2018-2019 Events

At the fourth annual showcase, the center invited alumni and professionals interested in joining a nonprofit board in efforts to connect them with nonprofits currently seeking members to expand their boards. In addition to the Columbia Business School community, the event was open to Columbia Law School alumni and Proskauer employees. Participants had the chance to meet with 19 nonprofit organizations to find one that best fits their interests, including Boys & Girls Club of Harlem, Building Beats, Concrete Safaris, Community Resource Exchange (CRE), Generation Citizen, Girl Be Heard, Girl Vow, LEAP, Literacy Partners, New Alternatives for Children, Partnership for After School Education (PASE), Read 718, Row New York, South Bronx United, STEM from Dance, The Knowledge House, Tomorrow’s Leaders NYC, WHEDco, and Youth Communication. Center advisory board member Alison Overseth ’84, executive director of PASE, and Katie Leonberger ’08, president and CEO of CRE, partnered with the center to coordinate the event which was kindly hosted by Wendy Dessy, associate director of corporate and social responsibility at Proskauer Rose LLP.
Organized by the center, Community Resource Exchange (CRE), Partnership for After School Education (PASE), and Proskauer.

Alberto Gomez-Obregon, director of portfolio at Acumen, shared his insights on the key characteristics of impact investing and how impact investing is related to the intentionality with which investors in the space operate. Capital is used as a means to solve problems through self-sustainable, profitable, and scalable business models. As the sector continues to evolve, investors have become aware that many of the enterprises that support livelihoods, create jobs, and deliver products or services to underserved populations have financing needs that are largely unmet by lenders or traditional investors, particularly companies that are not intended for massive expansion or will become attractive buyout targets for later stage investors. Impact investors that have flexibility in their instruments have been developing new structures to reach these companies and support them in their growth while at the same time obtaining attractive returns.ippet...

The third annual conference examined two interrelated business trends that are of interest to the investment community, and their relationship to climate change. How will the global transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy impact the power sector’s generation of electricity? How will the transition from the internal combustion engine to electric vehicles affect the transportation sector? And, most importantly, will these two business transitions be large enough or rapid enough to change the trajectory of emissions to avoid the most dramatic impacts of climate change? This conference brought together climate scientists and business leaders to understand how new advances in climate science can inform investments in specific sectors of the global economy. The forum explored topics that address the value and opportunity of using a science-based approach to inform and guide business and investment decisions.
Organized by the center and Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory.

While class divisions in America have been a source of concern for decades, attention to this topic increased after the 2008–9 financial crisis and has continued to influence our debates on how to advance as a nation. There are many proposals for addressing class divisions, but these proposals are frequently inconsistent with one another, due to proposed solutions being based on different diagnoses of the problem. This event focused on two important diagnoses and solutions that emerge from them. On the one hand, many academics and policy makers see the problem in terms of the distance between the rich and poor—income inequality—with society in a precarious state due to this wide inequality. Others, however, see the problem as largely being one of immobility or lack of opportunity to move up the socio-economic class ladder. From this perspective, the greatest challenge for the United States is not inequality per se, but the barriers to mobility. Kicking off the day, Dean Emeritus Glenn Hubbard framed the discussion around a policy agenda to develop human capital in today’s modern economy. Speakers included Deirdre Bloome, assistant professor of sociology at College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan, and faculty associate of the Population Studies Center; David Grusky, professor of sociology at Stanford University and director of the Center on Poverty & Inequality; Michael Hout, professor of sociology and director of the Center for Advanced Social Science Research at New York University; Shigehiro Oishi, visiting professor of psychology and professor beginning FY19 in the Department of Psychology at Columbia University; Miles Corak, professor of economics at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York and senior scholar at James M. and Cathleen D. Stone Center on Socio-economic Inequality; Janet Gornick, professor of political science and sociology at the Graduate Center, City University of New York, director of the Stone Center on Socio-economic Inequality, and director of the US Office of LIS; Joel Klein, chief policy and strategy officer at Oscar Insurance, former CEO of Amplify, and former chancellor at New York City Public Schools; Tom DiPrete, professor of sociology and co-director at the Institute for Social and Economic Research and Policy (ISERP), and co-director of the Center for the Study of Wealth and Inequality at Columbia University; and Suresh Naidu, associate professor of International and Public Affairs and Economics at Columbia University.

Recipients of the Displaced Persons Scholarship Fund joined Professor Bruce Usher and Ivy Hatsengate for a celebration lunch at Pisticci’s Restaurant to congratulate three graduates of the program. Gradates earned degrees from the School of International and Public Affairs and Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation.

The annual retreat provided an invaluable opportunity for members in leadership roles from the GBC, SEC—including Microlumbia, the NBLP, and Pangea—and center staff and faculty to engage in an open discussion to address challenges and set goals for the upcoming academic year.

The Three Cairns Climate Fellowship provides support to MBA / EMBA students who complete semester- or year-long projects at the intersection of climate change and business. The fellowship was endowed by Lise Strickler ’86 and Mark Gallogly ’86. Each fellow presented their project to peers in the program, donors, client organizations, and community members.

NBLP mentees presented their projects to the center and student leadership board.
Organized by the NBLP, within the Social Enterprise Club (SEC), and center.

Be Social Change facilitated a networking event focused on connecting NYC’s sustainability community. Attendees connected with people and organizations in sustainable food, fashion, travel, energy, waste, and more. The night included interactive networking, healthy snacks, and drinks from socially-conscious businesses, as well as a room packed with inspiring, like-minded people from organizations that are innovating and making a sustainable impact for a greener New York. This event helped to strengthen New York’s sustainability sector by creating meaningful connections, building new partnerships, and sharing ideas and resources.
Organized by Be Social Change, and co-branded with the center.

