Recently Launched: Wharton Alumni Social Impact Club
Alumni—there are more ways than ever to engage in social impact. Learn more about getting involved.
Wharton alumni are leaders in business, government, academia, philanthropy, and more. Though their diverse experiences span sectors, social impact is a common thread.
“Our alumni have a deep commitment to social impact and strong expertise that informs their work as entrepreneurs and impact investors,” said Katherine Klein, Vice Dean at Wharton Social Impact. “Want to know about the implications of blockchain for impact, or the benefits of sustainable investing, or the financial and social returns to investing in agriculture in West Africa? Talk to an alum. With the launch of the Wharton Alumni Social Impact Club, Wharton is creating a remarkable alumni network for impact.”
Wharton alumni are eager to engage on this topic. Whether social impact relates directly to their line of work or stems from a personal interest, they seek opportunities to learn more, exchange ideas, and network with likeminded alumni.
To address this demand, the Wharton Alumni Social Impact Club was launched.
The board is led by:
- Dawn Hines, C’83, WG’91 – President (Managing Partner, Aventura Investment Partners LLC; CEO, Hines Industries, Inc.)
- Lori Rosenthal, W’80 – VP Global Programming (Strategic Human Resources Partner, Lori A. Rosenthal & Associates)
- Gail Ball, W’79 – Treasurer (Managing Partner of Chestnut Street Ventures)
- Jeanne Dalton Justice, PhD, G’89 – Secretary (Managing Director, Applied Business Research, LLC)
A message from the board
“The Wharton Alumni Social Impact Club (WASIC) was developed as a global affinity club to continue the quest begun by the Wharton Social Impact Initiative. WSII shares they ‘are inspired by the vision of business and capital markets working together to create sustainable solutions to the world’s greatest social and environmental change.’ We at WASIC believe the best pathway to continue this noble journey is to create a forum which strengthens business networking, civic engagement, and educational opportunities, linking like-minded driven alumni and guests together through in-person and virtual events and connected communities.
Last week, we achieved another first with our program “Women Investing and Investing in Women” being our first live-streamed event. In addition to the in-person participants, we were joined virtually with folks from around the globe, complete with real-time questions and answers. This supports our mission to be one club/community meeting the needs of all our members, regardless of location.
This fall, we will be releasing more information about how to join as a member, active participant, leader, and sponsor, as well as sharing what’s happening with our alumni, faculty, and partners. We can accomplish so much more as a community than we can as individuals.”