Menu

Category: Newsletter

Posted on

April 2023 Newsletter

Board Fellowship Info Sessions for Nonprofits

Tues, May 2 @ Noon
Ross School of Business,
B5570 Blau Hall

Wed, May 3 @ Noon
Zoom

Thurs, May 4 @ Noon
Dearborn Room
UM Detroit Center

Are you a nonprofit organization in Southeast Michigan that is curious about the Board Fellowship program? Graduate student Fellows serve as non-voting board members during the academic year and complete a strategic project that can provide valuable capacity in areas such as strategic plan implementation, sustainability strategies, business plans, and dashboards. These sessions provide an overview for prospective organizations interested in participating during the 2023-24 academic year. Learn about program benefits, structure, and application process.

REGISTER HERE

FROM THE +IMPACT STUDIO:

Pop Up Docs in Detroit

Latest News from the +Impact Studio

Not surprisingly, the +Impact Studio is always generating a buzz and ideas. Below are some of the latest posts from the +Impact Studio:

+Impact Studio Course concludes with Demo Day, Guests

As we reach the end of the academic year, our +Impact Studio class held a Demo Day featuring prototypes from student teams to address how urban business can adopt, promote, and benefit from the green energy transition. See the students’ How-To Guides from earlier this semester at GreenBizTransition.com. See photos from the class’s entire journey here.

Read the Article

Free Webinar on Green Energy Funding for Small Businesses

Tues, May 18 @ Noon ET
Online

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 includes $500 billion in new spending and tax breaks targeted toward climate change, clean energy, training and workforce development, the development of clean infrastructure, and more. Take part in a free lunchtime virtual event where a panel of four experts including Jerry Davis will help you understand what opportunities are available to help you build your business and create generational wealth.

Register Here

Jerry Davis and Andy Hoffman Release a Short Case about Fossil Fuel Dilemmas in The Financial Times

In 2020, the British energy group BP pledged to decarbonise its portfolio, cutting oil and gas production by 40% from 2019 levels by 2030 and channelling billions of dollars into wind and solar projects. Then, in February 2023, the company stunned observers by retreating from these lofty goals — promising shareholders it would invest heavily into oil and gas projects and recalibrating its oil and gas reduction goal from 40% to 25% by the end of the decade.

Read the Case

We’re Hiring Two Student Employees for Fall 2023

Business+Impact is hiring two students to start in Fall 2023!

One position is the Give-A-Day Fund Campaign Director. The Campaign Director serves as the student leader of GADF. This position will collaborate with Ross staff, promote the GADF to fellow MBA students, and lead all communications with peer donors. This role pays $20/hr and reports to Haley Phillips, Student Program Manager for Business+Impact. — Apply here

The other position is a Web Designer for the Impact Gateway. This WordPress-skilled student will manage listings for events, courses, co-curriculars and volunteer opportunities listings on the Impact Gateway throughout the academic year.  This role pays $15/hr and reports to Glenn Bugala, Marketing Manager for Business+Impact. — Apply here

 

Ross Event Highlights:


(Ross) Michigan Fintech Conference
Thurs, Mar. 9 @ 5-8:30 pm
Robertson Auditorium


(Weiser Center) Albert Berriz
Wed, Mar. 15 @ 3-4:30 pm
Blau Colloquium

Image of Impact Gateway homepage.

A Searchable Platform for All Things Impact at Ross and Across Campus


The Business+Impact Gateway provides you with a single location for all things impact. Here you’ll find all of the activities, people and key partners working to use their learning to make a real impact in the world. 

IMPACT GATEWAY

Summer Impact Internship Funding Application

Apply today!

Each summer, Business+Impact awards competitive grants for summer internships to MBAs and BBAs in the Ross School of Business as well as MPP students in the Ford School of Public Policy.
 
The application for these monetary awards is open and will be considered on a rolling basis until today, April 18th at midnight. Award decisions will be based on the level of need (taking into account other funding being received), consideration of the position, the organization’s impact, and the quality of the application.

