Creative Global Development Strategies will address pertinent issues facing the international development sector. Our panelists, from the impact investing, social entrepreneurship, strategic advisory and multilateral realms will discuss the concepts and application of private sector solutions that innovate and create jobs in emerging markets, developing a sustainable model in countries targeted for international development and poverty reduction. This panel will also address challenges currently facing the international development sector as well as the opportunities that exist in emerging economies.

Panelists: Daniela Hammeken; Jo-Ann Tan; Andria Thomas; Vikki Tam
Moderator: Dr. Djordjija Petkoski

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Legal Aspects of Social Entrepreneurship

Behind the creation and implementation of an innovative social business is the need for an equally innovative corporate structure that privileges not only the pursuit of profit but also both brings the social idea behind the business to the forefront and protects it throughout the company’s life cycle. The Legal Aspects of Social Entrepreneurship panel will focus on the legal questions pertinent to the formation and maintenance of a social enterprise. We hope to bring to light the merits—and potential drawbacks—of incorporating (or re-incorporating) under the new benefit corporation designation present in California, Maryland, Hawaii, New Jersey, Vermont, Virginia and—most recently—New York.

By bringing in diverse voices, each with a different perspective, this panel aims to provide conference participants with crucial insight into how and why the benefit corporation model is critical for further momentum of the social enterprise movement but also help understand how this legal structure can be used on a more practical level in creating and maintaining a social business.

Panelists: William H. Clark Jr.; Kate Houstoun; David Bolotsky
Moderator: Praveen Kosuri

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Innovation in Corporate Social Responsibility: How Is CSR Leading to Innovation in Enterprises?

There is increasing pressure on companies to conduct business in socially and environmentally responsible ways. This pressure is forcing companies to rethink how they create and deliver value to customers, employees, investors, and other stakeholders. In this panel, we explore how CSR is driving innovation in enterprises, as well as how innovations outside the traditional CSR sphere are changing the way we think about CSR.

Panelists: Diane Melley; Chhavi Ghuliani; Catherine Potter
Moderator: Daniel Korschun

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Sustainable Solutions to Local Issues

This panel is made up of high impact individuals who have dedicated their lives to bettering our very own Philadelphia! Learn about the exciting developments happening in education, entrepreneurship, social financing and other non-profit enterprises.

Panelists: Della Clark; Alyson Goodner; Matt Joyce; Rich Sedmak
Moderator: Kate Houstoun

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Social Finance and Impact Investing

This panel will attempt to define the boundaries of “socially responsible investment,” exploring the rationale and sustainability of this emerging asset class. Discussion will include the challenges of balancing financial returns with social impact, how to structure financing vehicles to maximize the flow of capital to social entrepreneurs, and how mission-driven investors best manage their portfolios.

Panelists: Tom Balderston; John Buley; Ami Dalal; Mona Sinha
Moderator: Lydia Cutrer

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Technology and Social Impact

Recent technological innovations in the ways we use the Internet and mobile phones have changed how we communicate with each other and view the world, from the growing usage of mobile apps in developing countries to the vast spread of social networks around the globe. How can these new developments be best used to create meaningful social change? What role does technology play amongst the other types of social impact, and how will that role evolve and change in the future?

Panelists: Sean DeWitt; Dr. Djordjija Petkoski; Keya Dannenbaum; Kevin Conley
Moderator: Tyler Wry

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Social Entrepreneurship and Business Models

This panel aims to explore the challenges and opportunities in the field of social enterprise. We will be discussing how innovative business models, across the for-profit and non-profit spectrum, can be applied to achieve a social impact.

Panelists: Darlene Daggett; Joe DeLoss; Alla Jezmir
Moderator: Garrett Melby

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Innovative Approaches to Education

Though the U.S. education system has been steadily improving, statistics including high drop-out rates and low literacy levels suggest that there are many challenges yet to be overcome. Many entrepreneurial and enterprising solutions have been proposed. This panel will evaluate how innovations both inside and outside the traditional classroom have affected the educational sphere. The panel will examine the charter movement and other institutions that seek to improve the existing classroom experience, while also exploring tutoring and related extracurricular programs that supplement learning outside of the traditional school environment.

Panelists: Marc Mannella; Amanda Jefferson; Fahad Hassan; Nick Rodriguez; Hoyt King
Moderator: Ira Harkavy

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Wharton's Own Entrepreneurs

Wharton has produced many successful entrepreneurs in the social sector. Some are operating with the dual focus of profits and social returns. Some have focused only on making a positive difference in society. These successful ventures range from strictly web based ventures (e.g. electnext.com) to providing direct services throughout Philadelphia (e.g. Washcyclelaundry). While the specifics may differ, these Wharton entrepreneurs share a common passion and are happy to share their collective knowledge of launching a successful venture and getting it off the ground.

Panelists: Vikram Bellapravalu; Gabriel Mandujano; Charlie Javice; Keya Dannenbaum; Aakash Mathur

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