Field Building for Systems Change: Strengthening Ecosystems for Lasting Impact
Lasting social change isn’t driven by isolated projects or organizations—it’s powered by interconnected fields, collaborative networks, and resilient ecosystems. As the world faces overlapping crises, from climate and inequality to democratic erosion, the social impact sector must ask: What does it take to build the scaffolding that supports systemic, long-term transformation?
This session will explore field building and ecosystem development as critical strategies for achieving the SDGs and advancing equity. We’ll examine how to mobilize purpose-aligned capital, invest in trust and relationship infrastructure, and move beyond organization-first mindsets toward commons-based approaches that center community, collaboration, and care. From feminist networks to rural entrepreneurship, from early-stage venture ecosystems to movement-led philanthropy, participants will share tools, case studies, and funding strategies to catalyze resilient, self-sustaining ecosystems.
Key Questions:
How do we build and finance ecosystems that are durable, inclusive, and aligned with long-term purpose?
What does it mean to activate a field, and how can network leadership accelerate collective action?
How can philanthropy shift toward ecosystem-first thinking—supporting infrastructure, field-level learning, and collaboration over competition?
What tools and approaches help weave strong, trust-based networks, especially across movements and sectors?
How do we sustain energy, safety, and wellbeing in the networks that power social progress?
This session is for field catalysts, network builders, funders, and ecosystem enablers working to scale not just solutions—but the connective tissue that helps them thrive.
Session Co-Leaders:
Aaron Mihaly is Associate Program Director at Dalberg Catalyst, helping lead collaborative initiatives like Sharing Strategies and Uncommon Collaborations.
Brian Leslie is CEO and Co-Founder of Camber Collective, working to strengthen social sector ecosystems through strategy, talent development, and equity.
Gannon Gillespie is a Senior Advisor supporting systems change and local leadership through networks like Tostan, Legado, and CatalystNow.
Janet Chapman is Chair of Tanzania Development Trust, supporting rural Tanzanian communities through clean water, education, and income projects.
Mendy Marsh is Executive Director and Co-founder of VOICE, leading efforts to shift power and resources to frontline women addressing gender-based violence.
Richard Woods is Global Head of Partnerships at Tech To The Rescue, connecting social impact organizations with tech talent worldwide.
Sreevas Sahasranamam is a Professor at the University of Glasgow Adam Smith Business School, exploring entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems in the Global South