Join us as we learn about key elements of American philanthropy’s cultural roots, prevalent characteristics today and a significant trend that will influence its future. The session will include a formal presentation and open discussion led by staff from the University of Pennsylvania's Barry & Marie Lipman Family Prize. 

This session will spur participants to raise important questions around philanthropy, and in doing so, build our collective contextual awareness of the field. A light dinner and refreshments will be provided, courtesy of the Lipman Family Prize.

Speaker Bios

Umi Howard joined the Wharton School in 2011 to establish and serve as Director of the Lipman Family Prize, an annual global competition that celebrates leadership and innovation in the social sector with an emphasis on impact and transferability of practices. He is also a lecturer and leadership facilitator through the McNulty Leadership Program. Prior to joining Wharton, Umi spent fifteen years working in the social impact sector in a variety of roles, including running a social enterprise, organizational consulting, curriculum design and instruction, philanthropy and board service. He also led organizational development initiatives at United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania and managed one of the organization’s grant portfolios. Umi’s intense passion for positive social impact and leadership development, and his experiences working in South Africa, Ecuador and the United States give him a unique perspective on leadership, which he brings to both the classroom and the numerous Philadelphia-area boards on which he serves. Umi is a graduate of Vassar College and received his Master’s from the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education. He and his wife raise their four sons in the Germantown section of Philadelphia.

Tunisia Meek coordinates logistics and operations for the Lipman Family Prize. Prior to joining Wharton, Tunisia worked at the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, where she provided administrative and operational support for the Education Team in the Impact Department, helped to manage grant applications and reporting. She also served as a Special Projects Coordinator at The Philadelphia Tribune where she co-managed special events. Born and raised in West Philadelphia, Tunisia stayed in her hometown for higher education receiving her Bachelor’s degree in English from Temple University. She is currently a member of the Steering Committee for the newly launched Philadelphia Black Giving Circle and hopes to continue her professional journey along the philanthropic path.