Impact Experience

09/09/2024

🎙️ Episode: "Championing Equity in Investment: A Conversation with Maria Lopez Rosas"

In our latest Impact Experience podcast episode, we're excited to feature Maria Lopez Rosas, Portfolio Analyst at Illumen Capital, a Black-owned and led fund manager dedicated to achieving racial and gender equity in investing. 🌟

Join us as our CEO, Jenna Anita Nicholas, engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Maria about her journey from working with Bay Area nonprofits to her impactful role at Illumen Capital. Maria shares her passion for advocating for underrepresented communities and her commitment to creating inclusive opportunities in the financial sector. Don't miss this inspiring conversation on how equity-driven investments can transform lives and communities.

📢Listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182920 to gain insights from Maria's impactful work and learn how you can be part of the movement towards a more equitable future! 🎧

15/08/2024

We recently had an amazing visit to Farm Discovery at Live Earth in Watsonville! At Impact Experience, we're passionate about regenerative and locally sourced food. Tom and Constance Broz, dedicated founders of the farm, are creating amazing opportunities for sustainable farming with a holistic approach to longevity in this work for the team. If you're nearby, definitely stop by their farm or sign up for local delivery and pick-up through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). https://lnkd.in/dVq2c_H

The icing on the cake was spending the day with the Illumen Capital team—Daryn Dodson, Joanna Kuang, and Leila Mengesha—and our team at Impact Experience—Robin van der Vegt, Jenna Anita Nicholas, and Olabayo Allen-Taylor, MBA.

08/08/2024

🎙️ Episode: "Strategic Insights for Impact: A Conversation with Jennifer Henderson”

In celebration of Black Business Month, we are thrilled to highlight our latest Impact EXP podcast episode featuring the incredible Jennifer Henderson, CEO and Co-founder of Strategic Decisions, LLC. Jennifer's profound expertise in strategic planning, organizational transformation, and leadership development has significantly advanced progressive social change. 🌟

Join us as our CEO, Jenna Anita Nicholas, delves into a compelling conversation with Jennifer, exploring her holistic approach to organizational development and the pivotal experiences that have shaped her impactful career. Jennifer’s dedication to enhancing the capacity of organizations and expanding the skills of leaders worldwide is truly inspiring.

Black Business Month, celebrated every August, is a time to honor and support Black entrepreneurs like Jennifer Henderson, acknowledging their significant contributions to our economy and communities. 🌍✨

🎧 Listen here: https://lnkd.in/gQP3CKHU



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02/08/2024

🌟 Unlock the Power of Finance for Social Change! 🌟

The team is thrilled to announce our upcoming event! Join us for the virtual convening, "Leveraging Finance to Enhance Movement Organizing Impact," a transformative 1.5-day online engagement.

Explore how financial tools can support or hinder social movements such as racial equity, fossil fuel divestment, sustainable agriculture, and health equity. Gain powerful insights from leading movement-building organizations across the U.S., participate in dynamic group discussions, and discover actionable strategies to amplify activist efforts through innovative financial systems.

📅 Date: October 7-8, 2024
💻 Format: Online
📧 For more info, email us at [email protected]

09/07/2024

🎙️ New Podcast Episode Alert from ImpactExp! 🎧

In our latest episode, Jenna Nicholas, CEO of Impact Experience, sits down with Arturo Cazares, the visionary CEO of the Latino Business Action Network (LBAN). Dive into a compelling conversation about the power of Latino entrepreneurship and how LBAN is reshaping the landscape of U.S. business and economic growth.

🎧 Listen here https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182920

02/07/2024

🌍 Exciting News!

💡 We are thrilled to unveil our latest video highlighting a recent Impact Engagement we facilitated with our partner Illumen Capital in Montgomery, Alabama, this past February.

The collaboration brought together founders, social impact entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, fund managers, educators, and activists to discuss solutions and open up more conversations around unlocking capital for communities of color.

One of the key topics highlighted was the stark reality that the higher the performance of women and people of color, the more biases they face. The group committed to address these biases and aim to identify and invest in overlooked and underestimated entrepreneurs. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated and our guest provocateur Paula Pretlow, Eric Dozier, Eileen Tanghal, Noramay Cadena, Rafa de la Guia, Kim MacQueen, Julian MacQueen, Wayee Chu, Anna Blanding, Vishal Vasishth, Andrea Bogarin, Michael Palank, Richard Milikan, Marlene Milikan, Arnold Perkins, Karen Perkins, Justin Williams, M.S., Serena R., Sydney Paige Thomas, Summer B, and Thomas Van Dyck, CIMA. Your support in changing the social and economic landscape of who manages, or accesses capital is deeply appreciated.