Apply today!

Congratulations all 2023 graduates!

Ross Commencement – April 28

We at Business+Impact have come to know many students at Ross and across campus through our programs and partnerships. We will miss all of you graduating students, but we’re excited to see the impact you make in your careers, and we wish you all the best. Keep in touch with B+I by joining our LinkedIn group, and we hope to partner with you sometime in the future.

 

B+I Collaborates with Nonprofit Leadership Alliance to Present Webinar on Student-Nonprofit Partnerships

Tues, Apr. 25 @ 1 pm ET
Online

Join Annaliese Fowler and Haley Phillips of B+I for a webinar on leveraging the power of nonprofit-higher education-student collaborations. Discover what each group can offer, and how these strengths can meet each other’s needs. We will focus on how higher education  can support nonprofits, and how this greatly benefits students with an interest in social impact. This symbiotic relationship will be exemplified in this session through B+I’s own Nonprofit Board Fellowship Program.

REGISTER FOR EVENT

Student Loan Repayment Program for Full-Time MBA Alums in Social Impact Careers

Through the Impact Advantage Program, alumni of the Michigan Ross Full-Time MBA Program (2021 grads and after) who pursue a career in the public or nonprofit sectors can apply for student loan repayment assistance. For those graduates accepted into the program, Impact Advantage will cover a portion of their Ross-related loan obligations — up to $7,500 per year for five years — while they are employed full-time at a social impact organization.

Applications for this program will be accepted in October 2023, but all of you upcoming graduates should save the date!

More info

Impact News and Notes

Why Poverty Persists in America – featuring Jerry Davis

Michigan Ross Business+Impact Team Empowers Students to be Architects of an Equitable and Sustainable Future – featuring Jerry Davis and Cat Johnson

Product Equity Trends in Big Tech – featuring Ross B+T

University outlines new commitments for helping Detroit

Opinion: Don’t expect schools to educate children on Black history – featuring Kevin Cockley

U-M joins with state to recruit talent for EV, mobility jobs

Reshaping business school with “management as a calling” – featuring Andy Hoffman

DEI efforts intersect with U-M’s past, present, future

Panel offers multidisciplinary perspectives on climate crisis

Wege lecturer Mary Robinson ties climate crisis to injustice

Poverty Solutions marks impact of action-based research in 2022

U-M features creative works of prisoners across Michigan

Gender Apartheid Against Women And Girls In Afghanistan – featuring Kamina Bennoune

Repeal of Michigan’s Right to Work law — what impact does it actually have on workers? – featuring Roland Zullo

Francis Medal recipient says nations must learn from pandemic

Bold Challenges awards planning grants to three research teams

How environmental disasters affect ecosystems: Ohio train derailment could affect local ecosystem for years, experts say – featuring Allen Burton

Global race to boost electric vehicle range in cold weather – featuring Neil Dasgupta

U-M Center for Social Solutions’ Earl Lewis to receive National Humanities Medal

SNAP cuts leave Michigan families, food banks struggling – featuring Luke Shaefer

Wastewater dashboard expands monitoring in five communities

The Secret Behind Japan’s Delicious Strawberries—Kerosene – featuring Shelie Miller

Bigger flowers, greater rewards: Plants adapt to climate disruptions to lure pollinators

U-M outlines new commitments to Detroit

University of Michigan Faculty Members Receive President’s Awards for Public Engagement

Christine Burkette, Detroit’s new digital equity director, aims to connect 90% of residents to the internet – featuring Cyrus Peñarroyo

Report: Detroiters’ views on reparations linked to perception of racial inequity – featuring Jasmine Simington and Erykah Benson

U-M earns Gold rating for climate, sustainability work

Fellowship helps K-12 educators teach students the importance of sustainability

In Memphis, hopes and challenges of Black middle class collide – featuring Karyn Lacy

At the University:

GINSBERG CENTER

Ginsberg Center Service Cords


Apply now!

