’s Proof & Provision
Apotheos Coffee Midtown
Livingston Restaurant & Bar
Asian Cuisine - Japanese
Beer & Wine - Coffee & Bakery
The Ponce Room Bar & Kitchen
Bars, Clubs & Pubs
American - Contemporary
Fado Irish Pub
Aviva by Kameel at CODA Mediterranean
Cypress Street Pint & Plant
Contemporary American - Southern
Fresh to Order
American - Southern
Bars, Clubs & Pubs
Fusion & Eclectic
Marlow’s Tavern
Rowdy Tiger Whisky Bar Kitchen & Rooftop
Ray’s New York Pizza
Bars, Clubs & Pubs
Umma’s House
Shop & Dine
Pho King
Asian Cuisine - Japanese - Korean
Asian Cuisine
Lyla Lila
Vinny’s NY Pizza
European
El Valle Kitchen & Bar
Gyro Brothers Tech Square Mediterranean
El Viñedo Local
Pizza
Mexican & Latin - Tapas
AltaToro
The Collective Food Hall at CODA
Mexican & Latin
Mexican & Latin
Ecco
Ponko Chicken Midtown
European
Pizza
Asian Cuisine
Shop & Dine
Boho Taco
Mexican & Latin
Scan for more details!
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SEE YOU THERE!
CORPORATE PARTNER SUMMIT