Co-Founder - Uncle Nearest
Keith Weaver is an American entertainment executive, entrepreneur, and civic leader known for his strategic influence in media, public policy, and social impact. He served as Executive Vice President of Global Public Policy at Sony Pictures Entertainment, where he led global government affairs and corporate responsibility efforts. Weaver is also a co-founder of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, the fastest-growing African-American-owned spirit brand in U.S. history, created to honor the legacy of Nathan "Nearest" Green, the first known African American master distiller. In addition, he founded Inspire Purpose, a social impact platform dedicated to mentorship and career development for underserved youth.
Philanthropy is no longer just about charity"”it's about investing in systems that scale human potential. Hospitality is more than just restaurants and hotels. And entertainment is everywhere "“ from our phones to stadiums. As geopolitical uncertainty and economic turbulence challenge the resilience of cities, a new wave of philanthropists, hospitality businesses, and entertainment entities are deploying capital to create jobs, revitalize blighted regions, and catalyze innovation and economic opportunity. This session brings together social entrepreneurs and entertainment and hospitality executives to explore how their work can enable long-term, systemic change. What models are working? Where are the gaps? And how can private capital align with public goals to truly drive inclusive urban prosperity?