‍Summit to feature over 100 speakers, interactive sessions, and the inaugural Prosperity Now Awards Gala

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Prosperity Now today released the full roster of speakers for the 2025 Prosperity Summit, taking place October 5–7, 2025, at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C. The agenda features more than 100 speakers, from professional athletes investing back into their neighborhoods to fintech leaders rethinking credit and lending innovations, as well as practitioners and corporate leaders working to expand housing, small business growth, and family financial security.  

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New this year, the Summit will debut the Prosperity Now Awards Gala, honoring ShoreBank co-founder Ron Grzywinski with the prestigious Bob Friedman Award. The Gala will also feature an exclusive first look at Prosperity Now’s short documentary on Altadena’s rebuilding efforts after the LA wildfires earlier this year, followed by a conversation with artists, journalists, and community voices working to connect lived experience to policy and inspire action. The conversation will be moderated by broadcast journalist Jim Acosta and will feature Stephen Satterfield (High on the Hog) and Alberto Ferreras (American Latinos 1935-1945). Closing out the Summit will be a special performance by the legendary girl group TLC, known for breaking barriers and giving voice to the community through their music and activism.  

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“This year’s Summit is designed to move beyond ideas into action,” said Marisa Calderon, President & CEO of Prosperity Now. “When we talk about economic mobility, we’re really talking about people’s lives, families trying to buy their first home, entrepreneurs striving to grow a business, young people searching for stability. By convening leaders from across sectors and communities, we’re putting those stories front and center and collectively working on ways to ensure that everyone has a fair shot.”

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Program Highlights include:

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• Opening Plenary: Capital, Creativity, and the Hustle for Good — Exploring how nonprofits and private companies may work together to intentionally invest in a way that strengthens both business and community. Featuring a performance by Jennie Harney-Fleming (Broadway actress), and a panel including Shena Ashley (VP, Capital One Community Impact & Investment and President, Capital One Insights Center), Darlene Goins (EVP, Head of Philanthropy and Community Impact, President, Wells Fargo Foundation), Roma Kaundal (Managing Director and Head of U.S. Philanthropy, JPMorganChase), and Erica Opstad (SVP, Head of Community Affairs & President of the U.S. Bank Foundation).    

• The Rise Challenge Finals (October 6), where three startups will present tech-enabled solutions for strengthening community lending. One winner will receive a paid contract to deploy their solution through Prosperity Next.

• Plenary on AI and Innovation — Examining how AI, crypto, and emerging digital tools are reshaping economic opportunity. Featuring leaders, including Timothy Flacke (Co-Founder & CEO, Commonwealth), Leigh Phillips (President, SaverLife), and Melissa Koide (CEO, FinRegLab).  

• Plenary on Building Prosperity by Design — Addressing the intersections of taxes, housing, and early financial savings for future generations. Panelists will include Ray Boshara (Senior Policy Advisor, WashU Financial Security Program, The Aspen Institute), Emily Wielk (Senior Policy Analyst, Working Families, Human Capital Program, Bipartisan Policy Center), and Pete Sepp (President, National Taxpayers Union).  

• Plenary on Homeownership Reimagined – Examining how professional athletes and innovators are reimagining pathways to homeownership beyond the traditional 30-year mortgage. Featuring Doug Williams (Washington Commanders Hall of Famer), Sheldon Day (Washington Commanders, The Players’ Company), Kellie Wells Brinkley (Olympic Bronze Medalist), and four innovative housing startups.  

• Breakout Sessions across 6 tracks, covering topics such as housing and homeownership, family and child support, entrepreneurship, guaranteed income, and more.

• Club Prosperity (October 7), featuring a live performance by TLC that celebrates community, shared stories, and nostalgic soundtracks that still resonate today.

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“This year’s mix of voices reflects what makes the Prosperity Summit so special,” continued Calderon. “It’s one of the few convenings where leaders from across the economy come together to share solutions, inspire action, and remind us of the power we hold when we work together toward a common goal: creating prosperity for all.”

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Registration is still open, with limited spots available. View the complete list of speakers and detailed program at www.prosperityummit.org.

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