*Please note that the agenda is in formation and is subject to change.

9:00 AM

Registration Opens & Networking Breakfast

The Forum
601 W 125th Street
New York, NY 10027


9:25 AM

Welcome Remarks

The Forum, Auditorium

Sandra Navalli ‘03BUS OAM

Executive Director of the Tamer Institute for Social Enterprise and Climate Change and Adjunct Associate Professor at Columbia Business School


9:30 AM

Innovating Aid: Leveraging Technology for Greater Humanitarian Impact

The Forum, Auditorium

With over 25 years of experience in both operational and program roles, Jennifer has led transformative initiatives in some of the world’s most challenging environments. In this engaging discussion, she will share invaluable insights on navigating change and driving innovation within humanitarian efforts. Attendees will explore how leveraging new technologies can enhance aid effectiveness and create lasting impact in communities worldwide. Jennifer’s unique perspective, shaped by her extensive fieldwork in places like Bosnia, Kenya, and Kyrgyzstan, will provide practical lessons on building resilience amid crises. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from a leader who has dedicated her career to improving lives and fostering social progress. Join us and be part of the conversation that inspires action and shapes the future of humanitarian leadership.

Jennifer Sime

Chief Operating Officer at Mercy Corps


10:20 AM

Break

The Forum, Foyer


10:30 AM

Impact Investing as a Tool for Resilience

The Forum, Auditorium

This session will explore how targeted impact investments are driving change in financial inclusion, social well-being, and climate resilience to help build a more secure economic future. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from these leading experts as they discuss how impact investing is shaping a more resilient future.

Jennifer Louie

Managing Director at Closed Loop Partners

Vikas Raj ’10BUS

Co-founder and Managing Partner of ResilienceVC; Adjunct Professor at Columbia Business School

Courtney Thompson ’17BUS

Executive Director and Head of Sustainable Products and Solutions, Global Sustainability Office at Morgan Stanley


10:30 AM

*Note: This session is from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Climate & Social Impact Pitch Mix & Match and Networking Session

Columbia Business School, David Geffen Hall
645 W 130th Street, Room 590
New York, NY 100270

Are you passionate about tackling climate change and creating positive social impact? Want to discover the groundbreaking solutions startups are bringing to the table? Looking for potential partnerships or team members to bring your business to life? Interested in joining a team or getting involved with a startup? Seeking connections with professionals who share your interest in sustainability and social impact?

This informal pitch mix and match networking session offers the ideal platform to meet fellow changemakers, exchange ideas, and collectively drive progress towards a greener, better future. Join us for lightning round venture pitches from a variety of Columbia-affiliated social and environmental startups followed by a networking session to make meaningful connections within the social and environmental startup community at Columbia.

This matchmaking event is designed for:

  • anyone looking to meet Columbia-affiliated social or environmental startups;
  • any Columbia-affiliated social or environmental startup (at any stage) seeking new team members or connections, and;
  • anyone looking to practice their pitch in a non-competitive environment.
View pitch mix and match ventures
Karen Hasher ’99TC

Program Manager at the Tamer Institute for Social Enterprise and Climate Change at Columbia Business School


11:20 AM

Break

The Forum, Foyer


11:25 AM

Empowering Communities Through Sustainable Energy Transition

The Forum, Auditorium

A successful energy transition will be one that not only lowers our carbon footprint, but also creates cleaner communities, green jobs, and cheaper energy. Join our panelists as they discuss how we can deploy sustainable and renewable technologies through private and public capital to ensure we achieve these goals with speed and scale.

Kelsey Clair ’22BUS

Managing Director and Lead Transactor at New York Green Bank

Michael Grossman

Chief Investment Officer at Climate United

Campbell Howe

Senior Advisor, Loan Programs Office in the US Department of Energy

Nadia Zaets ’09BUS ’09SIPA ’05BC

Managing Director at Whitehall & Company LLC and Adjunct Professor at Columbia Climate School


12:15 PM

Networking Lunch

The Forum, East Atrium (1st Floor)

Pick up your boxed lunch in the East Atrium and eat there, in Geffen Hall, or outside.


1:15 PM

Rebuilding Faith in our Economy and Democracy: Embracing Patriotic Capitalism for Greater Economic Opportunity

The Forum, Auditorium

Whatever the outcome of the US election in November, it is clear that many people feel the economy does not provide a reasonable and fair path to financial security and advancement for their families. This lack of faith in the economy is also eroding faith in democratic institutions, in the US and in many other countries around the world.

