The Learning Conference 2013

Far too often, we approach learning as a static, cognitive exercise where we passively absorb data and information. Grantees submit reports, evaluations are conducted and trustees are updated and briefed. In this day and age, that approach is fast becoming obsolete — at best it slows or delays meaningful adjustments to our work, at worst it can render our grants and initiatives irrelevant. Michael Quinn Patton, renowned expert on learning and evaluation, will offer a different possibility for real learning, one where it happens in real time. Using examples and a model for practicing learning, this interactive session explores what can happen when learning is infused with a clear sense of purpose and intent, quality information and meaningful action. Participants will share their learning journeys at the conference, discussing with peers what they had hoped to learn, what they learned and what actions they plan to take when they return home.

Suzanne Walsh is a senior program officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation where she leads the Foundation’s institutional redesign strategies. Before joining Gates, Walsh worked at two other foundations: The Lumina Foundation for Education in Indianapolis where she managed the Making Opportunity Affordable initiative, which was aimed at increasing college productivity by bringing about fundamental change in the way higher education does business; and, The Heinz Endowments in Pittsburgh where her diverse portfolio included community colleges, universities, workforce development, tech commercialization and transfer, city/county consolidation, immigration and regional economic development. She got her start in community college work as the coordinator of special projects at Cuyahoga Community College. Walsh has her juris doctorate and master's degree in social work from Case Western Reserve University, a bachelor’s of science from Cornell University, and an associate’s degree in applied science from Hudson Valley Community College. She is a member of the Grantmakers for Effective Organizations board and on the advisory boards for Roadtrip Nation, as well as education start-ups Uncollege and Sokanu. She is also a proud judge for Dance Your PhD.

Ted Chen joined Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies in August 2012 to serve as director of evaluation for the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation, the Anne Ray Charitable Trust, and the Akaloa Resource Foundation. He designs and implements evaluation strategies to track the progress and impact of the grants made by all three organizations. Chen was previously the director of learning and innovation at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, where he led the foundation’s program evaluation and organizational learning efforts, and he was also program director for the Youth and Education department. Before joining the Kellogg Foundation, he was executive director of the Big Idea Foundation, the charitable arm of the media company that produced the VeggieTales video series and other programs for children and families. Prior to this, Chen served as a program officer at the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. He also conducted research and evaluation at the Chapin Hall Center for Children at the University of Chicago. Chen earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Wheaton College, a master’s degree in social work from the University of Michigan, and a MBA from the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago.

Courtney Bourns is a senior program officer at the Henry P. Kendall Foundation. In this role, she collaborates with her colleagues on the staff and board of the Foundation to determine strategic and grantmaking priorities. She is currently helping to roll out the Foundation’s new grantmaking program focused on building a resilient food system across the six New England states. Bourns joined the foundation in 2011 after three years as vice president of programs with Grantmakers for Effective Organizations. There, she directed efforts to advance the field of philanthropy by supporting grantmakers to partner with their grantees in ways that make the biggest difference to grantee effectiveness and ultimately lead to impact. She was the author of GEO’s 2010 publication entitled, “Do Nothing About Me Without Me: An Action Guide for Engaging Stakeholders.” Previously, Bourns served as director of organizational development at Conservation International and senior associate at the Interaction Institute for Social Change. Today, she is a board member at the Center for Courage and Renewal. Courtney received her bachelor's degree from Brown University and her master's degree from Union Theological Seminary.

Rafael López is the associate director for talent management and leadership development of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, a private charitable organization dedicated to helping build better futures for disadvantaged children in the United States. Prior to joining the Foundation, López served as the president and CEO of The Family League of Baltimore City, Inc. where he also served as a member of the Baltimore City Mayor’s Cabinet. In the past, López has served as the executive director of the City of Los Angeles Commission for Children, Youth and Their Families, deputy director of the City and County of San Francisco Department of Children, Youth, and Their Families, senior deputy for Health and Human Services for Los Angeles County supervisor Gloria Molina and as the founding executive director of First 5 Santa Cruz County where he launched the countywide implementation of the California Children and Families First Act. López is an alumnus of Vassar College and the University of California Santa Cruz where he graduated with honors in American Studies. He is a graduate of Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government where he earned a master's degree in public administration.

Michael Maness joined Knight Foundation in 2011. He leads Knight’s Journalism and Media Innovation program. Previously, he was Gannett’s vice president of innovation and design. During his tenure, he led the creation of an innovation process based on human-centered design and launched multiple new brands. He also served as vice president of strategic planning for Gannett's newspaper division, launched several local news sites across the company and developed the industry’s first daily video newscast on the Web done without a television partner. In addition, Maness was named to the Newspaper Association of America's list of "20 under 40" and was a co-winner in 2007 of the Chairman's Special Achievement Award at Gannett. Before joining Gannett, Maness was an analyst and media consultant, a campaign manager and a marketing account executive. He is a graduate of Northwestern University. Maness has been a member of Knight Foundation’s journalism advisory committee for the past four years.