Drake University’s Zimpleman College of Business to Host 2026 “Business for Good” Summit

Wednesday, February 11th, 2026

Event connects students, business leaders in exploring ethical leadership and social responsibility

Driven by the belief that business should be more than a pursuit of profit, Drake University’s Zimpleman College of Business will host the 2026 Business for Good Summit on Feb. 27 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Drake’s Olmsted Center. The event will gather industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and alumni to discuss how modern organizations can drive positive social impact and be a force for good. The event is free to attend and registration is required.

The summit offers a deep dive into how ethical leadership and socially responsible strategies can be integrated into everyday business operations. Attendees can expect a mix of storytelling and tactical advice, ranging from how early-stage founders embed sustainability into their growth models to how global corporations align their missions with personal values.

“The Business for Good Summit represents our commitment to preparing future leaders who understand that financial success and social responsibility are not mutually exclusive,” said Alanah Mitchell, dean of the Zimpleman College of Business. “By bringing together diverse voices—from early-stage entrepreneurs to global CEOs—we are fostering a dialogue on how business leaders can move beyond financial results to drive positive social and environmental outcomes.”

Summit Highlights Include:

• Opening Session: Mariah Mateo-Sarpong, Co-Founder and Head of Product at SendVia—a startup the helps U.S.-based immigrants support the health of their loved ones abroad—will deliver the opening session, titled “Permission to Rethink.”
• Keynote Address: Kelly Dittmann, Founder, President, and CEO of Envira Global LTD—a woman-owned Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) advisory firm focused on building sustainable solutions—will deliver the keynote during the lunch program.
• J.W. Paquette Young Alumni Speakers Series: A panel of recent graduates—including representatives from Bayer, ChildServe, Zoetis, and Cowbell—will share firsthand experiences on navigating the transition from student life to the professional world while aligning their careers with personal values.
• Business Clinic Alumni Panel: Local entrepreneurs, such as Tanika Roland (INTIKATE Fashions and Consulting) and La Toshia Burrell (Redefine and Reveal Massage Therapy), will share how they embed community and purpose into their small business models right here in central Iowa.
• Carbon Neutral Development: Scott and Molly Cutler of Cutler Development will discuss new-to-market construction methodologies driving carbon-neutral affordable housing development in the Des Moines metro.
• Credit Union Leadership: A session featuring executives from Greater Iowa Credit Union and the Iowa Credit Union League will explore the impact-driven mission of financial cooperatives.

Event Details
The summit will take place from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the second floor of Parents Hall at Drake University. Registration is open to the public via Eventbrite, and further details regarding the full agenda can be found by visiting our website.