All graduating students!  The purpose of these cords is to recognize students at graduation that have — through direct service, activism and advocacy, or other forms of civic engagement — helped address or make positive change around a specific social issue in partnership with economically or socially marginalized communities beyond campus.

More Info
 

CEW+

Career Connections: Imposter Syndrome


Wed, Apr. 19 @ 2-4 pm
330 E. Liberty St. Ann Arbor

This informal event strives to provide community and engagement for students, professionals, job seekers, or anyone looking for career support. The goal is to create a casual, welcoming environment for people to find resources, guidance, and fellowship with people from all stages in their careers. After an initial presentation, the event will be open-house style and participants may come and go as their schedule allows.

Register here

ENGAGED MICHIGAN

Engaged Detroit Proposals Requested


Submit by Fri, Apr. 28

The Engage Detroit Workshops grant program supports small groups of U-M faculty and staff members with a faculty lead in organizing a workshop, speaker series, or similar event centered on a topic relevant to Detroit communities. The Vice Provost for Engaged Learning (VPEL) will provide financial support for up to four workshops or seminar series in the amount of up to $15,000 per awarded workshop or speaker series proposal.

More Info

CEW+

CEW+ Scholarships

Apply by Wed, May 3

The CEW+ Scholarship Program, which today serves women and underserved students, was established in 1970 to honor the academic performance and potential of women whose education has been interrupted and to commemorate the one-hundredth anniversary of the admission of women to the University of Michigan.  With support from our generous donors, CEW+ was able to expand the program in 2008 to include additional scholarships for students of all genders. Please check eligibility.

More Info

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN RESEARCH

Anti-Racism Grants


Apply by Thurs, June 1

The OVPR Anti-Racism Grants aim to catalyze innovative research and scholarship efforts that will advance knowledge and understanding around complex societal racial inequalities that can inform actions to achieve equity and justice.  For each program cycle, OVPR will provide funding for up to seven proposals – five at level 1 up to $50K and two at level 2 up to $100K.

More Info

PLANET BLUE

Planet Blue Student Leaders


Apply Now!

Planet Blue Student Leaders (PBSLs) work part-time in Student Life as peer educators to promote sustainable living behaviors. These positions will start remotely in mid-August and begin with in-person activities in Ann Arbor the week of August 28. To be considered for this position, candidates must be able to attend weekly team meetings in-person on Fridays 11am-1pm in West Quadrangle for the full academic year. Compensation starts at $15 per hour.

More Info

In the Impact Community:

Centering Justice


Wed, Apr. 19 @ Noon-1:30 pm ET
Online

Centering Justice (CJ) is a virtual space to find and share inspiration for racial justice and liberation. Here, we celebrate people, stories, and ideas to spur community-centered action. We uplift BIPOC leaders who are already dreaming, healing, reflecting, and moving us forward. We address the entangled social justice issues of race, gender, and class. And we offer calls to action that turn us towards systemic change, together.

Register Here

Public Allies

Apply Now

Public Allies Metro Detroit is a program of the U of M-Dearborn, and a proud member of the AmeriCorps national service network. The program is made possible through funding of the Corporation for National and the Community Service and Michigan Community Service Commission. Apply now for fall opportunities.

Application Info

Sustainable Cities Impact Investing Challenge


Apply Now!

Net Impact’s 2023 Sustainable Cities Impact Investing Challenge asks teams to build and submit an impact investing portfolio aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal  (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities. Developing cities with affordable housing, reliable public transportation, and resilient infrastructure is key to building a more just and sustainable world. Impact investing creates an opportunity for investing to provide both financial and impact returns. 

More Info

D-Prize Startup Grants


Early Deadline: Sun, May 14 @ 11:59 pm PT
Regular Deadline: Sun, June 4 @ 11:59 pm PT

Picture of dandelion with spores blowing and the word "D-Prize"Can you design a new business or NGO that delivers a proven poverty intervention at scale? Submit your design for a new organization that solves one of our Distribution Challenges below. We will award the most promising teams with up to $20,000 USD to launch their new organization wherever extreme poverty exists. Subject areas include Health, Water, Education, Agriculture, Livelihoods, and Public Services.

