Every week, Wharton Social Impact Initiative brings you an update on student activities, events and opportunities at the University of Pennsylvania. These lectures, info sessions, and workshops are just a sampling of the broad range of social impact opportunities available as part of the student experience.
This week we share advanced notice on some upcoming events and conferences, and opportunities for current Penn students and recent alums.
View previous roundups in our archives.
Events
Lunch with Erik Kimel
October 2, noon-1:30 p.m., JMHH 641: Join PennSEM and PIBV for a lunch with Erik Kimel, a serial social entrepreneur with several successful ventures under his belt. Currently, Kimel is the Director of Brand Activation for Harry’s, an upscale men’s grooming line with a social impact spin. The company also sponsors H’University, an initiative that consists of social impact webinars along with opportunities for internships at a variety of companies. This week, join Kimel at an intimate lunch and discussion. This event is open to all Penn students, but space is limited to 24 attendees, with select spots reserved for PennSEM and PIBV members. Please fill out this form to RSVP.
Metrics that Matter, Messages that Motivate
October 8, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Wharton | San Francisco campus: For west coast Whartonites, this event features a look at sustainability in healthcare. While sustainability is gaining traction in the world of healthcare, many healthcare organizations struggle with making the business case to their CFO, providers and even to their suppliers. This one-day conference will focus on the key drivers of sustainability and explore what benefits/outcomes are most compelling to the different players, building off of the excitement and interest from last year’s event held at the Wharton Philadelphia campus. The event includes two panel sessions, lunch and a closing keynote. Interested attendees can register for free online.
“Making Money Do More”
October 21, 6:30-9 p.m. PST, Palo Alto: WSII and Wharton Lifelong Learning present a panel discussion on impact investing – what many see as a promising tool for tackling some of the world’s most complex and enduring social problems. A variety of investors, including institutional investors and venture capitalists are already engaged in impact investing to varying degrees.
At this event, you’ll hear from Katherine Klein, Vice Dean of Wharton’s Social Impact Initiative; Margot Brandenburg, co-author of the book The Power of Impact Investing, formerly of the Rockefeller Foundation; and Matt Christensen, the Global Head of Responsible Investment for AXA Investment Managers. They’ll discuss new approaches for examining risk and externalities, industry- and sector-specific innovations and investments, and how individuals and organizations can implement and assess impact investing strategies in their own work. Register here.
Peter Singer, “The Life You Can Save”
October 22, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Meyerson Hall B1: Peter Singer, a Princeton professor and author of “The Life You Can Save“, argues that we can, and should, donate to highly cost effective charities to improve the health and well being of the world’s poor. Singer is a philosopher and a leader of the Effective Altruism movement, which applies evidence, reason and rationality to doing good. In this event, Singer will discuss the moral case for helping others, and the evidence available to do so most effectively. Free to attend, but registration is required.
Social Innovator in Residence: Diana Ayton-Shenker
October 22-23, WSII Offices: Wharton Social Impact Initiative is pleased to welcome Diana Ayton-Shenker as the first Nazarian Social Innovator in Residence. Named one of “25 Dynamic Women Changing the World” by Good Business New York, Ayton-Shenker is a leader in social impact, strategic philanthropy, leadership and organizational development, and private-nonprofit partnership. Sign-ups will begin on October 9.
OPPORTUNITIES
The John M. Bendheim Loan Forgiveness Fund for Public Service will grant up to $20,000 per year to pay down selected candidates student loans. Applications are open now, and must be submitted online by October 20, 2014. Eligible candidates must be Wharton MBA graduates from the class of 2010 onward, currently employed full-time in a public sector or nonprofit position. To learn more, read our FAQ. To view additional requirements and submit your application, visit http://bit.ly/bendheim_apply.
In the latest effort to connect students with leading business, social impact, and nonprofit visionaries, WSII office is pleased welcome Bill Clark, W’74, as a visiting social impact practitioner this semester. Clark, previously the president and executive direction of Philabundance, is available to meet and consult with students on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1-4 p.m. and on Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment. To sign up for office hours, make a request through our online form or email clarkw@wharton.upenn.edu.
Are you a passionate, policy-minded, and community-oriented student? Would you like to create a policy proposal and civic campaign on an issue facing your community? The Penn Public Policy Challenge creates a space for students to engage the Greater Philadelphia community, develop high-quality policy ideas, build civic campaigns that recognize the intersection of policy and politics; collaborate across disciplines; and practice critical professional skills. Apply before Thursday, October 16. Email Sabrina Maynard at thechallenge@sas.upenn.edu for more information.
To submit social impact-related events, news, or opportunities, contact WSII Manager of Communications Allie Harcharek. Blurbs must be submitted at least two weeks prior to event date, and include a date, time, location and contact information.