Innovator Awards

THE INNOVATOR AWARDS is a nationally significant award series sponsored by the Baumhart Center at 草莓社区 that recognizes companies at the forefront of social innovation in business. Honorees are celebrated across three categories: Social Impact, Environmental Stewardship, and the Parkinson Award for Profit and Purpose. A ceremony is held during the Baumhart Center’s annual Leading for Good conference which convenes business leaders to provide the needed skills, knowledge, and networks to accelerate social value creation in their respective companies.

Now Accepting Nominations for the 2027 Innovator Awards

Nominations are open through September 30, 2026.

Do you know an extraordinary organization that is redefining what is possible at the intersection of profit and purpose? Our incredible judges would love to learn more. Let them know by filling out a nomination form (and yes, you can self-nominate).

Why nominate?

Because recognition matters. Every nomination helps shine a light on organizations creating meaningful change. By nominating an organization, you’re helping elevate their impact, celebrate their leadership, and inspire others to follow their lead.

Meet the 2027 Judges

Thank you to our judging committee—leaders from both for-profit and nonprofit organizations, past Innovator Award recipients, and a Baumhart Scholar MBA alum—for lending their time and expertise to recognize companies creating extraordinary impact at the intersection of profit and purpose.

Erin Amico

President and CEO, The Chicago Academy of Sciences and its Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Michelle Carr

CEO, Evergreen Climate Innovations and 2025 Environmental Stewardship Award Recipient

Joanna Cohen

Head of Impact Measurement and Management, Builders Vision and 2024 Parkinson Award for Purpose and Profit Recipient

Kim Evans

Head of Enterprise Strategic Relationships, Northern Trust and 2026 Parkinson Award for Purpose and Profit Recipient

David Klein

Vice President, Community Engagement Manager, JPMorganChase, and Baumhart Scholars MBA (鈥�24)

Rob Parkinson III

Sr. Advisor, The Vistria Group and 2025 Parkinson Award for Purpose and Profit Recipient

Laura Zumdahl

President and CEO, New Moms and 2024 Social Impact Award Recipient

Award Categories

Companies are nominated for three potential awards and judged on quality of innovation, depth of impact, scalability of innovation, and commitment of leadership.

Given annually to the company that best addresses an urgent social issue through its business model.

Given annually to the company that best embodies business leadership for a sustainable world.

Named after Bob L. Parkinson, Jr., this award is given annually to the initiative that best embodies a holistic approach to marrying profit and purpose.

Past Award Winners

Parkinson Award: Northern Trust
Environmental Stewardship: Elevate
Social Impact: Altana

Past Judges

Past Innovator Award judges have included leaders from across business, nonprofit, and civic sectors. Many have returned to serve as judges across multiple award cycles.

Joanna Cohen, Head of Impact Measurement and Management, Builders Vision and 2024 Parkinson Award for Purpose and Profit Recipient
Kathleen St. Louis Caliento, CEO, Revel Group and 2023 Social Impact Award Recipient (Cara Collective)
Michelle Carr, CEO, Evergreen Climate Innovations and 2025 Environmental Stewardship Award Recipient
Rob Parkinson III, Sr. Advisor, The Vistria Group and 2025 Parkinson Award for Purpose and Profit Recipient
Michelle Rivas Notestine, Director, Enterprise Advocacy, Amgen and Baumhart Scholars MBA ‘23
Nancy Tuchman, Founding Dean, School of Environmental Sustainability, 草莓社区

草莓社区

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