Impact Experience

🌍 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 (she/her), Jenna Anita Nicholas, Daryn Dodson, Octavio Sandoval, CFA, CAIA, Leila Mengesha, Jo Nazareth, and Malia H.. #impactinvesting #entrepreneurship #impactexperience YouTube Link: https://lnkd.in/ge_NuCTN

🌟 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 #ImpactExperience #Juneteenth #DEI

Celebrating Maria Lopez Rosas who has contributed in so many ways to making the financial markets more diverse, equitable and inclusive

💡✨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.

🌈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. #PrideMonth #InclusionMatters #DiversityAndInclusion

📣 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 Tarirai Mago, Deb DeSantis, Oronde Miller, A. Jay Nwachu, Tiffany Patterson, Essma Bengabsia, Zainab Farhat, MPH, MSW, 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, MBA , Jenna Anita Nicholas, and Olabayo Allen-Taylor, MBA .  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! https://lnkd.in/gp6Tmrik

🚀 Exciting News! 📚 Our CEO, Jenna Anita 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://lnkd.in/gQP3CKHU #ImpactEXP  #ImpactExperience #TechInnovation #Podcast

🌏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. #CelebrateInclusion #AsianPacificHeritage 🌏✨

🌍🌿 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, MBA Director of our Business Climate Finance Initiative, and Jenna Anita 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. #ClimateAction #SustainableInvesting #ImpactExperience

🌸✨ Celebrating the Enduring Impact of Mothers ✨🌸 As we honor Mother’s Day, it’s essential to reflect on the profound influence mothers wield in shaping not just individuals, but entire societies. Through their children, and especially their daughters, mothers sow the seeds of greatness that blossom into future generations of empowered women, enriching our collective fabric. Today, we are particularly inspired to shine a light on Sydney Paige Thomas, the remarkable Founder, and Managing Partner of Symphonic Capital. Sydney’s leadership exemplifies a holistic approach to success, where social impact and financial returns intertwine seamlessly. Yet, amidst her achievements, Sydney humbly shares the pivotal role her mother played in her journey—a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy mothers leave on our world. During our recent Illumen Capital Impact Experience in Montgomery, we had the privilege of capturing Sydney's reflections: https://lnkd.in/g85hkAyW  Her insights not only underscore the profound impact of maternal guidance, but also echoes a commitment to pay it forward, driving capital toward diverse entrepreneurs and asset managers. For those unfamiliar with Sydney’s story, we encourage you to learn more about her remarkable achievements. And on this special day, let’s extend heartfelt gratitude to Sydney’s mom, and all the other moms whose love and guidance shape the future. Here’s to each and every mother, a beacon of strength, wisdom, and boundless love. Happy Mother’s Day! 🌷💖 #MothersDay #CelebratingGreatness