What can investors and corporate leaders do to address these twin threats? Join us for an insightful session that delves into the concept of Patriotic Capitalism, a forward-thinking blueprint aimed at recalibrating American enterprise for greater inclusivity and shared success.

Led by industry trailblazers Roy Swan, director of mission investments at the Ford Foundation, and Antony Bugg-Levine, co-founder of the Global Impact Investing Network, this session will explore the transformative potential of impact investing within the framework of Patriotic Capitalism.

Roy Swan brings unparalleled expertise in deploying endowment capital for impactful investments across global markets, while Antony Bugg-Levine, a pioneer in impact investing, will share his extensive experience in mobilizing resources for social change. Together, they will address the critical need for a new capitalist paradigm that aligns private and public interests, bridges the gap between wealth and opportunity, and revitalizes the American Dream.

Antony Bugg-Levine

Co-founder and Board Member of Global Impact Investing Network

Roy Swan

Director of Mission Investments at Ford Foundation


2:05 PM

Break

The Forum, Foyer


2:10 PM

Bridging Finance, Policy, and Technology: Catalyzing Climate Action to Overcome the Green Premium

The Forum, Auditorium

Join renowned climate scientist Ken Caldeira and climate economist Gernot Wagner for an insightful keynote discussion on the intersection of energy technology, policy, and finance. They will explore critical issues such as the balance between R&D in new technologies versus achieving scaling existing ones, and the role of finance, government, and philanthropy in overcoming the “green premium.” Attendees will gain valuable insights into the scientific, economic, and political strategies essential for addressing the urgent challenges of climate change.

Ken Caldeira

Senior Scientist at Gates Ventures

Gernot Wagner

Senior Lecturer in Discipline of Economics and Faculty Director of the Climate Knowledge Initiative at the Tamer Institute for Social Enterprise and Climate Change at Columbia Business School


3:00 PM

Break

The Forum, Foyer


3:05 PM

Empowering Refugees Through Financial Inclusion: Unlocking Economic Potential

The Forum, Auditorium

How can we leverage innovative financial inclusion tools to invest in the economic potential of refugee communities? Selen Ucak, ’03BUS, entrepreneurship and strategy lead at the Refugee Investment Network, will discuss how impact investing is driving social change in refugee settings. Yanki Tshering, ’90SIPA, executive director and founder of Accompany Capital, will share her insights and inspiring stories of how financial support has transformed refugee businesses in the United States. Sarah Khalbuss, ’21SIPA, program specialist in refugee career development at HIAS, will share her insights on how digital equity initiatives and mental health support are crucial in enhancing financial inclusion and employment opportunities for refugees. Inara Tareque PhD, ’26BUS, PhD candidate at Columbia Business School, will complement these insights with pioneering research on entrepreneurship and economic empowerment for refugees. Join us to discover powerful solutions for fostering economic opportunity and inclusion for refugees around the world.

Sarah Khalbuss ’21SIPA

Program Specialist, Refugee Career Development at HIAS

Inara Tareque PhD ’26BUS

PhD Candidate at Columbia Business School

Yanki Tshering ’90SIPA

Executive Director and Founder of Accompany Capital

Selen Ucak ’03BUS

Entrepreneurship and Strategy Lead at the Refugee Investment Network


3:55 PM

Break

The Forum, Foyer


4:00 PM

Closing Keynote Panel on Investing in the Future: Women Empowerment

The Forum, Auditorium

This panel will explore how innovative approaches in financial inclusion, impact investing, and workforce development are empowering women worldwide. Moderated by Georgia Levenson Keohane, CEO of the Soros Economic Development Fund, the conversation features Mary Ellen Iskenderian from Women’s World Banking, Kate Duff from Echoing Green, and Leslie Abbey from Hot Bread Kitchen. The discussion will focus on strategies that drive economic mobility, leadership opportunities, and the role of social enterprises in building equitable financial ecosystems for women.
Leslie Abbey

CEO of Hot Bread Kitchen

Kate Duff

Vice President of Development at Echoing Green

Mary Ellen Iskenderian

President and CEO of Women’s World Banking

Georgia Levenson Keohane

CEO of the Soros Economic Development Fund, Open Society Foundations and Former Adjunct Professor of Social Enterprise at Columbia Business School


4:55 PM

Closing Remarks

The Forum, Auditorium

Maria Salamin Navarro ’25BUS

Conference Chair for the Capital for Good Conference and MBA Candidate at Columbia Business School


5:00 PM

Reception With Leo Impact Fund

Dear Mama
611 W 129th St
New York, NY 10027


6:00 PM

Event Ends