Impact Experience

12/12/2024

🌟 The Power of Multilingual Leadership: Rosita Najmi’s Inspiring Journey 🌟

At Impact Experience, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on Rosita Najmi, a trailblazer in social impact and global leadership. Drawing on her experiences as an Iranian refugee, cofounder of a nonprofit, Executive Director of Social Impact at Micron Technology and Micron Foundation, and leader at organizations like PayPal and the UPS Foundation, Rosita has redefined what it means to lead in today’s interconnected world.

In her January 2024 TED Talk and during an earlier conversation with our CEO, Jenna Anita Nicholas, from Season 1 of the ImpactEXP podcast, Rosita introduced the concept of multilingual leadership—the ability to adapt, empathize, and fluently navigate the unique languages of corporate, nonprofit, and public sectors.

Her insights challenge us to rethink leadership: It’s not about having one fixed style but learning to meet people and situations where they are, breaking barriers across sectors to create systemic change.

📖 Read more about Rosita’s journey and leadership philosophy in our latest article: https://medium.com//leadership-languages-lessons-from-rosita-najmis-journey-778d5d3f94ff

🎙️ Catch her full conversation from Season1 of ImpactEXP podcast: https://www.impact-experience.com/podcast/episode/7860213e/unlocking-prosperity-boosting-financial-literacy-for-economic-empowerment-with-rosita-najmi and also her TedTalk here: https://www.ted.com/talks/rosita_najmi_what_s_your_leadership_language/transcript?subtitle=en

💡Let’s celebrate leaders like Rosita, who inspire us to build bridges and drive impactful change.

20/11/2024

🌟 Rethinking Innovation: A Conversation with Rob Lalka 🌟

What does it mean to innovate responsibly in a world shaped by rapidly advancing technology? In our latest Medium article, we explore this critical question through the lens of Rob Lalka’s groundbreaking new book, Venture Alchemist: How Big Tech Turned Profits into Power.

Rob, a longtime friend and supporter of Impact Experience, unpacks the intersections of technology, ethics, and the future. From the unintended effects of social media on mental health to the historical roots of Silicon Valley's innovation culture, his book challenges us to think critically about the role of technology in our lives and its far-reaching impacts.

In the Medium article, How Technology Shapes Us: A Fresh Look at Responsibility in Innovation, our CEO Jenna Anita Nicholas and COO Olabayo Allen-Taylor, MBA reflect on their recent conversation with Rob. Together, they unpack key themes from his book, including the impact of social media on mental well-being, the lingering influence of Silicon Valley’s history, and the urgent need for ethical leadership in innovation.

🎧 Don’t miss our podcast conversation where Rob and Jenna expand on these ideas. They discuss fostering technology that uplifts communities, balances ethics with ambition, and leaves a meaningful legacy. This engaging dialogue is packed with actionable insights for anyone passionate about shaping the future of innovation.

📖 Read the Medium article here: https://medium.com//how-technology-shapes-us-a-fresh-look-at-responsibility-in-innovation-3239b85a56b2
🎙️ Listen to the podcast here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182920/episodes/15103337-a-sit-down-with-rob-lalka

12/11/2024

🚀 Our 2023-2024 Impact Report for Impact Experience is now live! 🌍

We are excited to announce the release of Impact Experience’s 2023-2024 Impact Report!

This year's report lays out how we are leveraging both community and data to drive transformative solutions that address systemic inequities, advance climate resilience, and foster sustainable economic opportunities for marginalized populations. From advancing climate justice to fostering racial equity, this report dives into the stories, data, and milestones that highlight the impact we’ve made together. Please head to the link below to view the complete report of our services and the lasting change we’re driving.

Check it out! 👉 👉 https://docsend.com/view/p9xyi95hjgs67c9z

Join us in celebrating the power of collaboration and innovation as we continue to work towards a more equitable and sustainable future. As we build toward next year, your support is incredibly meaningful.
Donate Now. https://secure.givelively.org/donate/impact-experience-institute?ref=sd_widget&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9Oegvv3n6sAtNEzJY0O

SocialImpact #2023-2024 Milestones

07/11/2024

🌍 End-of-Season Podcast with Professor Marshall Ganz: People, Power, and the Path to Change

As we close out our podcast season for this year, we're honored to present a compelling conversation with Professor Marshall Ganz—renowned organizer, academic, and author of 📖 People, Power, Change: Organizing for Democratic Renewal, his latest book, published in August. In this episode, our CEO, Jenna Anita Nicholas, delves deep into Marshall’s journey and insights on grassroots organizing, the transformative power of public narrative, and how storytelling mobilizes collective action for today’s most urgent challenges. 💪✨

🎙️ Key Topics Discussed:
🔹The Power of Public Narrative: Marshall’s impactful framework of “the story of self, us, and now” and why this approach is essential for effective organizing.
🔹The State of Democracy: Insights into the urgent need to defend democratic values amidst today’s complex challenges. 🗳🕊️
🔹Storytelling for Change: How narratives have the power to inspire and mobilize communities toward a shared purpose. ✊🗣️🤝
🔹The Role of Grassroots Action: Understanding how collective movements shape and sustain lasting change. 🌱🤝

🌟Join us as we wrap up the season with a conversation that inspires reflection, action, hope, and solidarity. In these times, watching this podcast allows you to, in Marshall Ganz’s words, "see uncertainty less as a disaster but as an opportunity to be conscious about the choices we make to come together as human beings. Change is the one constant, and we can learn it by action."

