EES/IGEL Seminar Series: “Greening the Federal Government”
October 2: In this lunch and lecture series presented by the Initiative for Global Environmental Leadership , Obama appointee Sara Manzano-Diaz will discuss how sustainability is a central component of the General Services Administration (GSA) mission, driving efforts to support a government that more effectively meets the needs of the taxpayer by using resources more efficiently. The lecture will highlight best practices and share how GSA is working to reduce energy and water use in federal buildings, responsibly dispose of electronic waste, and green federal vehicles. The event begins at noon in JMHH 255. Free to attend and registration is not required, though you can RSVP on Facebook.
Lend for America Conference
October 11-13: Lend for America’s annual conference for student-led microfinance is coming to Penn. Learn, connect and network with students from across the nation. Collaborate with student-led microfinance initiatives from across the country, and attend sessions on microloans, credit building, innovation, and more. During panel discussions, you’ll hear from 20 national microfinance experts, representing organizations like the Opportunity Finance Network, Community Empowerment Fund and Forza Financial. Space is limited and tickets are $69. Registration includes full breakfast and lunch during both days of the conference. Attendees also receive a ticket to attend the Saturday evening networking reception.
Opportunity Finance Network Conference
October 15-18: This year’s Opportunity Finance Network conference, hosted in Center City, promises 13 tracks throughout the three-day conference, including training sessions, community development finance tours, a CDFI client entrepreneur marketplace, networking receptions and more. Special topic sessions will cover disaster response, community health care finance and impact measurement. On Wednesday, Oct. 16, students are invited to an hour-long orientation to the CDFI industry. Day rates begin at $325.
Other Events and Opportunities
- Speaker Series: The Lauren and Bobby Turner Social Impact Executive Speaker Series, featuring a discussion with Ashton Kutcher, is scheduled for Monday, October 7. A video of the interview and discussion will be available on our website one week after the event.
- MBA students: Explore social impact topics with the Wharton Social Impact Club’s Impactful Thursdays, a new lunch series of biweekly educational talks to educate and facilitate connections among MBA students, Wharton resources, alumni, academics, and industry leaders. Lunches are open to WSIC members only. Contact Sarah Eversman with questions.
- On the radar: This year’s student-run Wharton Social Impact Conference will be held on November 15. Featuring keynote speaker Sasha Dichter, Chief Innovation Officer for the Acumen Fund, this year’s conference focuses on social innovation and how alternate business models, technologies, and financing strategies drive social impact.
Do you have a social impact event you’d like us to share? Email your information to Allie Harcharek at aharch@wharton.upenn.edu.