Lastly, a heartfelt appreciation to our amazing co-facilitators and leaders at Impact Experience and Illumen Capital: Olabayo Allen-Taylor, MBA, Yejide Olutosin, MBA, Robin van der Vegt, Dania Sutton, Jenna Anita Nicholas, Daryn Dodson, Octavio Sandoval, CFA, CAIA, Leila Mengesha, Jo Nazareth, and Malia H.

Youtube Link:

19/06/2024

🌟 June 2024 Impact Experience Newsletter is Live! 🌟

This month, we celebrate Juneteenth, World Environment Day, and honor Father's Day by intertwining themes of freedom, fatherhood, community advocacy, environmental stewardship, legacy, and impact.

Join us as we inspire action towards a sustainable and equitable world. Your support in mentorship, investments, or sharing our content can make a significant difference. 🌍❤️

Read our latest newsletter 👉
https://lnkd.in/g8Q47ivm

14/06/2024

💡✨Last week in Montgomery, Alabama, Impact Experience and Illumen Capital convened investors, founders, community leaders, artists, and entrepreneurs to discuss solutions for increasing access to capital for communities of color. Topics included historical barriers contributing to limited capital access, as well as strategies for creating a more inclusive business landscape, and addressing biases.

The backdrop and historical landscape of Montgomery, AL served as a perfect place to reflect on the challenges of BIPOC-led businesses. One of the central topics discussed was the harsh reality that access to capital remains an obstacle for BIPOC entrepreneurs, particularly Latino entrepreneurs. Latino entrepreneurs play a significant role in the U.S. economy, contributing over $3.2 Trillion U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through nearly 5 Million Latino-owned businesses with less than 2% of venture capital going to Latino entrepreneurs.

🌟We are grateful for the remarks of our guest provocateur, Arturo Cazares who highlighted these data points and the work of LBAN/Latino Business Action Network. Additional gratitude to guest musician, Eric Dozier and our community partners Michelle Browder, Mellissa Smith of Island Delight, and Teresa Jackson of J.W. Beverette who rounded out the experience.

🌟We also want to appreciate our participants for their contributions and commitments to continuously work to change the social and economic landscape of who manages and accesses capital. Here’s to Madeleine Evans, Marques Martin, Karlos Bledsoe, Danny Chan, CFA, Evelyn Kempi, Anuraag Singh Dalal, and Samuel Orley.

🙏Lastly, thank you to the Illumen Capital team: Daryn Dodson, Leila Mengesha, Joanna Kuang, Amani Ahmed, and Jeremy Sookhoo and our team at Impact Experience: Jenna Anita Nicholas, Olabayo Allen-Taylor, MBA, Yejide Olutosin, MBA, and Robin van der Vegt.

03/06/2024

🌈June marks Pride Month, a time to celebrate the diverse experiences and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community. At Impact Experience, we stand committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone is valued and empowered. Let's continue to support and uplift the voices within the LGBTQ+ community, not just this month but year-round.

30/05/2024

📣 We're thrilled to share this video capturing the reflections and insights from The Annie E. Casey Foundation Impact Experience held earlier this year in Montgomery, Alabama. This event focused on collaboratively developing solutions to channel more capital into communities of color, highlighting pivotal actions and strategies for change.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation is deeply committed to its values by investing in diverse managers, teams, and entrepreneurs. We are proud to feature such an inspiring group of leaders in this video. Special thanks to Kalonji Gilchrist for his creative genius in putting this video together. We also extend our gratitude to the Annie E Casey team members and participants: Tracy Kartye, Hope Mago, Deborah DeSantis, Oronde Miller, Jay Nwachu, Tiffany Patterson, Essma Bengabsia, Zainab Farhat, Betsy Biemann, Sabari Raja, Yigal Kerszenbaum, R. Jeneene Estridge, Carrie McKellogg, Emilie Linick, Che Wong, Brett Simmons, Cordon Daley, Nat Henshaw, and Lawrence Smith.

