Dignified Futures

June 3-4, 2025 | Emory University, Atlanta

How might a focus on dignity empower a wildly positive future?

The “now” can be complicated and overwhelming.  With limited resources, time, bandwidth, and the crush of everything, it short circuits our best efforts to partner, to explore, to understand, and to build solutions that matter. Worse, efficiency and speed can leave dignity in the dust. But what if there were ways to intercept that downward spiral and, instead, create an updraft that benefits many? And what if the updraft becomes a force that pulls us positively forward?

Dignified Futures is a call to exploration as a community focused on designing systems that make a social impact.  To push on collective thinking, to try out techniques and approaches, and to connect with others… cuz’ we need to.  

Keynote Speakers & Artists

Workshops

Ignite Talks

“We need to aim higher. The work we do isn't only impactful – it's essential. The people we serve need and deserve it..”

Juhan Sonin, CEO @ GoInvo
2024 Keynote

Agenda

The 2 day conference will feature workshops, inspirational keynotes, informative talks and an open space agenda designed by conference attendees. There will also be networking, surprises as fun. You will make some new friends for life.

  • 8:30 Registration
    9:00 Future-forward workshops
    11:30 A hearty lunch with strangers

  • 12:30 Welcome, ignite talks, a few surprises
    3:30 Keynote to dignified futures
    4:00 Opening the open space

  • 8:30 Registration
    9:00 Welcome Back 
    9:30 Open Space essions
    11:30 A hearty lunch with new friends

  • 12:30 Open space con’t
    1:30 Making sense of it all
    2:30 Closing Keynote and wrap up
    3:00 Hang out and/or head to the airport

2024 Conference Glimpse: Songs for Social Justice

At the 2024 conference in Boston, we were joined by students from Berklee School of Music as they performed songs and poetry on health topics and gave us a strong reminder why we do the work we do.

Conference Organizers

  • Dr. Monique Smith

    Dr. Monique Smith

    Founder & Executive Director, Health DesignEDatEmory University School of Medicine

    2025 Conference Co-Host

  • Chris McCarthy

    Chris McCarthy

    Founder, ILN Coaching & Consulting

    Co-Host & Co-MC

  • Amy Heymans

    Amy Heymans

    Founder & Chief Strategy Officer, Beneficent

    Co-Host & Co-MC

  • “We honor the dignity of our fellow human beings by acknowledging each person’s infinite value, equality, and uniqueness.”

    Davie Jaffe Changing the World from the Inside Out

Contact Us

Have a question about the conference? Want to stay informed or collaborate in some way? We can’t wait to hear from you!