More Info

Climate Leadership Conference


May 10-12, 2023
Sheraton Grand, Los Angeles

Registration is now open for the 2023 Climate Leadership Conference.  This is a solutions-oriented program that allows participants to connect and collaborate with sustainability professionals across sectors. Attendees will build business connections, gain new insights and collaborate with national leaders.

More Info

Posted on

March 2023 Newsletter

Public Forum on Nonprofit Boards and Communities: Mar. 15


“Community Connections: Forging Equitable Relationships Between Nonprofit Boards and the Communities They Serve”
Wed, Mar 15 @ 5:30-7:30 pm
Blau Hall, B0560

As nonprofit organizations grow, it is easy for board members to become increasingly disconnected from the community members they serve. What actions can boards take to be sure community voices are included, without tokenizing individual community members? How are boards rethinking organizational structures to foster equity and inclusion? We invite the public to join Board Fellowship students and staff for this interactive panel discussion. Panelists include Ken Bluhm of Michigan United Cerebral Palsy, Adam Grant of A Brighter Way, Sarah Hennessy of RE!nstitute, and Loren Townes Jr. of Growing Hope.

Dinner will be served. Please RSVP through Eventbrite.

REGISTER HERE

FROM THE +IMPACT STUDIO:

New +Impact Studio Applebaum Impact Design Fellows Bring Expert Knowledge and Passion to Ventures

The +Impact Studio made incredible strides in 2022. It revived its physical community space and Impact Design Lab following COVID-19, launched the largest and most diverse cohort of founders & Applebaum Impact Design Fellows to date, and propelled financial equity & climate action ventures to success. The Studio continues to surpass all expectation. This momentum continued into 2023 as the +Impact Studio added three new faces to a few of their all-star ventures. After a rigorous application process, the new Fellows selected include Ogochukwu Okoye for finding joi, Rebekah Lim for Grow Together (G2G), and Jonathan Amos for Affirmative. (previously named Lifeboat).

READ THE POST

Studio Alum in the News: Black Queer Heroes in Comic Books and the Classroom

Exciting news for +Impact Studio alum Nathan Alston and his venture, Plucky Comics! Alston was a recent NPR guest, talking with Stateside’s April Baer about his venture’s mission, impact, and latest release – listen here – and featured in the UM news. Formed by Michigan Ross alums Nathan Alston and Daniella Gennaro, Plucky Comics is an activist-led company dedicated to protecting and reimagining Black queer history and finding ways to bring these important, undertold stories into the classroom. Alston & Gennaro were selected as co-Founders in the +Impact Studio’s Founders program, working with the studio team of coaches for over a year.

Studio Venture finding joi Formally Launches!

Congratulations to +Impact Studio founder, Joi James on launching finding joi, LLC! Over the past year, Joi has been working with other fellows, mentors, and investors within the +Impact Studio to build this social venture aimed at creating opportunities for Black womxn and femme-identifying folks to experience joy in their daily lives amidst personal, professional, and academic responsibilities as well as educating employers on how to create psychologically and physically safe spaces. finding joi will be celebrating its launch with a private event showcasing Baddie Brooks, a classically trained musician, writer, and performer based in Detroit. 

Get engaged with finding joi by signing up for their newsletter at findmyjoi.com and check out their founder testimonial here!

Board Fellows Experiences

The 2022-23 Board Fellowship Program will come to its conclusion in April. Students from Ross, Ford, School of Information, School for the Environment and Sustainability, and other programs developed project management and executive skills as board members of nonprofit organizations in Southeast Michigan. In addition to attending all board meetings and serving on a board committee, they worked on a board-level project tackling a complex organizational challenge.

In this article, we check in with five students to get a glimpse into their work and find out what they’ve learned so far!