We also want to thank our team at Impact Experience: Robin Van der Vegt, Yejide Olutosin, Jenna Nicholas, and Olabayo Allen-Taylor.

The engagement in Montgomery emphasized the importance of empathy, cultural sensitivity, and inclusivity in addressing racial and economic disparities. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, we can co-create solutions that pave the way for a more equitable future​.

Check out the video and join us in celebrating the impactful work being done to support communities of color!

Video from our Jan 2024 Impact Experience in Montgomery, Alabama

28/05/2024

🚀 Exciting News! 📚 Our CEO, Jenna Nicholas, recently sat down with Rob Lalka, author of the new book "The Venture Alchemists: How Big Tech Turned Profits Into Power." Check out their engaging conversation on our latest podcast episode where they delve into the significant ways big tech influences our society and the economy.
🎧 Listen now and share your thoughts here! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182920
📖 Find out more about Rob’s book and where to purchase it! The Venture Alchemists: How Big Tech Turned... - Kindle (amazon.com)

24/05/2024

🌏As we near the end of Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, let’s seize this opportunity to celebrate the significant contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander professionals across all industries. Their diverse perspectives and innovative approaches greatly enhance our workplaces and communities. Let’s continue to celebrate this not just this month, but throughout the year.

🌏✨

17/05/2024

🌍🌿 Key Takeaways from Yesterday’s Webinar on Climate Action and Investment Alignment

Yesterday, we were joined by Jessica Eastling, Director of Investments at The Nature Conservancy (TNC), a global environmental nonprofit focused on confronting the threat of accelerated climate change, protecting natural environments and tackling critical conservation challenges. The enlightening discussion, moderated by Yejide Olutosin, Director of our Business Climate Finance Initiative, and Jenna Nicholas, CEO and Founder of Impact Experience, highlighted how TNC is seamlessly integrating climate objectives into their investment strategies. Jessica shared invaluable insights on achieving significant reductions in GHG emissions and leading robust initiatives in diversity and equity within asset management. Their approach combines real-world solutions with policy expertise and sustainable financing, exemplifying how collaborative partnerships can lead to impactful system change.

Highlights included Jessica’s overview of TNC’s strategies to decarbonize their investment portfolio, their commitment to pushing for diversity and equity, and how they manage to align substantial funds towards environmentally sustainable investments.

🔗 Review TNC’s pioneering endowment impact report and learn how one of the largest environmental nonprofits is realigning its core mission with sustainable investments. https://lnkd.in/eXCHGMq7

Continue to follow ➡️Impact Experience as we deepen our exploration on how strategic investments can make a real impact on global sustainability and equity.

01/05/2024

🎧 Podcast is back! Season 2 will continue to feature conversations with thought leaders, industry experts, and change agents who are making an impact in their communities and beyond.

The first episode of season two features our CEO Jenna Anita Nicholas speaking with Founder & CEO Benjamin Fernandes of NALA, one of the largest international consumer fintech companies. Benji is a Tanzanian technology entrepreneur who has made successful strides in world of entrepreneurship and technology.

Get to know more about him and his journey to leading a fintech startup to an international money transfer app.

🎧Listen to the first episode here: https://lnkd.in/g8eF95wC

05/02/2024

We are thrilled to have brought together a dynamic group of CDFI leaders, social impact entrepreneurs and fund managers from the Annie E. Casey Foundation portfolio in Montgomery, AL. This gathering provided a collaborative platform for connection and ideation, focusing on the crucial shifts needed to unlock greater capital into communities of color.

As we delve into Black History Month, taking time to honor the invaluable contributions of Black individuals in the U.S., we extend heartfelt appreciation to this remarkable group for their ongoing contributions and unwavering commitment to advancing this important work every single day: Jay A. Nwachu, Betsy, Biemann, Sabari Raja, Yigal Kerszenbaum, Jeneene Estridge, Deborah De Santis, Carrie McKellogg, Emilie Linick, Hope Mago, Tiffany Patterson, Che Wong, Brett Simmons, Cordon Daley, Nat Henshaw, Lawrence Smith.