Members of the GBC gathered for a roundtable discussion with Blake Sturcke ’98, chief operating officer and chief financial officer of Encore Renewable Energy, on commercial and industrial solar power.
Organized by the GBC.

The Obama Foundation Scholars Program is a new collaboration between Columbia University and the nonprofit foundation created by former president Barack Obama, ’83CC, where scholars complete a one-year residency on campus at Columbia World Projects. At this cross-campus event, attendees heard from four civic leaders who shares their insights on social entrepreneurship and the impact they are making around the world. Following the presentations, Professor Damon Phillips moderated a panel discussion on social entrepreneurship, international development, and their experience at Columbia University. Panelists included Alice Barbe, co-founder and CEO of SINGA, Gabriela Galilea, CEO and founder of Okimo Vision Ltd., Ana Maria Gonzalez-Forero, chief sustainability officer at Fundación Por La Educación Multidimensional (FEM), and Omezzine Khelifa, founder and CEO at Mobdiun – Creative Youth.
Organized by Columbia World Projects and the center.

Pallavi Prasad ’07, co-founder of Battery Nano Technologies, spoke to the club about her startup experience in the European energy storage space
Organized by the GBC.

A senior member of the Danone Regulatory Affairs spoke to the club about the company’s efforts to develop sustainability in the firm’s supply chain.
Organized by the GBC.

This event offered a unique opportunity for students interested in the intersection of health care and social enterprise to hear from board members of ALIMA to learn more about the organization's mission and success thus far. In addition, the speakers facilitated a discussion around the business of nonprofit organizations and what it means to be on a junior board.
Organized by the HCIA and SEC.

Panelists Elizabeth Dorsey ’20, board member of Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO), Natasha Gabbay ’20, board member of Global Fund for Women, Lindy Gould ’19, board member of Teach for America, Meredith Milstein ’17, board member of 92Y; and Kyle Wetzold ’20, board member of Adams Street Foundation, discussed their paths to serving on their respective nonprofit boards. Each speaker shared the different skillsets needed to be an effective board member—specifically as a junior member—and the challenges of being on a board.
Organized by the NBLP, within the SEC, and center.

Root Impact was founded in 2012 as a nonprofit focused on building capacity for the social innovation sector. Root Impact helps young social entrepreneurs and change-makers who endeavor to bring positive changes to the world by building an impact ecosystem and a change-maker friendly environment including a co-living house, co-working spaces, and learning opportunities. This ecosystem helps change-makers further their missions, solve pressing issues, and sustain their growth. Kyungsun Chung ’19 facilitated a workshop to uncover resources needed to support early-stage nonprofits and social enterprises, ways to measure impact, and opportunities for neighborhood revitalization.
Organized by the center and supported by the Lang Center for Entrepreneurship, SEC, and GBC at Columbia Business School; and the Social Enterprise Club at Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs.

Club members tabled in Uris Hall lobby to bring awareness to people’s individual carbon footprint. Focused topics included transportation, food, and apparel.
Organized by the GBC.

Three startups with a sustainability focus—Knickey, Aday, and Pinch of Colou—spoke about entrepreneurship in fashion and sustainability.
Organized by the GBC.

Second in a series of confidential, off-the-record roundtable discussions of leading NYC-area health care institutions around the topic of hiring employees who are formerly incarcerated and otherwise justice-involved. Eric Eingold, Esq. of Youth Represent, highlighted common mistakes made by employers while conducting criminal background checks and discussed best practices to limit an employer’s legal exposure as the meeting’s featured speaker.

A panel of esteemed women joined Business School students to discuss how they are making strides in the realm of social impact. Panelists came from FSG Consulting, NeubergerBerman, and the Boys and Girls Club.
Organized by the CWiB and SEC.

Students came together to develop a startup idea, build a product prototype, and pitch it. Each sponsor developed industry specific prompts. A $4,000 dollar cash prize pool was available, as well as feedback from a panel of VC’s and entrepreneurs
Organized by the CEO, Fintech Club, Health Care Industry Association (HCIA), Media Management Association (MMA), and SEC at Columbia Business School; and the Engineering Graduate Student Council at the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

Dean Emeritus Glenn Hubbard and Professor Ray Horton continued their discussion on the topic of populism and its impact on the US political and economic landscape. In addition, the speakers covered the Bridging American Divide course and insights from the class visit to Youngstown, OH.
Organized by the Dean’s Office.

The center held an info session to discuss the REAP Immersion Course, where MBA / EMBA instructors teach financial literacy, negotiations, and entrepreneurship to incarcerated students.

This forum focused on the increasingly front-and-center topic of sustainability. Attendees heard insights about one of today’s most relevant and important subject matters, delivered first-hand by industry leaders. The conference gathered senior executives, thought leaders, and academics to discuss the existing and emerging issues along with takeaways on how to keep their companies competitive. The keynote speaker was Paul Polman, former CEO of Unilever, and featured speakers included Jeffrey Sachs, professor and director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University; Leslie Picker, reporter at CNBC; Megan Murphy, former editor-in-chief at Businessweek; Professor Bruce Usher; and other leaders in sustainability from Pepsi, KKR, Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, and Land O'Lakes.
Organized by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Columbia University’s Richman Center for Business, Law, and Public Policy.

