Convenings/

Big Bets for America

Connecting Heartland innovators with the capital and influence to scale breakthrough solutions

On November 4, 2025, The Rockefeller Foundation and Heartland Forward co-hosted the Big Bets for America summit, one in a series of gatherings designed to bring decision-makers, investors, and innovators into one room — and to move promising solutions forward, faster and farther.

This partnership is designed to elevate some of the most transformative ideas emerging from the Heartland — connecting them with the people, capital, and influence needed to amplify their impact.

Featured Speakers

  • Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President, The Rockefeller Foundation
  • Angie Cooper, President, Heartland Forward
  • Governor Kevin Stitt, State of Oklahoma
  • Mayor David Holt, Oklahoma City
  • Jennifer Hankins, Managing Director, Tulsa Innovation Labs
  • Michelle Nunn, President and CEO, CARE

View Full Speaker Lineup

About the Partnership

With a mission to accelerate economic growth, change the narrative about the middle of the country, and generate $500 million of economic impact to the heartland by 2030, Heartland Forward brings a proven record of turning ideas into action through applied research, community-driven programs, policy and convenings.

The Rockefeller Foundation contributes over a century of experience in system-level change, a capacity to convene influence, and the ability to create the conditions in which breakthroughs can flourish.

Together, we will highlight high-potential solutions across health, food systems, AI, and cultural institutions — spotlighting what’s already working and catalyzing connections to scale those ideas across communities.

Moments from Big Bets for America

  • speaker presenting on stage about "U.S. Big Bets Fellows: Breaking Barriers, Building Futures" at Big Bets for America, with partner organization logos displayed on the backdrop.
    Jennifer Hankins, Managing Director of Tulsa Innovation Labs, speaks about the U.S. Big Bets Fellows program at the Big Bets for America convening in Oklahoma City.
  • panel discussion on "The AI Moment for State Government: Building with the Center for Civic Futures" at Big Bets for America, featuring three speakers with panelist information displayed on the screen behind them.
    Derek Kilmer, Senior Vice President of U.S. Programs and Policy at The Rockefeller Foundation, Shawnzia Thomas, State Chief Information Officer and Executive Director at Georgia Technology Authority, and Sec. Denise Reilly-Hughes, Secretary and State Chief Information Officer for Vermont, discuss building AI capacity in state government with the Center for Civic Futures.
  • two speakers in conversation on stage at the Big Bets for America convening, seated in chairs with the event logo displayed between them and partner organization logos on the backdrop.
    Dr. Sharmila Makhija, Founding Dean and CEO of Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, in conversation with Angie Cooper, President of Heartland Forward, at the Big Bets for America convening.
  • two speakers in conversation on stage at Big Bets for America, seated in chairs with event branding visible and partner logos for Heartland Forward, The Rockefeller Foundation, and RF Catalytic Capital on the backdrop.
    Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt joins Warwick Sabin, President and CEO of Deep South Today, for a discussion on regional development and opportunity at Big Bets for America.
  • aerial view of the Big Bets for America convening in a brick-walled venue, showing attendees watching a panel discussion on stage with production equipment and café tables visible.
    Attendees gather for the Big Bets for America convening in Oklahoma City.
  • Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation, and Angie Cooper, President of Heartland Forward, deliver closing remarks at the Big Bets for America convening.
    Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation, and Angie Cooper, President of Heartland Forward, deliver closing remarks at the Big Bets for America convening.

Featured Content

Big Bets for America Announcements

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Step Into Your Next Big Bet

The Big Bets Fellowship is a four-month leadership program for emerging leaders at a pivotal moment, designed to accelerate bold action on the world’s toughest challenges. Applications open soon for our 2026 cohort.

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