Open App
7 hours
Boston University Questrom School of Business
Free Tickets Available
Sat, 07 Jun, 2025 at 09:00 am to 04:00 pm (GMT-04:00)
Boston University Questrom School Of Business
595 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, United States
The Civic Summit returns on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business, bringing together 300 residents and civic leaders from across the city. This year’s theme, “Be the Change,” highlights Boston’s ongoing commitment to community-led progress and making the city a welcoming home for all.
Designed for both emerging and seasoned changemakers, the day offers meaningful conversations, hands-on learning, and networking opportunities to spark new ideas and inspire action. Whether you're a first-time attendee or returning participant, this year’s event focuses on deepening connections and equipping residents with tools they can apply within their organizations and communities.
Please note that the Civic Summit event is a registration-only event due to our limited capacity. To ensure a well-organized and effective gathering, we kindly ask all interested participants to complete their registration in advance. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Info: Doors will open at 9:00 A.M. This time is set aside for attendees to check in at the registration desk, pick up their QR code name tags, and get settled before the program begins. We encourage everyone to arrive early to ensure a smooth check-in experience. Enjoy a light breakfast and take advantage of the opportunity to network with fellow attendees in a relaxed setting.
Info: All-Attendees Session
Join us for an inspiring Fireside Chat with Mayor Michelle Wu in conversation with Dart Adams — a Boston-based journalist, researcher, and historian — this discussion will explore what lies ahead for Boston, while also reflecting on how we can honor the City’s legacy as we shape its future. Rooted in this year’s theme, Be the Change, the conversation reflects the City’s continued focus on community-driven progress and making Boston a home for everyone. Join us to hear Mayor Wu’s vision and thoughts on the change we are all called to represent.
Info: Take a break, recharge, and connect! During this break, we invite you to grab some water, stretch your legs, and meet fellow attendees.
Info: Working within communities to effect positive change involves influencing others’ choices and negotiating to advance worthy causes.
In this interactive session, Moshe Cohen, Senior Lecturer at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business, brings decades of experience in negotiation, leadership, and conflict resolution to help civic leaders sharpen the tools they already use every day—often without even realizing it.
Through real-world scenarios and dynamic exercises, you’ll learn practical tips and strategies for advocating with confidence, navigating tension, and negotiating toward shared goals. Whether you're knocking on doors, leading a meeting, or pushing for policy change, this session will help you communicate with clarity, manage conflict, and strengthen your influence—all in a fun, conversational setting.
Come be the change—learn to lead with influence, empathy, and confidence.
Info: "How can we turn climate challenges into opportunities for long-term impact? What does it take to build sustainability initiatives that actually stick and deliver real value?"
In this interactive session led by Andde Indaburu, Lecturer at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business, we’ll explore how climate action can be both practical and powerful. We’ll start with a clear, grounded overview of climate change and sustainability, framing the issue with key facts and simple, actionable frameworks.
From there, we’ll dive into case studies that show how bold ideas and strategic thinking can drive sustainable change, especially when public and private sectors come together. Whether you're launching a grassroots initiative or shaping citywide policy, this session will spark new ideas for building sustainability efforts that are innovative, collaborative, and built to last.
Come be the change and help shape a greener, more resilient future for Boston.
Info: What does it take to lead with heart—especially when the work is heavy? How do we care for ourselves and our communities in the face of stress, inequity, and burnout?
Join us for a powerful and reflective session with Dr. Kevin M. Simon, MD, MPH, Boston’s inaugural Chief Behavioral Health Officer, as we explore the emotional landscape of civic leadership. Through personal storytelling, lived experience, and systems-level insights, Dr. Simon will guide us in understanding how mental health and community resilience are essential to equity, advocacy, and sustainable leadership.
This session will spotlight the real pressures faced by civic leaders, the impact of trauma and systemic injustice on our communities, and the practices—individual and collective—that can help us lead with care, clarity, and purpose.
Whether you’re an organizer, advocate, or community builder, this conversation will offer space to reflect, connect, and recharge.
Info: What is planning, urban design and zoning? How can I get involved in shaping the future of my neighborhood? Why does my neighborhood look the way that it does?
We're excited to dig into these questions and more as we introduce the City of Boston’s upcoming Planning Academy—a new learning opportunity for residents who haven't yet(!) gotten involved in planning, design, and development processes. The Academy is designed to help residents better understand how planning, design, and development decisions are made—and to build the confidence to engage in shaping more equitable, connected, and resilient neighborhoods.
This session will offer a preview of the Planning Academy’s goals and session topics, and explore how these processes shape the future of our city. We’re also inviting you—as Civic Summit participants—to share what you want to learn. Your input will help us refine and workshop the priorities of Boston’s communities.
Info: Enjoy a delightful lunch while Courtney Boston, Founder and CEO of HERVISION Media and Co-founder of WWOC Media, leads engaging networking activities as the Civic Summit’s featured emcee. Courtney will guide conversations designed to foster new connections and create a dynamic, welcoming atmosphere for all attendees.
Info: End the day with purpose. Join us for a reflective exercise designed to capture the energy,
insights, and big ideas sparked throughout the Civic Summit. This closing session isn’t just about looking back — it’s about looking ahead. Share your voice, connect with fellow changemakers, and help shape the next wave of civic engagement in Boston. Your reflections today will help build the Boston of tomorrow.
Info: Boston’s story is one of bold beginnings — and even bolder futures. Join us for Boston 250 and Beyond, an energizing conversation moderated by Kenny M. Mascary, Interim Chief of Arts and Culture for the City of Boston. This dynamic panel will feature trailblazing leaders shaping Boston’s next chapter: Ebony Gill, Founder of Boston Urban Archive; Jerren Chang, President & CEO of Partners in Democracy and Co-Founder of GenUnity; and Isaac Yablo, Senior Advisor for Community Safety in the Mayor’s Office. Together, they will explore Boston’s rich and complex history — celebrating its spirit of innovation while confronting the challenges that remain — and share bold ideas for creating a more inclusive, equitable, and vibrant future. As Boston marks 250 years of democracy, discover how today’s changemakers are redefining what’s possible for the next generation.
Also check out other Business events in Boston, Health & Wellness events in Boston, Workshops in Boston.
Tickets for Civic Summit 2025: Be the Change can be booked here.
| Ticket type | Ticket price |
|---|---|
| General Admission | Free |
We have gathered all the information for you in one convenient spot, but please keep in mind that these are subject to change.We do our best to keep everything updated, but something might be out of sync. For the latest updates, always check the official event details by clicking the "Find Tickets" button.