The CMC welcomed Paul M. Dabbar ’96, undersecretary for science of the US Department of Energy, where he serves as the principal advisor on research and development for areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, advanced and sustainable energy, space exploration, advanced mobility, and genomics. Mr. Dabbar spoke about the technologies that are going to change the world, his experience running an R&D business, including capital allocation, operations and partnerships, and how a career can span both the public and private sectors.
Organized by the CMC.

Chris Fowle, head of Americas at Principles for Responsible Investing, discussed frameworks and approaches to responsible investing.
Organized by the GBC.

This moderated panel discussion focused on how large corporations are integrating environment, social, and governance principles into their business models and operations. This discussion was framed by the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs), which aim to serve as a blueprint to achieve a better and sustainable future for all. Speakers included Jennie M. McCarthy, senior director of vendor compliance at DKNY G-III; Molly Ernst Alper, social accountability manager at Unilever; and Alessandro Carlucci (moderator), chairman of Business for Social Responsibility and executive in residence at Columbia Business School.
Organized by the Student Leadership and Ethics Board (SLEB) and SEC.

SEC partnered with the Community Careers & Money Skills Club (CCMS) to volunteer and help their club members sharpen their interviewing and money management skills to help coach and counsel community members. CCMS is a community service club that educates the community surrounding the School by encouraging and empowering individuals to take control over their financial well-being, informing the community about best practices related to career preparation and personal money management, and driving financial awareness in and around the greater NYC area.
Organized by the SEC and Community Careers & Money Skills Club.

SEC members met with team members from the Nonprofit Finance Fund and toured their office.
Organized by the SEC.

As a part of Women’s Week at the School, the Columbia Women in Business (CWiB) club organized a conversation with Kyleigh Russ, co-founder and chief operating officer of Govern for America. Kyleigh shared her career journey, lessons learned in launching her business, and practical advice for how to make a meaningful impact. Govern for America is an organization that seeks to build a pipeline into public service by connecting high-potential recent graduates to high-impact roles in state governments through a two-year fellowship program.
Organized by the CWiB, SEC, and Government and Business Club.

Over 230 Columbia Business School alumni and friends gathered at a private club on the Upper East Side for the fourth annual Awards Breakfast, which raised over $360,000 in support of the center’s curriculum and initiatives. The 2019 Horton Award for Excellence in Social Enterprise was presented to The Lucius N. Littauer Foundation and Robert Frost ’97 for their longtime support of social enterprise at Columbia Business School, including the Loan Assistance Program, which encourages MBA students to take management and leadership roles in the public and nonprofit sectors. The award also recognized Mr. Frost’s commitment to affordable housing in the New York City metropolitan region. In its “Awards Breakfast” debut, Carrie Braddock ’06 received the 2019 Social Enterprise Leadership Award. The 2019 Carson Family Changemaker Awards were presented to Michael Paranac ’19 and Robert Zochowski ’19. The Carson Family Changemaker Award recognizes current students who have demonstrated leadership in the field of social enterprise.

This unique workshop simulation, led by Sue Ellen Allen, founder and president of Reinventing Reentry, put audience members in the shoes of a formerly incarcerated person (FIP). Each attendee experienced the challenges FIPs face while attempting to navigate the complexities of reentering life after incarceration. After the simulation, attendees come together to discuss their experiences and the role business can play to explore and advocate for solutions that enable FIPs with economic opportunity and community support for future success.
Organized by the Osborne Association and center, and led by Reinventing Reentry.

At this eight-hour workshop, members of the Energy and Green Business Club went over the basics of financial modeling for a wind project.
Organized by the Energy Club and GBC.

Third Thursday is a recurring open forum that brings together the Columbia University entrepreneurship community for an evening of networking and pitch presentations. It provides students, faculty, staff, and alumni the opportunity to hear ideas from across campus, form teams, and explore career options. This year’s event featured entrepreneurs who are using their engineering skills to solve some of today's most pressing social and environmental issues. Ivy Schultz, director of entrepreneurship at SEAS, moderated a panel discussion with Matthew Robins ’13, CEO of Tamer Fund for Social Ventures portfolio member DeansList, and Sandra Navalli ’03. Attendees were also able to pitch an idea during the open mic section of the event, as well as meet and network with fellow social entrepreneurs.
Organized by the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) and the center.

Participants of the NBLP gathered together for a lunch to discuss progress on their projects and resources available to them.
Organized by the NBLP leadership team, within the SEC, and center.

Students considering careers in corporate social responsibility, investment management, social enterprise, law, and international and public affairs attended this breakfast series to hear from David Silverman, CFA, managing director of BlueHarbour Group, a Greenwich, CT-based friendly activist hedge fund, and Faith Taylor, clinical professor at Montclair State University and formerly SVP of corporate social responsibility and chief sustainability officer at Wyndham Worldwide Hospitality Group, for a discussion on ESG from an investor and a corporate perspective, respectively. The discussion looked at both the day-to-day implementation processes that companies undertake regarding ESG initiatives and the investment analysis that external stakeholders use to assess impact resulting from ESG-driven actions.
Organized by the CMC

The London and Amsterdam Career Trek included company visits with a range of firms in the impact investing space, notably Dalberg, Leapfrog Investments, Mustard Seed, PVH, FMP Entrepreneurial Development Bank, Blue City, and Triple Jump to name a few.
Organized by the SEC, CMC, and center.

