Impact Experience

?? 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://lnkd.in/gqeZgRXF ??? Listen to the podcast here: https://lnkd.in/gQP3CKHU #EthicalInnovation #ImpactExperience #VentureAlchemist

?? 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://lnkd.in/ghUVyMGC 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://lnkd.in/gYvCQKyd #ImpactReport #SocialImpact #2023-2024 Milestones

?? 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://lnkd.in/gQP3CKHU ???Grab your copy of People, Power, Change: Organizing for Democratic Renewal, here. https://lnkd.in/g_eyxBVR 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! #PodcastFinale #PeoplePowerChange #CollectiveAction ??????

?????? Honoring Indigenous Peoples' Day: Celebrating Stewardship, Sustainability, and Equity for Native Communities ????" This Indigenous Peoples' Day, we reflect on the rich history, culture, and invaluable contributions of Native American communities. This day is about a time to recognize the invaluable role Indigenous peoples have played in preserving the land ??, respecting natural resources ??, and fostering sustainability for generations. Long before sustainability became a global movement, Indigenous communities were already stewards of the Earth ??, teaching us that true prosperity comes from a balance with nature. At Impact Experience, much of our work centers on collaboration with Indigenous communities, recognizing their long-standing commitment to environmental protection ??. From protecting sacred lands to promoting sustainable economic investments ??, we stand with Indigenous peoples in the fight for fairness and equity ?? in a world that continues to harm them through systemic racism and economic injustices. It’s also essential to remember why this day is called Indigenous Peoples' Day, not Columbus Day. This shift acknowledges the painful legacy of colonization, and it honors the resilience, strength, and contributions of Native peoples, who continue to thrive despite centuries of marginalization. Let today be a reminder of the importance of investing in the future of Indigenous communities—through equitable economic opportunities and respect for their wisdom. Together, we can work towards a more just and inclusive future. Join us in taking action to uplift Indigenous voices, invest in their communities, and protect the environment they have so long defended. ???? #IndigenousPeoplesDay #LandStewardship #EnvironmentalJustice

???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 #LatinoHeritageMonth #AccessToCapital #Entrepreneurship

???? We kicked off October with an inspiring virtual convening, "Leveraging Finance to Enhance Movement Organizing," supported by the Wallace Global Fund! This convening culminated from months of case studies our team conducted with movement-building organizations across the U.S., exploring how finance can drive progress in racial equity, sustainable agriculture, fossil fuel divestment, and more. Provocative sessions with movement-building leaders such as Rachel J. Robasciotti,?Renee Morgan?of Adasina Social Capital, and Stephone Coward II of Hip Hop Caucus focused on Investor Mobilization and Banking Black & Green. Breakout discussions explored: 1. Engaging investors for social impact 2. Identifying strategic partners for movement-building 3. Aligning capital with sustainability goals We're excited about the conversations sparked and the opportunities ahead! If you're interested in learning how to leverage finance to support your movement, reach out to us today. We're grateful to everyone who helped make this event a success as we continue pushing for a future where finance fuels justice! ? Jenna Anita Nicholas Olabayo Allen-Taylor, MBA Whitney Harris Brown, PhD MBA Dania Sutton (she/her) Yejide Olutosin, MBA Daryn Dodson JG Larochette Eric Dozier Amy Gray Christon Harris David Pinsky Deb Nelson Y. Elaine Rasmussen Erica Key Erika Seth Davies Enith Williams Agnetha Jaime Gloshay Kelly Bryan Kaitlyn Rich Kyra Busch Linda Magara Horner Maria Lopez Rosas Nadira Narine Pedro Henriques da Silva Ryan Bowers MBA Swetha Krishnakumar Stephanie Shih Vanessa Roanhorse Ink Factory Studio #SocialImpact #MovementBuilding #Convening

?? 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://lnkd.in/gQP3CKHU #ImpactExperience #SustainabilityLeadership #EnvironmentalStewardship?

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 here to read more. https://lnkd.in/gBaZKUQP

???? A huge congratulations to our CEO, Jenna Anita Nicholas and our Director of Business Climate Finance, Yejide Olutosin, MBA, for their incredible participation at NY Climate Week! ?? Together, they co-hosted our 2nd Anniversary Networking Mixer celebrating the vital work in Business Climate Finance. Over the past two years, Impact Experience has made significant strides toward addressing the climate crisis, growing our partnerships by over 50%, holding over a dozen impactful convenings focused on climate-friendly finance, and developing essential resources like the U.S. Retirement Carbon Footprint Report. ???? We’ve also shared critical insights with a legal opinion letter guiding companies on integrating ESG factors into their retirement plans. Our team remains deeply committed to continuing this work, while also recognizing the importance of addressing equity in healthcare, education, and access to capital—issues intricately linked to the climate crisis. ??? Addressing these interconnected issues ensures a just and sustainable future for all. We were thrilled to have Wendy Joy Oliver, a longtime supporter from the VoLo Foundation and her colleague Randall Kempner join us at the event! ?? We are proud of our progress and eager to keep driving change inside and outside the room. Here's to the continued journey toward a more sustainable and equitable future! ???? #NYClimateWeek #ClimateAction #EquityInAction

?? 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! #ClimateWeekNYC #ClimateEquity #Fundraiser