Special thanks and appreciation to the Annie E. Casey Foundation team leaders for collaborating with our team for this engagement: Essma Bengabasia, Oronde Miller, Zainab Farhat, and Tracy Kartyte,

AND, much appreciation to our amazing Co-facilitators and Leaders at Impact Experience and Illumen Capital: Robin Van der vegt, Daryn Dodson, Jenna Nicholas, Olabayo Allen-Taylor, and Yejide Olutosin.
🙌🏽🖤

15/01/2024

🎙️ Dive into the newest episode of our ImpactEXP Podcast Season 1! 🌟 Join our CEO, Jenna Nicholas, and COO, Olabayo Allen-Taylor, in a captivating conversation with Eric Dozier Music and Education. His inspiring career reflects a deep commitment to social and racial justice, cultural awareness, and global unity.

🌍 Season 1 has been an incredible journey, featuring insights from experts in Investment, Environment, Education, and Healthcare. Don't miss out on the transformative discussions! 🚀 Wishing everyone a safe and impactful Martin Luther King Jr. Day! Stay tuned for Season 2.

Welcome to ImpactEXP, a thought-provoking podcast brought to you by Impact Experience. In this series, we engage with thought leaders, industry pioneers, and change agents to uncover the transformative efforts of organizations that are making a re...

22/11/2023

Excited to share our latest podcast episode featuring Kelly Nowlin, a renowned figure in the philanthropy world. Dive into Kelly's expert insights on effective philanthropy, community impact, and her journey in the sector. A must-listen for professionals in non-profits, CSR, and anyone interested in making a difference. Tune in now!

Join Jenna Nicholas on ImpactEXP as she welcomes Kelly Nowlin, a beacon in the field of philanthropy. Kelly brings a wealth of knowledge from her role as Principal of KDN Philanthropy Consulting and Board Chair of the National Center for Family Ph...

14/11/2023

Our upcoming episode of with Kelly Nowlin is set to release on November 20th! Gear up for an episode filled with impactful stories and expert insights into the world of philanthropy. Mark your calendars!📅

17/10/2023

Join host Nicholas and Dr. Whitney Harris Brown as they chat with , a beacon in strategy, financial inclusion, and corporate philanthropy. Tune into for insights that bridge personal commitment with global change.

In today's episode of impactEXP, we dive into the world of Rosita Najmi, a trailblazer in strategy and innovation. From her instrumental leadership roles at The UPS Foundation to spearheading PayPal's Global Social Innovation Team, Rosita has cons...

11/10/2023

California sets a new benchmark by passing a groundbreaking law that mandates Venture Capital firms to disclose their investment diversity information! Let’s celebrate transparency and inclusivity in the finance sector and push towards a more equitable investment environment!

Dive deeper into the ripple effects of this new legislation here: https://techcrunch.com/2023/10/09/california-passes-law-mandating-vc-firms-to-release-investments-diversity-information/

This is the United States’ first piece of legislation that aims to increase diversity within the venture capital landscape.

11/10/2023

On the next episode of , Jenna Nicholas and Whitney Harris Brown, PhD MBA will be chatting with as she shares on intersectionality, corporate engagement in social causes, and the evolving landscape of financial inclusion. Dive into a compelling discussion on blending finance, the role of polyglots in leadership, and the future of equitable finance.

Listen to the episode on Oct. 17th on all streaming platforms!

10/10/2023

Join us on October 25th for the , featuring a crucial panel discussion titled "Investing in Economic Mobility - Advancing Black Economic Development in the US," from 11:50 AM - 12:30 PM EDT / 8:50 AM - 9:30 AM PDT.

This session, inspired by recent societal events and systemic racism in the US, will delve into the significant challenges and opportunities for financial institutions to make impactful investments toward dismantling racial disparities.

Hear from Jenna Nicholas, Shelley Stewart III (Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company), Damien Dwin (Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Lafayette Square), and the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights with (Moral Money Editor, Financial Times) as the Moderator.
🔗 https://moralmoneyamericas.live.ft.com/

Join Moral Money Summit Americas 2023, a live event by Financial Times, from Oct 24-25. Register for a digital pass or in-person at Liberty Plaza, New York.

29/09/2023

Jenna Nicholas, CEO of Impact Experience, and , MBA, Director of Business Climate Finance, will be speaking at Florida Climate Week 2023 at the session titled "Unlocking the Power of Corporate Cash and Retirement Accounts: A Path to Climate and Racial Equity in Addressing Florida's Climate-Related Challenges."

This session explores the strategic role of corporate financial tools in addressing climate challenges and advancing racial equity. Join us for a thoughtful discussion on sustainable strategies and best practices.

