This event will encourage conversation amongst social entrepreneurs about the importance of quantifying impact. As this ever-changing space begins to take shape, stakeholders and donors are looking for transparency across operations and projects to ensure their money is acquiring the highest social ROI. The ability to understand and quantify impact is trending to become one of the cornerstones of sustaining longevity of any social venture. Come join us to hear from leaders in this space regarding the opportunities as well as introduce challenges in running social organizations in a data driven world.

5:30 PM Sign-in/Registration/Networking

6:00 PM Introduction + Group Activity

6:30 - 7:30 PM Panel Discussion + Q&A

7:30 PM - 8:00 PM Networking

Panelist Info:

Amanda Hsieh - is the Chief Operations Officer of Global Affairs Associates. She is responsible for implementing and overseeing all aspects of the firm’s operations. Amanda brings 25 years of broad sustainability and business experience with a balanced, solution-oriented approach.

Prior to joining Global Affairs Associates, Amanda worked to improve social and environmental conditions in IKEA’s North and South American supply chains and the environmental footprint of its products. She contributed to the development of IKEA’s supplier sustainability scorecard and she led the annual sustainability data collection process for her region.

Amanda earned a B.B.A. in Finance from McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin.

Krystal D. Nelson - Making a positive impact is in Krystal Nelson’s DNA. As Founder & CEO of the sustainability consultancy I-Impakt Consulting, co-lead of the Greater Houston Mentoring Alliance and co-founder of the Texas Impact Alliance, Krystal works to create positive change in her community and the world through her unique blend of business expertise, belief in social impact, and mentorship.

Originally from Alaska and now living in Texas, Krystal holds a B.A. in communication from The University of Alaska Anchorage, an M.B.A. from Arizona State University, Certificate in Social Sector Leadership from Philanthropy University, GRI Standards Certified Training and more. After enjoying a successful career leading global supply chain initiatives for fortune 500 companies like BP and Deloitte, she saw the need for making strategic social impact an accessible goal for businesses of all sizes.

Krystal’s business consultancy i impakt, LLC is dedicated to showing small and mid-sized companies how to create strategic sustainable and measurable impact in the causes their employees and customers care about. Krystal is also a mentor to five teen girls and leads career workshops for youth who have aged out of the foster care system.

Michael Menendez - is the President of the Southern Impact Investing Alliance, a 501c3 non-profit, which is focused on growing an impact investing ecosystem in the state of Texas through engagement and education. He is also a founding member of the Texas Impact Alliance, an organization that seeks to foster connections between private enterprises, academic organizations, and financial, and public stakeholders focused on delivering positive social or environmental impact

A lifelong Houstonian, Mr. Menendez has spent the majority of his career in the “traditional” financial industry. His professional experience includes helping develop and market both private and public financial products for a variety of investor channels, and acting as a consultant to private alternative investment managers, advising them on improvements to their operations, strategy, and fundraising. Mike has a B.A. International Studies from the University of St. Thomas, Houston and an MBA from Cornell University

Moderator:

Anish Nagar - is the founder & CEO of NGOrganize LLC. Anish began his career as a technology consultant and subsequently transitioned to enterprise software business development and growth strategy. Anish serves on the Houston Board of Public Trust, and is Chairman of the NexGen Exchange, a young professionals organization. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin.

*Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Thanks to our Co Hosts Global Affairs Associates, LLC and Impact Hub Houston