B ACADEMICS TEACHING ROUNDTABLE
Join us for our 2025 Teaching Roundtable, a virtual event exploring how educators are navigating the new complexities of business sustainability education. This year’s theme, “Navigating Disruption: Adapting B Corp Education Amidst Changing Standards, Policies, and Climate Realities,” will tackle the biggest challenges facing the B Corp movement. From B Lab’s evolving standards and leadership shifts to federal policy changes and funding obstacles, we’ll discuss how educators are reimagining their curriculums to stay relevant and resilient.
We are thrilled to announce a special closing keynote and fireside chat with Dr. Kimberly McGlonn, an award-winning entrepreneur, professor, and bold voice in the movement to build better businesses rooted in equity, sustainability, and care. Check out her latest book “Build It Boldly: How Daring Business Leaders Can Gain Influence and Create Impact”. To learn more check out @build.it.boldly on Instagram!
Date: Thursday, October 30th
Time: 11AM-2PM EST
Format? Virtual
Who should attend? Faculty, Students, Staff, B Corp representatives, aspiring B corps, community members, B Lab employees and anyone interested!
Agenda
11:00am-11:05am Introduction and Welcome
Jessica Yinka Thomas, Executive Director of B Academics
11:05am-11:30am Opening Keynote: Hazel Horvath from Ecolytics
Description: Hazel Horvath is the founder and CEO of Ecolytics, a sustainability software platform that helps businesses measure, improve, and communicate their social and environmental impact. Ecolytics specializes in working with B Corps and companies pursuing B Corp certification, providing tools to streamline data collection and align with evolving standards. A graduate of Duke University with a background in global sustainability analysis, Hazel is passionate about making climate action practical and accessible—especially for small and mid-sized companies.
Speaker: Hazel Horvath, Founder & CEO of Ecolytics
11:30am-12:15pm Panel Session #1: Teaching Through Change
Topic: Teaching Through Change
Description: This panel will address how faculty are adapting their teaching models in response to new B Corp standards, political pressures, and funding challenges. Panelists will discuss how they are keeping their curriculum relevant and inclusive while meeting student needs.
Moderator: Dr. Jen Jones, Seton Hill University
Panelists:
Liam Anderson, University of Miami
Danilo Boffa, Università degli Studi di Teramo
Nima Farshchi, University of Maryland
12:20pm-1:05pm Panel Session #2: Connecting the Classroom to Careers
Topic: Connecting the Classroom to Careers
Description: Explore how educators are preparing students for roles in a rapidly evolving job market. Panelists will share insights on equipping both undergraduate and graduate students with the skills they need for careers in sustainability, ESG, and impact.
Moderator: Megan Buchter, Case Western Reserve University
Panelists:
Katie Kross, Duke University
Bruce Ballengee, Pariveda Solutions
Lindsey Berger, 3R Sustainability
1:10pm-1:55pm Keynote Fireside Chat: “The Cost of Conformity” featuring Dr. Kimberly McGlonn
Description: Dr. Kimberly McGlonn is a bold voice in the movement to build better businesses and leadership practices — ones rooted in equity, sustainability, and care. As the founder of Grant Blvd, the first Black woman-owned B Corp in the U.S. fashion industry, Kimberly has redefined what ethical entrepreneurship can look like, turning vision into measurable impact. Her latest venture, Build It Boldly, expands that legacy, offering a roadmap for leaders who want to move beyond good intentions toward exceptionally designed businesses and lives.
Her voice has been featured by Fast Company, Essence, Vogue, and Inc. Magazine, and her work has been supported by institutions like Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD Foundation and Visa’s She’s Next initiative. She has been named “150 Most Influential Philadelphians” by Philadelphia Magazine for the last 3 years in a row. Across sectors, Kimberly inspires diverse audiences to optimism and agency.
Moderator: Rachel Haynes, NC State University
Speaker: Dr. Kimberly McGlonn
1:55pm-2:00pm Closing
Speaker: Dr. Kristin Joys, Chair of Teaching and Curriculum Innovation
Questions? Contact the Teaching and Curriculum Innovation committee at teaching@bacademics.org
Planning Committee
- Kristin Joys, University of Florida
- Saheli Nath, University of Central Oklahoma
- Nima Farshchi, University of Maryland
- Jen Jones, Seton Hill University
- Jessica Yinka Thomas, NC State University
- Rachel Haynes, NC State University
- Megan Buchter, Case Western Reserve University
