Cause San Diego 2024 Cause Conference

27th Annual Cause Conference

Harnessing the Power of Business & CommUNITY –

to Accelerate Social Impact

October 9, 2025, 8am-5pm
Sharp Prebys Innovation & Education Center
8695 Spectrum Center Blvd, San Diego, CA 92123

Times are tough these days and we understand. Economic uncertainty, funding constraints, lower consumer spending, job cuts and more are disrupting our livelihoods and the lives of the most vulnerable in our world. Sometimes the chaos can be overwhelming and demoralizing. And sometimes it can be isolating and confusing.

But, there’s hope so don’t give up.

We can get through this together. We are stronger than we think, and we can get through anything if work to solve our biggest challenges as compadres, not competitors. If we come together as allies, not adversaries. And if we come together with a shared goal of lifting all boats.

So, for this year’s Cause Conference, we are going to restore your faith in humanity, to uplift your mindset and to build your organization’s resiliency by offering a space for authentic human engagement, a place to strengthen your organization’s purpose and profit and a space to discover new alliances through shared experiences.

Join us on October 9, 2025, as we show you how businesses and communities are harnessing their collective power to shape a better world for us all.

You’ll be inspired by motivating change makers who share how and why implementing collaborative, cross sector social impact programs are key to strengthening organizational resiliency, boosting stakeholder satisfaction and enhancing long-term profitability.

Parterships, Sponsorships, Exhibitor Spaces

Want to help us accelerate social impact through our Cause Conference, Social Impact Awards, Scholarships and outreach work? If so, reach out to Staci Reidinger at staci@causesandiego.org to inquire about our Cause Conference partnerships, sponsorships, exhibitor spaces and more!

Conference Insights

Attendee Demographics

– National/International Business CEOs, C-Suite Executives, Social Impact Officers, ESG and CSR Pros

– San Diego/SoCal Business CEOs, C-Suite Executives, Social Impact Officers, ESG and CSR Pros

– Non-profit organizations: Charities, Foundations, Community Associations, and Higher Education

– Federal, State, regional and local government leaders and staff focused on social services and funding

– College Students majoring in Business, Sustainability, Social Entrepreneurship, Marketing, ESG and Social Impact

Call for Presentation Proposals

How do we make our conference as inspiring, inclusive and igniting as possible for our attendees? We invite you to share session ideas that are timely, thought-provoking, engaging and activating. This year we are focusing on “HOW” for-profit businesses are accelerating social impact through collaboration with community-based organizations to include nonprofit charities, academic institutions, government agencies, community groups and corporations. Show us how you got started, how it’s done, why it’s good for society and why doing social good is also key to long-term profitability and resiliency.
Want to submit a proposal? Look out for Call for Presentation Proposals to open in late May 2025.

Social Impact Awards Program

Join us for our 3rd year highlighting San Diego’s best Social Impact Champions in the for-profit business, nonprofit charitable organization, education, and government sectors. Are you or someone you know creating positive social impact in the San Diego region that deserves public recognition? If so, please submit a self-nomination or nomination on their behalf. Our awards include individual and organizational categories. We will select the top finalists, highlight them through our media channels and announce the winners on stage during this year’s Cause Conference.

Look out for our 2025 Call for Award Nominations to open in June 2025.

Visit our Social Impact Awards page to learn more and check out our 2023 & 2024 winners!

Social Impact Collegiate Scholarship Program

Help us fuel the next generation of socially conscious business and nonprofit leaders by awarding up to $10,000 in scholarships to college and trade school students engaged in social impact activities in the San Diego region.

Look out for our 2025 Scholarship Application to open in August 2025.
Visit our Scholarship Page to see our 2023 & 2024 awardees!

Zen Experience Offering to Unwind, Relax & Recharge

Feeling overworked, stressed, unable to relax and focus? If so, take a break during the Cause Conference to visit our Zen space for a massage, guided meditation, gentle yoga stretches and more. We see self-care and nourishment as key habits to staying strong and resilient at work and home. Enjoy these complimentary offerings during our conference as our way of helping you be your best self!

2024 Speakers & Presenters

Erinch Sahan

Business & Enterprise Lead
Doughnut Economics Action Lab (DEAL)
I have spent my career trying to understand and promote social enterprises, cooperatives and other alternatives to profit-primacy business models.

Hannibal Navies

NFL Veteran
VP, Development
Athletes Charitable
As a 9-year NFL Veteran linebacker with Carolina, Green Bay, Cincinnati and San Francisco, I’m now helping professional & retired athletes make a positive impact through social entrepreneurship.

Samer Khouli

President & CEO, TCWGlobal
Why am I CEO of TCWGlobal? Simply stated, I want to lead a great company that makes the world a better place and helps companies have better contingent workforce programs.

Anthony Flynn

Founder, Amazing CEO & Fast Company Exec. Board Member
As a leader with several Fortune 100 giants (Kraft Foods & 3M), renowned speaker, author & CEO adviser, I’m dedicated to removing barriers to success for women & minority CEOs and key executives.

Les Szabo

Chief Strategy & Impact Officer
Dr. Bronner’s

Les has been with Dr. Bronner’s for 12 years and currently oversees the company’s Strategic Planning, Philanthropy, Impact Investing, International, and E-Commerce departments.

Staci Reidinger

Executive Director, Cause San Diego/Cause Conference
After protecting our country as a U.S. Marine for 24 years, I’m now dedicated to another vital mission: Saving Mother Earth by creating a more socially responsible, sustainable, and regenerative world.

Pamela Grey Payton

VP, Chief Impact & Partnerships Officer,
San Diego Foundation
Pamela plays a critical role as an agent of change in developing cross-sector partnerships that benefit San Diegans furthest from opportunity. She and her team have launched several programs, including the Black Community Investment Fund, the Binational Resilience Initiative, the Healthy Children & Families Initiative, Level Up SD and the San Diego Black Homebuyers Program

Louie Nguyễn

Chief Investment Officer,
Mission Driven Finance
Louie is a seasoned global investor, with a particular focus on disruptive endeavors and mobilizing capital and human resources to solve community pain points.

James A. Floros

Founder & CEO,
Floros & Associates
I have dedicated my nonprofit career, spanning four decades, to make our world a better place. My latest chapter affords me the opportunity to work with multiple nonprofits helping them build their capacity to better serve their constituents. It’s about creating a legacy of giving.

Eric Dargan

Chief Operating Officer, City of San Diego

As COO, Eric reports directly to the Mayor and serves as the head of all operational departments of the City government. His duties include managing the City’s daily operations and implementing initiatives in strategic planning,
personnel development, climate action, infrastructure rehabilitation, sustainable housing, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Emily Young

VP, Programs
Conrad Prebys Foundation

With over two decades of experience in philanthropy & higher education, Emily will explore the implications of civic engagement on our capacity to tackle mental health, social justice, housing, education and more.

Tamera Kohler

CEO
Regional Task Force on Homelessness SD

Tamera has over 20 years of senior leadership experience serving state and local governments and nonprofits specializing in poverty, homeless, housing, and private mortgage lending. She serves on multiple state and national boards including the National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH) Leadership Council.