Professors Bruce Western and Damon Phillips were interviewed by Michael Friedman on the topic of reintegrating into society after prison. Professor Phillips shared insights from his Reforming Mass Incarceration and the Role of Business course and REAP. The Columbia Commitment to Just Societies, one of the pillars of the University-wide campaign, encourages support for students, and faculty working on fairness in every discipline—from law to public health, from social science and data science to social work and health care delivery.
Organized by the Columbia School of Social Work (CSSW).

SEC hosted 2020 US Presidential Candidate and Venture for America founder Andrew Yang, ’99LAW, for a discussion of the possibilities and challenges of universal basic income (UBI) in American economic policy. Yang shared his perspective on how UBI, the signature feature of his presidential campaign platform, can improve outcomes for Americans in the face of the changing US labor market.
Organized by the SEC and center.

At Blueland, cleaning up our planet starts with cleaning our homes. John Mascari, founder, presented the core values of sustainability at Blueland and the revolutionary work they are doing to reimagine all categories of household packaged goods. Blueland products can help to eliminate over 100 billion single-use plastic bottles in the United States alone.
Organized by the GBC and Columbia Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO).

The CMC, in partnership with the center, hosted a career panel for both first- and second-year students at the School who are interested in social impact careers. After the panel, students met in smaller breakout groups based on interest area. Panelists spoke about their experience, career path, and insight about pursuing a career in impact investing, education, CSR, green business, international development, and more. Panelists and topics included Divya Chaudhary ’17, investor, private markets at Flat World Partners (impact investing); Sheila Zeidman ’15, director of product management at Achievement First (social enterprise / education); Yael Silverstein ’13, senior director of human capital at The END Fund (international development / health care); Robby Rutkoff ’16, VP, CSR at Guggenheim Partners (CSR); and Danny Mintzer ’13, AVP, renewable energy finance at Bank of America Merrill Lynch (green business / sustainability).
Organized by the CMC and supported by the center.

This matchmaking event attracted Columbia University, Barnard, and Teachers College students and alumni looking to join or get involved with a Columbia-affiliated social or environmental startup, and Columbia-affiliated social or environmental startups or nonprofits seeking new team members (co-founders, interns, specialists, etc.) or connections. 37 ventures pitched their business ideas in hopes of finding a team member or connections for their venture from over 100 audience members.

From wood to coal to oil and gas, the sources of energy on which civilization depends have always changed as technology advances. Now renewables are overtaking fossil fuels, with wind and solar energy becoming cheaper and more competitive every year. Growth in renewable energy will further accelerate as electric vehicles become less expensive than traditional automobiles. Understanding the implications of the energy transition will prepare us for the many changes ahead. Professor Bruce Usher, author, provided a concise yet comprehensive explanation for the extraordinary growth in wind and solar energy; the trajectory of the transition from fossil fuels to renewables; and the implications for industries, countries, and the climate.

Kristen Banks hosted an info session for students and alumni of Columbia University to learn about the Tamer Fund for Social Ventures, the application process, upcoming deadlines, and qualifications to apply.

The center and professional clubs provided information on the clubs’ initiatives on campus and opportunities to be involved in the social enterprise community at the School. J-term students met students and faculty whose passion for international development, social entrepreneurship, CSR, renewable energy, and nonprofit consulting and management has elevated the School to be one of the top business schools for social enterprise.
Organized by the GBC, SEC, and center.

Retouch | Haiti is a social enterprise that provides graduates from The Artists Institute, a free film and audio engineering college in Haiti with a specialized training in e-commerce photo and video post-production. There exists a quality gap between current offshore vendors' capabilities and the industry’s quality expectations, and Retouch | Haiti aims to fulfill this gap through their program. Camille Park ’19 and Alex Polinis facilitated a workshop discussion around the balance between social impact and profitability, how to measure social and economic impact, and the technology innovations and trends impacting the digital creative space.
Organized by the center, and supported by the Lang Center for Entrepreneurship, SEC, and GBC at Columbia Business School; and the Social Entrepreneurship Club at Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs.

Pangea hosted a project competition where three student teams presented their completed project from fall 2018 in front of attendees and a panel of judges with backgrounds in consulting and social impact, including professionals from McKinsey, BCG, and Dalberg. Attendees also had the opportunity to learn more about Pangea Advisors and the opportunities for pro bono international development consulting projects.
Organized by Pangea, within the SEC.

Sarah Millar, associate at City Light Capital, shared her perspective on impact investing, her transition into the industry, and City Light Capital’s approach in the areas of education, energy, environment, and safety and care.
Organized by Microlumbia, within the SEC, and supported by the center.

As part of the REAP Immersion Course, students met with Professor Damon Phillips for a discussion on the fundamentals of entrepreneurship.

This is the largest student-run energy event in New York City, bringing together more than 300 energy professionals, students, faculty, leaders, and executives representing industry, government, and society, to explore and advance insights into today's challenging energy questions. The symposium featured panel topics on women in energy, the investment implications of renewable energy, the future of utilities, the role of developing countries in clean energy advancement, innovation in energy technology, and the role of conventional fuels in a changing energy security landscape.
Organized by Columbia University’s SIPA Energy Association (SEA), the Energy and Green Business Clubs at Columbia Business School, CU Engineering Energy Club, and Columbia Law School’s Environmental Law Society.

