The Hollywood Reporter and Social Impact Fund have announced an impressive lineup for their 2026 Social Impact Summit, taking place in Los Angeles on July 22. This annual event is a beacon for changemakers, creatives, and leaders from various industries, all united by a shared mission: to foster accessible and impactful philanthropy. The summit aims to break down barriers to meaningful change, and this year's edition promises to be a powerful platform for social impact. Here's a breakdown of the exciting additions and highlights.
Sepideh Moafi: A Voice for Change
Sepideh Moafi, an Emmy Award-nominated actress and advocate, will deliver the summit's keynote address. Her presence is a testament to the summit's commitment to amplifying diverse voices and perspectives. Moafi's advocacy work and on-screen presence have undoubtedly inspired many, and her keynote will undoubtedly spark meaningful discussions and ignite passions for social change.
Honoring Excellence in Corporate Philanthropy
Gilead Sciences Inc. will be honored for their exceptional corporate philanthropy. This recognition highlights Gilead's dedication to making a positive impact across various causes and foundations. The company's support of the Social Impact Summit over the past three years has been invaluable, and their commitment to collaboration in the pursuit of social good is truly commendable.
Laverne Cox: A Champion for HIV Awareness
Laverne Cox, an Emmy Award-winning actress and Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation HIV Is Not a Crime champion, will present the Excellence in Corporate Philanthropy honor to Gilead Sciences Inc. Cox's advocacy for HIV awareness and her dedication to breaking down stigma are truly inspiring. Her involvement in this summit further emphasizes the importance of diverse representation and the power of storytelling in social impact initiatives.
A Star-Studded Lineup of Presenters and Moderators
The summit boasts an impressive array of presenters, moderators, and panelists, including:
- Harrison Ford: Oscar- and Emmy-nominated actor and philanthropist, who will present the Philanthropic Organization of the Year award to Michael J. Fox and Deborah W. Brooks of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
- W. Kamau Bell: Emmy- and Peabody-winning TV host, comedian, and social justice advocate, who will moderate a fireside chat with Stephen and Ayesha Curry, highlighting their transformative work through the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation.
- John Mayer: Multi-Grammy-winning musician and Philanthropist of the Year, whose involvement with the Heart and Armor Foundation for Veterans Health will be celebrated.
- Karamo Brown: Emmy Award-winning television host, producer, and activist, who will join a panel discussion on Black Equity, Black Excellence.
- Baron Davis: Two-time NBA All-Star, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, who will also participate in the Black Equity, Black Excellence panel.
Panel Discussions and Conversations
The summit will feature several panel discussions and conversations, including:
- Black Equity, Black Excellence: The Power of Purpose - A panel discussion presented by Gilead Sciences, Inc., featuring Karamo Brown, Baron Davis, Etienne Maurice, and Dr. David Malebranche, moderated by Alphonso David.
- The LA Safety Net — Legacy Philanthropy & The Industry’s Essential Infrastructure - A panel discussion moderated by Alisann Blood, featuring Emmakate Young, Bob Beitcher, Victor Dominguez, and Kirsten Schaffer.
A Platform for Change
The 2026 Social Impact Summit is more than just an event; it's a catalyst for change. By bringing together diverse voices and influential figures, the summit aims to inspire and drive meaningful progress in philanthropy. The participation of renowned individuals like Sepideh Moafi, Harrison Ford, and Laverne Cox underscores the summit's commitment to making a tangible impact on society.
In my opinion, the Social Impact Summit is a testament to the power of collaboration and the potential for positive change. The expanded roster of presenters and moderators, including Sepideh Moafi and Laverne Cox, demonstrates the summit's dedication to amplifying diverse voices and perspectives. This year's event promises to be a powerful platform for social impact, leaving a lasting impression on attendees and inspiring meaningful change in the world.