28/09/2023

As the echoes of discussions from our networking mixer, the enlightening panel at the , and keynotes from another impactful start to settle, our team is both inspired and grateful. This year’s programming was a remarkable confluence of ideas, innovation, and commitment, where leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, activists, and communities came together to discuss pressing climate issues and the way forward.

A big thank you to everyone who contributed to making Climate Week NYC a success. The journey towards climate resilience is challenging, but with the passion and dedication we witnessed, we are optimistic about the road ahead. Alex Wright-Gladstein Jenna Nicholas , MBA Rachel J Robasciotti Adasina Social Capital Business Climate Finance

15/09/2023

Introducing the Podcast!

Looking to be inspired by leaders and changemakers? Our Impact Experience team has launched a new podcast to profile individuals making a real impact across various sectors. Listen to the first episode on Monday, Sept. 18th https://youtu.be/cDJvKLdsY24

Welcome to ImpactEXP, a thought-provoking podcast brought to you by Impact Experience. In this series, we engage with thought leaders, industry pioneers, and...

05/09/2023

Save the date for September 21st’s Nest Summit, featuring a critical discussion titled "Race to Resilience: The Intersection of Racial Justice," from 2:15PM - 3:00PM ET. We are honored to Jenna Nicholas, CEO of Impact Experience, as the moderator, guiding the conversation with expert panelists Rachel J Robasciotti (CEO, Adasina Social Capital) and Bill Burckart (CEO, The Investment Integration Project). Join us to explore the vital intersection of racial justice and resilience in today’s world. https://www.thenestclimatecampus.com/home

The Nest Climate Campus is a climate action platform and official event partner of Climate Week NYC, dedicated to mobilizing climate action in the United States.

08/08/2023

Discover the incredible journey of Jenna Nicholas, a trailblazing investor, entrepreneur, and board member. Her story is a testament to the power of driving positive change through business. Check out the article and learn more about our CEO and co-founder: https://tinyurl.com/bdhzrksz

Jenna Nicholas - Investor, Entrepreneur, Board Member in Social Investments, learn about her life and career path

25/07/2023

Join us in celebrating the success of the recent Illumen Capital Impact Experience! Through engaging sessions and thought-provoking discussions, we explored the vital role of racial and gender equity in finance. Our partners shared inspiring stories of transformation, from advancing education in underserved areas to empowering marginalized communities through entrepreneurship. Our provocateur, Travis Gayles MD, PhD, and incredible partners like Daryn Dodson, Eric Dozier Music and Education, Michelle Browder, MORE THAN TOURS 2 and A. Gilchrist brought their expertise, deepening our understanding of the challenges faced by underrepresented groups and the innovative solutions that can drive sustainable change.

The event fostered networking, forging new connections, and building alliances. We are grateful to all participants who made this event a success, as their dedication and shared commitment to creating positive change are truly special. Together, we are redefining the future, creating a more inclusive world where everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming initiatives and opportunities to support our partners! Sierra Gannon Tuoyo Louis Doug Galen Jennifer Kim Mark Miness Brad Miller David Mathewson Marc Schneider LaMarr Taylor, CFA Kathy Chen Tara Bishop MD, MPH, FACP Joanna Kuang Leila Mengesha Jeremy Sookhoo Katie Twomey, MBA, Jenna Nicholas, Olabayo Allen-Taylor, MBA Yejide Olutosin, MBA Robin van der Vegt Kristen Cothran Octavio Sandoval, CFA, CAIA, Whitney Harris Brown, PhD MBA

Inspiring stories of transformation and innovation at the Illumen Capital Impact Experience! Our partners showcased groundbreaking initiatives that are makin...

06/07/2023

Exciting news! Today, we're celebrating the birthday of our remarkable Impact Experience COO!

Join us in wishing Olabayo Allen-Taylor, MBA a very !

06/07/2023

Are you passionate about making a difference in the world? We're hiring an Impact Experience Associate to help us build innovative solutions that create both financial value and meaningful social and environmental impact.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented and passionate about communicating our impact to external stakeholders. If you're interested in this exciting opportunity, learn more and apply here:https://www.impact-experience.com/hiring

About Us Impact Experience (IE) builds lasting relationships between investors, philanthropists, innovators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders — linking vision with action and directing investment to solve society’s greatest challenges. Impact Experience has a unique approach to addressing th...