Attendees learned about serving on a nonprofit board from both the nonprofit staff and board perspective. Panelists included Stephanie Wilchfort ’12BUS ’04SIPA, president and CEO of the Brooklyn Children’s Museum; Margaret “Peggi” Einhorn ’80, CFO and treasurer of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and board member and chair emeritus at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum; Robert Flanigan, co-founder, Educate, LLC; Matthew Bloom, board member of Getting Out and Staying Out; and moderator Susan Madon ’05, managing partner of Minerva Nonprofit Management and board member at Champions for Quality Education. Speaker’s discussed topics on nonprofit board service, including the various types of boards, time commitments for board members, effective board member qualities, give / get requirements, organization size, and the challenges that nonprofit boards face.
Organized by Columbia Business School’s Alumni Club of New York.

Students gathered within their clusters for a community-building fundraising event, where they auctioned off experiences based on their individual talents to their peers.
Organized by the SEC.

Mark Rockefeller, co-founder and CEO of StreetShares, came to speak with the Columbia community about his platform to bring digital finance to the military and veterans’ community.
Organized by the SEC and Military in Business Association (MIBA).

In a similar format to “CBS Matters”, former SESF participants shared highlights from their fellowship and how their summer turned into a summer of impact. Speaker line-up included Elsbeth Grant’ 18, director of education at Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens; Alyssa Sankin ’13, director of sales planning at Happy Family Brands (Nurture Inc); Anne McGrath ’18, executive director at CCS Fundraising; and Jessica Ochoa Hendrix ’09, CEO & co-founder of Killer Snails.
Organized by the SEC and center.

With a packed house, Antony Bugg-Levine, CEO of Nonprofit Finance Fund, discussed the relevance and effectiveness of impact investing in today's political climate. How much does politics influence impact investing and how much social change it can achieve? Are there swings in social impact? And do they shadow or contrast political agendas?
Organized by the SEC and center.

Students, alumni, faculty, and professionals in the social enterprise sector joined center staff and advisory board members for an evening of networking and socializing. The 2019 Social Enterprise Leadership Award was presented to Carrie Braddock ’06, managing director of impact and inclusion at Centerbridge Foundation.

As part of the REAP Immersion Course, students met with Professor Daniel Ames for a lecture on managerial negotiations and Getting to Yes.

While the "lean startup" movement is commonly associated with early-stage ventures, a growing number of established enterprises are also successfully applying the approach in order to innovate and grow. Social enterprises, specifically, are learning that this rigorous approach provides them with the opportunity to introduce new products and services rapidly by testing stakeholders' acceptance, solution efficacy, and social impact. Webinar participants learned from Professor Jack McGourty (director of community and global Entrepreneurship at Columbia Business School and a faculty member teaching courses in entrepreneurship, venture creation, and product innovation) about the issues, tensions, and relationships faced by social entrepreneurs as they build new products and services; how to construct customer discovery across new and existing stakeholders; how to design new product experiments that can effectively communicate the innovation potential to beneficiaries, funders, and other stakeholders; and the metrics that are critical to measure and monitor new products / services solution efficacy and social impact.

Participants in Pangea presented their projects to peers and the center, sharing best practices, insights learned, and project stories.
Organized by Pangea, within the SEC.

Recipients of the Displaced Persons Scholarship Fund joined Professor Bruce Usher and Ivy Hatsengate for a networking dinner to celebrate the end of the fall semester at Pisticci’s Restaurant.

The center staff celebrated the end of the year and fall semester at Café Clover in the West Village.

More than ever, key stakeholders are asking how and if philanthropy can create systematic change and lasting impact. Recent innovations in the field of philanthropy, from funder collaboratives to impact investing, are sometimes overshadowed by society’s growing challenges. Notable examples include the growing inequalities derived from a flawed criminal justice system, the widespread threat of climate change, and the seemingly impenetrable problem of gun violence. These topics, and more, are leading donors to ask broad questions about social justice and impact. Melissa Berman, founding president and CEO of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, Inc., provided an overview of the current philanthropic trends and moderated a discussion on funder collaboratives, impact investing, and direct giving with fellow panelists: Michael Faye, co-founder and president of GiveDirectly, Roy Swan, director of mission investments at Ford Foundation, and Patricia Weisenfeld, vice president of special initiatives at Simons Foundation.

Populations in post-conflict areas often experience isolation from the international community, have difficulty accessing basic sources of income, and lack opportunities to find either full-time job opportunities or a favorable environment to launch their own businesses. At the same time, individuals in developed countries are unsure of how to address the refugee crisis and are simultaneously unable to find meaningful investment opportunities that both address a societal challenge and provide a return on their capital. HereO Ventures is a two-sided for-profit social enterprise designed to facilitate a cross-border supply of the three HereO pillars (peer-to-peer micro-debt / micro-equity loans, professional mentoring services, and emotional support) to refugees and other populations in post-conflict situations via an online video platform. Ignacio Inda, ’06SIPA, led the workshop discussion to uncover the proper balance between profitability and social mission, identify solutions to technical and communication challenges for the venture, and gather ideas on how to structure a proper relationship between investor and investee in this socio-economic and cultural context.
Organized by the center, and supported by the Lang Center for Entrepreneurship, SEC, and GBC.

Club members of the SEC visited Sesame Workshop’s office to learn more about their initiatives to help millions of children in more than 150 countries grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.
Organized by the SEC.

Participants of the NBLP gathered together for a lunch to discuss progress on their projects and resources available to them.
Organized by the NBLP leadership team, within the SEC, and center.

Impact investors cite fintech as one of their top expansion areas and are especially keen to identify fintechs with inclusive business models. At the same time, many fintechs cite lack of capital as their key constraint to growth. Camilla Nestor ’02, CEO of MIX, discussed the opportunities for impact investment to shape fintech and what’s holding it back. Camilla shared her perspective on the landscape and provided an overview of how her new initiative MIX, which launched in fall 2018 with support from several large financial and technology companies, will be used to solve these challenges.

