With over 250 chapters worldwide, we had our work cut out for us when selecting our 2015 Chapters of the Year. Our chapters are made up of countless innovators, leaders, and passionate do-gooders that make a real impact in their communities and beyond. To say our task was difficult is an understatement!
These four chapters, however, stood out to us as truly exemplifying Net Impact’s mission to drive transformational change in the workplace and the world. We’re excited for you to meet them and see for yourself the outstanding work that they do!
Introducing our 2015 Chapters of the Year:
Georgetown University
Graduate Chapter
“We hope our efforts can turn the concept of ‘promoting positive change through business’ into a deeply rooted value.”
What they do: This year, Georgetown focused in on three main initiatives: Sustainability, Partnership, and Innovation. As one of the largest and most active impact clubs on campus, their partners, students, and alumni have worked with social organizations spanning across five continents! We’re impressed by the strong connections and partnerships they continue to build across the student body, in their local community, and beyond.
Impact moment: Looking for areas to improve sustainability on campus, they replaced the disposable cups used at MBA events with reusable cups. This seemingly small switch will save over 6,000 plastic cups annually!
Their mission: This chapter wants to show that social values can be incorporated into any business plan -- as both a guide for existing businesses and a driving force behind new ventures.
New York City
Professional Chapter
“Being part of our chapter means that you automatically have a 2,000+ strong network of smart, curious, fun and passionate people in NYC alone.”
What they do: This chapter boasts 100+ members who volunteer their time and skills for pro bono consulting work. Their membership consists of socially conscious professionals who are using their skills to do good in the world. When they aren’t organizing panel discussions and speed networking events, they’re volunteering at local nonprofits (each member has given over 50 hours of their time this year alone!).
Impact moment: This year, they’ve invested time and energy into making their chapter operationally and financially sustainable. By creating an advisory council, revamping their online presence, developing new transition/training literature, and working on new methods for keeping track of finances, they’ve built a solid foundation for years to come -- as they put it, “there’s no need to reinvent the wheel!”
Their mission: This chapter is always looking for opportunities to connect, learn, and apply their skill sets to make an even greater impact in the world.
University of Toronto – Rotman School of Management
International Chapter
“From the time a student joins Net Impact . . . they have a voice in what the chapter should focus on and feel a sense of ownership in what gets accomplished.”
What they do: This chapter is focused on raising awareness for social entrepreneurship and sustainability as a means of improving the “triple-bottom line.” They have a passion for environmental impact and connecting MBA students with careers where they can make a difference. Their membership continues to grow and diversify -- this year, they’ve exceeded 100 members with an executive team consisting of six different nationalities!
Impact moment: They launched the Hult Prize @ University of Toronto case competition, and among the 20 teams present, Team Attollo advanced to the Hult Prize finals! They also successfully lobbied for a new Sustainability major at Rotman, as well as additional courses in sustainability.
Their mission: This chapter continues to grow their membership while connecting more meaningfully to the Toronto business community to have a greater environmental and social impact.
Pennsylvania State University – Smeal College of Business
Undergraduate Chapter
“We encourage our members to step up and lead new initiatives . . . and [we] provide a platform for our members to thrive.”
What they do: As the fastest growing student organization in the Smeal College of Business, this chapter embodies sustainable principles by engaging members and companies in service and volunteerism, as well as through competitions and consulting projects. This year they wanted to foster a deeper understanding of sustainability among the student body and beyond. Through these efforts, Smeal College of Business is nationally recognized for its sustainability efforts.
Impact moment: They decreased waste and increased energy efficiency on their campus through their Blue Chip Bistro sustainability consulting initiative, which led to cost-savings and effective waste management. They also organized the Smeal Corporate Citizenship Conference, which engaged more than 2,000 students and 11 companies, and featured Lord Dr. Michael Hastings - Global Director of Citizenship for KPMG and member of Great Britain’s House of Lords - as their keynote speaker.
Their mission: This chapter makes an impact by advocating for sustainable practices for the benefit of businesses, people, and the planet as a whole.
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Whether it’s organizing events, building partnerships, or empowering their communities, these chapters are an undeniable force for good – and we couldn’t be more proud.
Congratulations to all of our fantastic chapters for everything they've accomplished this year!
Want to get involved? Why not start your own chapter?
Think you've got what it takes? Remember that achieving gold status makes your chapter eligible as a 2016 Chapter of the Year finalist!
