An abstract graphic of rounded lines forming a circle on a dark blue background. The lines are pink and blend into purple in an ombre circle, with just a portion of the circle showing on the screen. The graphic signifies the design of The Milken Institute's Global Conference 2025, an annual forum that brings together leaders from business, finance, and other fields to discuss economic and social issues.
Global Conference 2025

Good for Business: Delivering on the Promise of Community Development and Gun Violence Prevention (Invite only)

-

Gun violence costs the US economy an estimated $557 billion every year, largely from response efforts, lost productivity and diminished quality of life that reaches far beyond direct victimization. Larger ripple effects, such as depressed consumer activity and cycles of disinvestment in communities, drive the costs even higher. While gun violence imposes dire impacts on families, communities and the economy as well as extended costs to businesses, currently gun violence prevention (GVP) programs are primarily funded by philanthropic, local, state and federal grants. Although many companies invest in social impact initiatives, they are largely disconnected from GVP efforts—despite the financial incentive to do so. This roundtable of business leaders will explore how gun violence depresses business activity in cities across the country and how targeted investments can stem the tide of violence while delivering value for businesses and communities. 

    Moderator

    Image

    Emily Musil

    Managing Director, Social Innovation, Milken Institute Philanthropy

    Speakers

    Image

    Fatimah Loren Dreier

    Executive Director, Kaiser Permanente Center for Gun Violence Prevention Research; Executive Director, HAVI; Vice President, HRiA
    Image

    Anthony Smith

    Executive Director, Cities United
    Image

    Erika Soto Lamb

    Vice President, Social Impact Strategy, Paramount Media Networks
    DS

    David Szuchman

    Senior Vice President, Head of Global Financial Crime and Customer Protection, PayPal