The breakfast served as a networking opportunity for donors and current and past fellows, and provided an opportunity for current fellows to discuss their projects.

April Tam Smith ’10, founder of P.S. Kitchen, discussed her journey in setting up her socially-conscious and environmentally-friendly restaurant. P.S. Kitchen is a social restaurant supporting inclusive hiring practices.
Organized by the Gourmet Club and SEC.

This headline event, located in the finance capital of the world, provided a unique opportunity to tap into the vibrant ecosystem of capital for impact through the lens of philanthropy, impact investing, ESG, and social venture and business examples. Social impact leaders in business, government, nonprofit, and philanthropy spoke to how they are changing the way we think about how capital is sourced and used to generate sustainable solutions to global, systemic challenges. Speakers shared insights on where opportunities exist to pursue future careers of impact on both the financing and implementation sides of social impact capital. At this year’s event, attendees were inspired by keynotes Joel Greenblatt, Managing Principal and Co-Chief Investment Officer of Gotham Asset Management; Caroline Roan, ’00SIPA, vice president, corporate social responsibility at Pfizer, Inc. and president of Pfizer Foundation; and Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation, who encouraged our audience to think about ways in which capitalism can better serve society in order to survive and “produce more prosperity for different people.” “Sources of Capital” breakout sessions included: sports philanthropy, clean energy and renewables, capital for scaling social ventures, and social impact real estate development. “On the Uses of Capital” side, breakout sessions included impact investing, opportunity zones and community development financing, intergenerational wealth transfer, and impact-focused foundation portfolios. Key breakout session speakers included, but were not limited to Hugh R. Frater ’85, chairman of VEREIT / Shift Capital; Elizabeth Seeger, director, sustainable investing at KKR; Ron Moelis, CEO and founding partner of L+M Development Partners; Jessie Gould, founder of Ox Verte; Anna Raginskaya, private wealth advisor at Morgan Stanley; Lawrence Cann ’13, president of Street Soccer USA; Shuaib A. Siddiqui, director, impact investing at Surdna Foundation; and Nate McMurray ’10, vice president, divestiture and portfolio strategy at EDF Renewables North America.
Organized by the center, SEC, and GBC.

Nicholas Frearson, senior staff associate at Lamont Doherty, presented his research on melting ice sheets, sharing science and his own experiences traveling to the South Pole.
Organized by the GBC.

Impact investing is rapidly growing around the world in all asset classes driven by investors who are determined to generate social and environmental impact, as well as financial returns. Students attended this speaker series to hear Giselle Leung, ’07BUS ’08SIPA, managing director of the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN), discuss the future of impact investing and career opportunities available for students interested in the sector.
Organized by Microlumbia, within the SEC, and supported by the center.

Alumni and impact investors gathered at the Honor Foundation for a conversation on impact investing and networking with like-minded professionals. Lauren Grattan, ’08CC, co-founder and director of community engagement at Mission Driven Finance, and Keather Marie Burke, director of investor relations at Mission Driven Finance, were the keynotes. Attendees also had the opportunity to hear from Robert Seid, partner and wealth advisor at Blue Summit Wealth Management, who presented on investment performance and his firm’s leading approach to sustainable and responsible investing (SRI). Entrepreneur pitches included Jeff Coleman, CEO and co-founder of BrainLeap Technologies; Eric Lovett, founder and executive director of Urban Street Angels, inc. and 8 West; Ryan Espinoza, CMO and co-founder of Balance; and Jared Aaker, CEO and founder of Tablecloth.io. The Columbia Venture Community (CVC) is a private community for Columbia alumni, students, and staff who are interested in all aspects of entrepreneurship and innovation. 
Organized by CVC’s San Diego Chapter.

Students interested pursuing a career in impact investing attended this CMC event to learn about the sector and career opportunities post-MBA from Professor Bruce Usher.
Organized by the CMC.

Confidential, off-the-record roundtable discussion of leading NYC-area health care institutions around the topic of hiring employees who are formerly incarcerated and otherwise justice-involved. Yariela Kerr-Donovan, senior director of strategic workforce development at Johns Hopkins Medicine, was the featured keynote speaker at this meeting.

The nonprofit Pencils of Promise gave a presentation about their work promoting quality education in developing countries with a special focus on how they evaluate the social impact and success of their programs.
Organized by the SEC.

Justine Zinkin ’02, CEO of Neighborhood Trust Financial Partners, discussed the labor market trends creating financial insecurity among most working households. During her remarks, Justine profiled innovative approaches from the nonprofit, banking, and fintech sectors that are helping workers escape poverty. Justine also discussed Neighborhood Trust's approach to building Trusted Advisor, an employee financial wellness benefit.

A club social was held at Amnity Hall, where members gathered for drinks and light appetizers to socialize.
Organized by the GBC.

The SEC career panel featured second-year students who had summer internships in the solar energy, sustainable investing, and city planning sectors. The panel was followed by a networking event to foster connection and community within the club.
Organized by the SEC.

Duterimbere Bakery hires women who have been historically marginalized from their communities. Elizabeth Dettke, ’19SW, founder of Duterimbere Bakery, facilitated a workshop discussion on ways to make a micro social enterprise like Duterimbere profitable and viable. Attendees brainstormed solutions to ensuring small businesses in rural communities have the necessary tools to thrive, and identified ways in which funding can be helpful or harmful to the mission of the bakery.
Organized by the center, and supported by the Lang Center for Entrepreneurship, SEC, and GBC at Columbia Business School; and the Social Entrepreneurship Club at Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs.

