Second Chance Forum at Georgetown University on April 9, 2026
Barriers to Breakthroughs: How Second Chances Are Driving Success
Thursday, April 9, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET
Georgetown University McDonough School of Business
37th and O Streets, Rafik B. Hariri Building
Washington, DC 20057
About the Event
The fourth annual Second Chance Forum will bring together employers, academics, thought leaders, policymakers and individuals with lived experience to explore how second chance employment is driving success for people, companies and communities.
Through a series of dynamic panels and discussions, the Forum will examine how the business community, higher education and community-based organizations are advancing career opportunities and reshaping the narrative around employing people with criminal records.
Participants will hear insights on:
- Successful company workforce strategies and best practices
- The latest academic research supporting second chance employment
- Transformative public policy approaches that expand opportunity
- Influential narratives that challenge misperceptions and advance meaningful career opportunities for people with criminal records
Welcome Reception
Join us on April 8 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. for a welcome reception to commemorate Second Chance Month and the Second Chance Business Coalition’s five-year anniversary.
Event Details
This is an in-person event. A detailed agenda and speaker announcements will be shared in the coming weeks.
Registration is free of charge. Breakfast, lunch and refreshments will be provided.
Please note that parking can be challenging, so we recommend using other forms of transportation if possible. View specific arrival instructions here.
View local hotel information here.
About the event
Agenda
Registration & Networking Breakfast
Welcome Remarks
- Paul Almeida, Dean, Georgetown University McDonough School of Business
- Dane Linn, Senior Vice President of Corporate Initiatives, Business Roundtable
Leading With Opportunity: The Economic Power of Second Chances
This discussion explores how second chance employment unlocks talent, strengthens businesses, and drives economic growth. Panelists will share insights on how employers are expanding opportunity, improving retention, and contributing to workforce resilience.
- Marc-Etienne Julien, Chief Executive Officer, Randstad North America
- Robin Leopold, Head of Human Resources, JPMorganChase
- Joseph Fuller, Professor of Management Practice, Harvard Business School
- Greg Ip, Chief Economics Commentator, The Wall Street Journal (Moderator)
Enacting Legislation: Expanding Workforce Opportunities Through Public Policy
This panel brings together policymakers to explore how public policy can expand employment pathways for individuals with a record.
- Marc-Etienne Julien, Chief Executive Officer, Randstad North America
- Robin Leopold, Head of Human Resources, JPMorganChase
- Joseph Fuller, Professor of Management Practice, Harvard Business School
- Greg Ip, Chief Economics Commentator, The Wall Street Journal (Moderator)
Learn more about our previous events
Second Chance Business Coalition Partners
This event will be recorded and photographed. By registering and/or attending this event, you consent to being photographed, filmed and recorded. You further consent to Business Roundtable, Georgetown University, Second Chance Business Coalition and other sponsoring partner organizations’ use of your name, appearance and voice as captured by these recordings, in all media for any purpose in connection with this event, including promotion of this event or future events.