George Lopez Set to Keynote 2025 Social Impact Summit, Hosted by THR and Social Impact Fund

George Lopez is set to deliver the main speech at this year’s Social Impact Summit, happening on July 24th in Los Angeles.

As a passionate advocate for social change, I find myself regularly attending gatherings that bring together trailblazers, artistic minds, and influential figures from various sectors. One such event is the one co-hosted by The Social Impact Fund and The Hollywood Reporter, proudly supported by Gilead, a pioneering biopharmaceutical company. This unique occasion serves as a platform for us all to brainstorm and implement accessible philanthropy that makes a real impact, while breaking down obstacles that hinder meaningful transformation.

Previously mentioned, the honorees at the upcoming event will be Sean Penn and Ann Lee, who together established CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort), recognized as Philanthropic Organization of the Year; and John Legend, acknowledged as Philanthropist of the Year for his extensive efforts in promoting equity and criminal justice reform throughout the years.

In addition to Lopez, others speakers confirmed for this year’s event include: 

  • Allyson Felix, Olympic track and field champion, and Black maternal health advocate
  • Kendall Toole, fitness instructor and founder of NKO Club and The NKO Fund, which seeks to empower community and destigmatize mental health for all 
  • Dázon Dixon Diallo, founder of SisterLove and global advocate for sexual and reproductive justice
  • Dr. Eric Esrailian, co-founder of Together California, an organization launched with Christian Bale to reform foster care and keep siblings together
  • Deborah Wafer, executive director of public affairs at Gilead 

Felix, Toole, Diallo, and Wafer are set to join “Who Runs The World? Trailblazers in Women’s Health and Wellness,” a panel discussion led by Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, an OB-GYN based in Los Angeles. The conversation will delve into various topics such as overall health, mental health, sexual health, and the specific challenge of Black maternal health.

Esrailian is set to join a talk titled “Secure the Neighborhood: Preserving Our Community.” During this discussion, they’ll delve into various subjects such as child welfare services, championing causes for women and young girls, and advocating for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.

Nic Novicki, an actor, advocate for people with disabilities, and founder of the EasterSeals Disability Film Challenge, is also set to take part in the program.

Other speakers joining the summit are ABC News’ Zohreen Shah, who will lead a conversation with award recipients, and Los Angeles/Palisades Fire Department captain Erik Scott.

At our upcoming Social Impact Summit, we’re delighted to introduce an energizing assortment of influencers who are making a difference in both global and local communities, right here in Los Angeles. As expressed by THR‘s co-editors-in-chief Shirley Halperin and Maer Roshan, this event is a platform to come together around common goals and groundbreaking ideas, aiming to create a unified effort at the crucial junctures of humanity, innovation, democracy, and societal wellbeing.

Striving to foster “effective and inclusive charitable giving,” the Social Impact Fund has been a hub for philanthropic activities by renowned personalities such as Legend, Will.I.Am, Kerry Washington, Shawn Mendes, Alex Cooper, Lilly Singh, Bradley Cooper, Ryan Reynolds, Madonna, Jonathan Bailey, Hailey Bieber, Chris Powell, The Kid Laroi and Lily Collins.

According to Craig Cichy, executive director of the Social Impact Fund, this year’s Social Impact Summit serves as a crucial platform at a time when basic rights, social programs, and DEI+ initiatives are being challenged, and numerous communities are suffering from systemic harm. The summit aims to provide a space for regrouping, responding, and redefining what impact means. By gathering leaders in immigration, advocacy, disaster relief, health, and storytelling, the challenges will be confronted directly. Moreover, the efforts of leading culture-shapers to bring about significant and enduring change will be highlighted.

A Half-Day Social Impact Summit is being held, gathering over 500 influencers in culture, production companies, talent agencies, and notable figures from the entertainment and creative sectors, as well as others, to brainstorm new ideas about what advancement means and to establish philanthropy’s role in facilitating impact.

The 2025 Social Impact Summit is backed by our returning main supporter, Gilead Sciences – a biopharmaceutical company that has been pioneering advancements in medicine for over three decades with the aim of fostering a healthier world for everyone. Other sponsors include Public Interest Registry, Heineken, Open Water, and Casamigos; more partners will be announced soon.

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2025-07-02 22:26