Today, innovation and technology are changing the way financial services are delivered around the world, creating opportunities from customers in every country and at every income level. Nancy Widjaja, ’14SIPA, policy advisor at the UN, discussed the global trends in financial inclusion and how innovation in financial services and technology is having an impact on customers around the world, while creating new market opportunities for companies.
Organized by Microlumbia, within the SEC, and supported by the center.

This event brought together Columbia Business School students and professionals who are interested in exploring ways in which social entrepreneurship can empower people in developing economies and alleviate poverty globally. The featured speaker was Mr. Partha Ghosh, founding member of The Boston Pledge, former McKinsey & Company partner, and founder and managing director of Partha S. Ghosh & Associates.
Organized by The Boston Pledge and supported by the SEC.

How much do you know about the food that’s on your plate? Based on the bestselling book by Jonathan Safran Foer, narrated by co-producer Natalie Portman, and directed by Christopher Quinn (GOD GREW TIRED OF US), Eating Animals is an urgent, eye-opening look at the environmental, economic, and public health consequences of factory farming. Tracing the history of food production in the United States, the film charts how farming has gone from local and sustainable to a corporate Frankenstein monster that offers cheap eggs, meat, and dairy at a steep cost: the exploitation of animals; the risky use of antibiotics and hormones; and the pollution of our air, soil, and water. Spotlighting farmers who have pushed backed against industrial agriculture with more humane practices, Eating Animals offers attainable, commonsense solutions to a growing crisis while making the case that ethical farming is not only an animal rights issue but one that affects every aspect of our lives. Professor Geoffrey Heal provided an overview of food sustainability and moderated a discussion with film producer Simone Friedman of EJF Philanthropies.
Organized by the SEC, GBC, Gourmet Club, and supported by the center.

Michael McGregor ’16, chief of staff for Charter Impact Fund, discussed the successes, shortcomings, and future of the public charter school sector. He provided an overview of today's education policy landscape, insights into the promises and challenges inherent in a choice-based approach to education, and details on unique investment vehicles being used to finance facilities for some of America's best schools.

The session focused on Dalberg’s experience tackling the world’s toughest economic and social development challenges by applying the best of private sector strategy skills and rigorous analytical capabilities. The discussion was centered on a live case example of Dalberg project work, presented by consultants from Dalberg’s NY office.
Organized by the SEC, Microlumbia, Pangea, and Management Consulting Association (MCA).

Students and staff from the center gathered at Blue Hound Kitchen and Cocktail with alumni in the Phoenix-area for a networking dinner. Current Business School students interested in social enterprise were in town for the annual “Net Impact Conference.”

Students traveled to Phoenix, AZ to participate in the 2018 “Net Impact Conference, Outside the Lines.” Keynote speakers included: Gina McCarthy, former administrator for the US Environmental Protection Agency and director of C-CHANGE at Harvard; Andrew Yang, ’99LAW, founder of Venture for America and 2020 US Presidential Candidate; Adam Foss, founder and president of Prosecutor Impact; Kavita Shukla, Founder and CEO of The FRESHGLOW Co; Antony Bugg-Levine, CEO of the Nonprofit Finance Fund; and TRU Colors Brewing Company.
Organized by the Net Impact Organization, and supported by the center.

LO3 Energy is developing blockchain-based innovations to revolutionize how energy can be generated, stored, bought, sold and used, all at the local level. The GBC visited LO3 at their Brooklyn headquarters to learn how the company is applying smart metering and blockchain to the grid.
Organized by the GBC.

Yaniv Kalish ’12, CEO and founder, and Neil Sharma ’03, COO and co-founder, presented on SolarKal’s business model and opportunities for careers in the solar space.
Organized by the GBC.

The opening reception served as a successful kickoff for the 2018–19 NBLP cohort, bringing together nearly 60 students, mentors, and nonprofit leaders participating in the program this year. Mimi Boublik ’80 and Michael Boublik ’80 had a packed house of nonprofit board leaders and future board members to network and build a community together.
Organized by the NBLP leadership team, within the SEC, and center.

Scholars, donors, faculty, and the center gathered to celebrate and network with the student scholars.

This discussion surveyed the landscape of venture capital, social investors, and where they intersect. Steve Zausner, ’91SIPA, provided insight into understanding what a venture capitalist needs and how social entrepreneurs might tailor their pitch to fit that need.

Executive Education's Programs in Social Enterprise (PSE) held a reception to recognize all the invaluable support from the nonprofit sector and Columbia Business School network in growing the PSE program over the last ten years. Professor Ray Horton discussed the current and future state of the nonprofit sector before an evening of networking.
Organized by PSE and promoted by the center.

Student mentees participating in the program gathered at orientation to learn about their nonprofit board projects for the academic year. At the event, attendees discussed initiatives and best practices. During the orientation, Neha Kukreja and Kevin Rosenberg, consultants at Bridgespan, presented best practices for nonprofit consulting; and Ronnie Planalp ’86 remarked on her experience as a mentor, board member at the Film Society of Lincoln Center, and what to expect from the NBLP projects.
Organized by the NBLP leadership team, within the SEC, and center.

Representatives from JP Morgan’s power and utilities group presented on internship opportunities for club members.
Organized by the GBC.