✨This episode is packed with valuable takeaways for activists, leaders, and anyone seeking to drive meaningful change. Whether you’re looking to understand the role of personal story in social movements or the strategies behind powerful organizing, this conversation is for you.

🎧Tune in now to be part of the dialogue that aims to inspire and equip us all in the pursuit of equity and change. Let's close this year inspired and ready for action. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182920

📖 Grab your copy of People, Power, Change: Organizing for Democratic Renewal, here. https://bookshop.org/p/books/people-power-and-change-organizing-for-democratic-renewal-marshall-ganz/20658319?sscid=b1k8_9gf2y&utm_source=ShareASale&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=2311213&utm_term=1535322

Join us next season. We’re gearing up for more thought-provoking podcast conversations, featuring a new lineup of impactful voices creating change in communities globally. We can’t wait to share these insights with you!

🌍📢🔥

10/10/2024

💼✨Continuing the Fight for Equity: Breaking Barriers for Latino Entrepreneurs Beyond Latino Heritage Month 🚀💡

As we near the close of Latino Heritage Month, it’s important to remember that while this time of recognition may be ending, the work to break down barriers for Latino entrepreneurs continues. Accessing capital remains one of the biggest challenges for entrepreneurs of color, compounded by the fact that generational wealth is not readily available in Black and Brown communities.

As Arturo Cazares, CEO of the LBAN/Latino Business Action Network, shared on our podcast and at our June 2024 Illumen Capital Impact Experience in Montgomery, AL, breaking down these barriers requires more than just financial support. It’s about building ecosystems of education, tailored growth strategies, research-driven advocacy, and shifting perceptions within financial institutions to create more equitable opportunities.

Our work must persist in building ecosystems of education, mentorship, and advocacy. By doing so, we push forward against the systemic obstacles that limit access to capital and continue creating opportunities for future generations of Latino entrepreneurs.

Listen to our podcast with Arturo. https://lnkd.in/gQP3CKHU

Check out our blog here. https://lnkd.in/g6ntCHSV

09/10/2024

🌟 Explore the Future of Sustainability on the latest episode of the Impact EXP Podcast! Join our CEO, Jenna Anita Nicholas, as she engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dan Saccardi, the visionary Program Director at Ceres, Inc. 🎙️🌿

In this episode, Dan shares his deep insights into sustainable business practices and systemic change.

📢 Listen as they discuss transformative strategies for businesses to thrive in an environmentally conscious economy and how sustainability serves as a cornerstone for building resilient, equitable futures.

🔗 Tune in now for inspiration and actionable advice from a leader in environmental stewardship. Subscribe to our podcast to continue exploring our journey towards a more sustainable future!

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

03/10/2024

The legacies of slavery and colonialism have left profound inequalities across the world, perpetuating economic disparities, social injustices, and systemic discrimination. These historical structures have contributed to ongoing cycles of poverty and marginalization for many communities. In a recent article by our COO Olabayo Allen-Taylor, MBA and CEO Jenna Anita Nicholas, they delve into the global challenge of addressing these issues. Drawing from their 30 years of experience, they highlight that true equity is not only about racial and gender justice but also requires us to focus on class. Through Ava DuVernay’s film "Origin," they emphasize how caste systems and social hierarchies affect us all, no matter the geographical borders.

At Impact Experience, we believe there are powerful ways to bridge the wealth gap by fostering community-driven investments and collective action. By working closely with communities experiencing poverty and injustice, and through partnerships focused on economic value creation, we can make a sustainable impact. This work is essential as we continue to tackle systemic inequality and work toward a more equitable future for all. Read the full article and join us in this conversation. Click below to read more.

The legacies of slavery and colonialism have left deep scars on societies worldwide. These historical injustices have created wealth gaps…

30/09/2024

🎉Celebrating Two Years of Impact with Business Climate Finance!🎉

During Climate Week NYC, Impact Experience celebrated the 2nd anniversary of the Business Climate Finance Initiative with an amazing community of professionals focused on aligning finance with climate equity.

Over the past two years, we've worked with companies to:

🌿Assess Emissions: Supporting businesses in addressing Scope 3, Category 15 emissions linked to financial activities.
🌿Guide Corporate Action: Sharing thought leadership and legal insights to help companies integrate ESG factors into their financial strategies, including retirement plans.

A huge thank you to Dream.Org and Morrison Foerster for making this year's celebration and convening possible.

Our fundraiser is still ongoing! Contributions will directly support our mission to shift capital toward sustainable, equitable financial solutions. If you'd like to make a difference, you can contribute here: https://lnkd.in/edUBgQCZ

Together, we are paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable financial system. Join us!

17/09/2024

🌟Exciting News! Our September 2024 Impact Experience Newsletter is Live!

In this month's newsletter, we're thrilled to spotlight our Networking Mixer at New York Climate Week and share upcoming insights on leveraging finance for social impact. This edition delves into the intersections of climate action, social equity, and transformative change.

Join us as we connect with industry leaders and explore impactful ideas. Your support—whether through attending, listening, or sharing—drives meaningful progress. 🌍✨

Read our latest newsletter and be part of this exciting journey! 👉
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/sustainable-spotlight-september-2024-edition-impact-experience-uvxnc/?trackingId=oYlnXbDQMW2C559ax%2BlZAA%3D%3D

Acts of Unity: in Celebrating Peace, Protecting Our Waters, and Stewarding Our Planet Dear Impact Experience Community, As we navigate through September, we are reminded of the pivotal challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for our planet and its people. This edition of our newsletter embraces

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



Activate to view larger image,
Image preview

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.