Wharton Stories: Social Impact

When it comes to dismantling inequality, where do we begin, and what’s the best approach? Panelists Valerie Jarrett, Dalila Wilson-Scott, and Antony Bugg-Levine weigh in.

Solving Society’s Biggest Problems, Starting with Cross-Sector Collaboration

Wharton’s Katherine Klein speaks with Lisa Hall from Georgetown University’s Beeck Center about a new framework for making investments in distressed communities more equitable.

Changing Communities: How to Bring Fairness into Finance

“The evidence is increasingly strong that integrating a mindset around environmental, social, and governmental (ESG) [criteria] leads to better investment returns.”

Can BlackRock’s Strategy Shift Make a Difference on Climate Change? Wharton’s Katherine Klein Weighs In

WIVA, Wharton Social Impact Initiative’s impact investing program, analyzed more than 600 deals and helped facilitate more than $1.6 million in funding. WIVA’s latest deal aims to have a positive impact on a major issue in the United States.

WIVA’s Latest Deal Aims to Break Down Barriers for People with Criminal Records

Vincent Stanley, director of philosophy at Patagonia, recently visited Wharton as a Turner Social Impact Executive Speaker. He discussed Patagonia’s commitment to solving environmental challenges through responsible business practices.

Responsible Business Lessons from Patagonia

Jess Stokes, WG’21, and Wei Wei, a student in the Graduate School of Education, worked on a WISE Fellowship project with the Philadelphia Zoo to grow their student science program — and expand their impact.

Saving the Planet Through Education With the Philadelphia Zoo

“Sustainable investment may be the safest bet we have because one thing we know is that climate change is happening. You can have different philosophies about where or why, but it is in fact happening.”

Why Sustainable Investing is a Safe Bet

Federico Mele, WG’20, received the Jacobs Impact Entrepreneur Prize last year. He reflects on how the opportunity allowed him to scale his organization and build a powerful network all over the world.

The Global Network That’s Helping Me Scale My Nonprofit

Learn about student programming, events, and other ways to get involved with the Wharton Social Impact Initiative for the Spring 2020 semester.

7 Ways for Students to Get Involved With Social Impact This Semester

After an illness cut her promising soccer career short, Stephanie McCaffrey talks about starting over and finding herself again in the process.

Stephanie McCaffrey: Finding Herself Again After Soccer