Emily Lamia of Pivot Journeys guided current students and alumni interested in a social impact career through an interactive career workshop. Attendees worked through ways to help identify and define their future career path in the social enterprise sector. The mapping process allowed attendees to clearly identify what they enjoy most, the skills needed for their next position, and how to effectively communicate their value in an interview.

Members of the Energy Club and GBC held a happy hour with Rugby as a promotional event for the clubs.
Organized by the GBC and Energy Club.

Second-year members of GBC presented on the summer internship search and experience in the renewable energy and sustainability fields.
Organized by the GBC.

Pangea Advisors, the international development consulting arm of the Social Enterprise Club, hosted a competition for the top student project teams from spring 2018.
Organized by Pangea Advisors (Pangea), within the SEC, and the center.

Students interested in a summer of impact joined Ivy Hatsengate for a casual round-robin discussion about the fellowship program. Attendees met with and heard from fellows at various schools across campus as they gave presentations about their social impact internship experiences at organizations across the United States and abroad and received tips on how to source internships with nonprofits and social enterprise to maximize the summer fellowship experience.

The Career Management Center (CMC) and students organized a site visit to Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory, part of the Earth Institute, to hear from PhD researchers focused on climate science.
Organized by the CMC and GBC.

The center and professional clubs provided information on the social enterprise community at the School. Students interested in exploring the field of social enterprise during their time at the School had the opportunity to meet students and faculty whose passion for international development, social entrepreneurship, CSR, renewable energy, and nonprofit consulting and nonprofit management has elevated the School to be one of the top business schools for social enterprise. Students learned about the different clubs’ initiatives on campus and opportunities to be involved in the social enterprise community.
Organized by the Green Business Club (GBC), SEC, and center.

This interactive discussion with Tracey Chambers, founder and CEO of the Clothing Bank and former head of finance of Woolworths in South Africa, featured her transition from corporate finance to social entrepreneurship. Attendees learned how shared value partnerships between business and social ventures get established; solutions the Clothing Bank uses to tackle education and employment opportunities in underserved communities; and insights from Tracey's experience in how training women in entrepreneurship, trading, and micro-franchising could be applied to other sectors or geographies.

Students interested in taking on an independent consulting project for a nonprofit attended the info session to learn more about the NBLP, application process, and nonprofit board service.
Organized by the NBLP, within the Social Enterprise Club (SEC), and center.

Professor Melanie Edwards held a dinner for students in the Social Entrepreneurship: Global Perspective course with guest speaker Jenna Nicholas, founder and CEO of Impact-Experience.

A member of the ClearlySo team spoke about impact investing and shared insights on why Angels continue to invest in impact. Following the ClearlySo team presentation, attendees had the opportunity to hear venture pitches from three innovative and impactful businesses currently seeking funding to accelerate their early growth. There was an opportunity to network over drinks and canapes while gaining valuable face-time with the companies at the end of the evening. This session was exclusively for angel investors who are FCA-exempt individuals (certified high-net-worth Individuals / sophisticated investors representing themselves and / or their family office, charitable trust, or foundation).
Organized by Columbia Business School’s Alumni Club of London.

We headed to Rooftop Reds in the Brooklyn Navy Yard for a spectacular lunch on their rooftop with views of Brooklyn and the NYC skyline. Attendees had the opportunity to hear about how NYC’s first rooftop vineyard operates and some of the challenges and perks that come along with it. After the discussion, attendees enjoyed a wine and cheese pairing and a BBQ lunch while networking with new club members.

MBA students enrolled in the REAP Immersion Course traveled to Taconic Correctional Facility to acquaint themselves with the facility, classroom, and procedures for their upcoming class instruction. Lew Goidel, supervisor of Correctional Facility Volunteer Services, greeted participants and gave them a tour of the facility.

Professor Melanie Edwards held a dinner for students in the Social Entrepreneurship: Global Perspective course with guest speakers Katie Harris, president of Wagner Houses Tenant's Association; Brandon Ramos and Ysi Garcia, Wagner Houses Residents and Mobile Metrix Mobile Agents; and Francisco (Tony) Lantigua, executive director of Operation Equivalency.

Professor Melanie Edwards held a dinner for students in the Social Entrepreneurship: Global Perspective course with guest speaker Derrick Braziel, founding partner and managing director of Mortar.

MBA students enrolled in the REAP Immersion Course traveled to Taconic Correctional Facility to acquaint themselves with the facility, classroom, and procedures for their upcoming class instruction. Lew Goidel, supervisor of Correctional Facility Volunteer Services, greeted participants and gave them a tour of the facility.

The center held interviews at Taconic Correctional Facility to meet with and interview prospective students of the program, as well as explain the courses available to the incarcerated women.

The center held an info session to discuss the fall 2018 REAP Immersion Course, where students teach financial literacy and entrepreneurship to participants of REAP at Taconic Correctional Facility.

The center, current and former summer fellows, and alumni working in and interested in social enterprise celebrated the current cohort of fellows. This year’s summer fellows interned across social enterprise sectors including education, health care, arts, conservation, impact investing, SME development, community development, architecture, engineering, and beyond.

Neil Stevenson, senior staff attorney at Lawyers Alliance for New York, and Noah Sapse, staff attorney at Lawyers Alliance for New York, explained the varying levels of control granted to investors through the different funding options available to social ventures, and how to guard an organization’s mission when fundraising. Protecting social mission is a critical part of fundraising for organizations seeking to balance social and profit motives. However, not all investors will be aligned with ventures on their mission and priorities. This webinar provided invaluable strategies to the balancing of fundraising and social mission to our TFSV network.