READ THE ARTICLE

Support our Social Impact Students on Giving BlueDay

Give on:
Wed, Mar. 15

We invite you to give directly to B+I’s Social Impact Internship Fund (313726) on Giving BlueDay March 15! You’ll enable Michigan Ross talent to make an impact in the community by reducing financial barriers to complete a social impact internship. Your gift directly supports summer stipends for undergraduate and  graduate students.

Plan to Donate Here

Summer Impact Internship Funding Application

Apply now!

Each summer, Business+Impact awards competitive grants for summer internships to MBAs and BBA juniors in the Ross School of Business as well as MPP students in the Ford School of Public Policy.
 
The application for these monetary awards has just opened and will be considered on a rolling basis until April 18th. Award decisions will be based on the level of need (taking into account other funding being received), consideration of the position, the organization’s impact, and the quality of the application.

Apply now!

ALSO: Our friends at the School of Social Work offer Social Justice Internship Funding through their Community Action Social Change Center. The CASC Summer Social Justice Internship Fund provides up to $2000 (depending on the length of the summer internship) for students seeking an internship, field, or volunteer opportunities in community settings with a social justice emphasis. Apply by March 30th.

Apply now!

Impact News and Notes

Alum Samer Alfahad helps to launch nonprofit Eye Care for Detroit


Q&A: Bryan Boyer talks about urban technology and its role in the I-375 project

U-M students create new how-to guides and equitable business models for green energy businesses to help Detroit entrepreneurs

Black women in America are up against a lot, and it’s causing their bodies to weather – featuring Arline Geronimus

Veterans Legal Clinic Helps a Family Avoid Homelessness

This Change Could Reduce Police Brutality against Black Drivers like Tyre Nichols – featuring Nick Camp

UM-Flint professor, students working with ‘Beyond Rhetoric’ project to fight racism in Genesee County

Carbon slashed 25% at University of Michigan ahead of schedule, officials say – featuring Andy Berki

Ann Arbor campus meets two sustainability goals early

4 reasons why the EV transition can’t be only about cars – featuring Sita Syal

Ross Event Highlights:


(Ross) Michigan Fintech Conference
Thurs, Mar. 9 @ 5-8:30 pm
Robertson Auditorium


(CPO) The War for Kindness
Thurs, Mar. 23 @ 2-3 pm
Online


(Weiser Center) Albert Berriz
Wed, Mar. 15 @ 3-4:30 pm
Blau Colloquium


(CPO) Accelerate Your Purpose
Thurs, Apr. 6 @ 4-5:30 pm
at Ross

Image of Impact Gateway homepage.

A Searchable Platform for All Things Impact at Ross and Across Campus


The Business+Impact Gateway provides you with a single location for all things impact. Here you’ll find all of the activities, people and key partners working to use their learning to make a real impact in the world. 

IMPACT GATEWAY

SPOTLIGHT:

Neesha Modi (MBA/MS ’12)

Neesha Modi is the Director of Programs and Social Investment Operations at the Kresge Foundation, a Detroit-based philanthropic organization dedicated to promoting human progress.Through her guidance as the connective tissue between the foundation’s operations and the mission, Ms. Modi forwards Kresge’s goals of building and strengthening pathways to opportunity for low-income people in America’s cities, and seeking to dismantle structural and systemic barriers to equality and justice. We connected with her via video link to learn about her time at Michigan Ross, her impact journey and learnings along the way.

READ MORE

At the University:

UM SCHOOL OF INFORMATION

SDG Action & Awareness Week


Mar. 6 – 10
UMSI Engagement Center

The UMSI Engaged Learning Office (ELO) is hosting and cross-promoting a series of events for the University Global Coalition Sustainable Development Goals Action and Awareness Week from Monday, March 6 to Friday, March 10. These events will explore different ways the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are being addressed in an information context.

More Info

LSA

The Egalitarian Metropolis


Symposium Dates
Mar. 7-8 & Mar. 16-18
@ Taubman College, Rackham Auditorium, and UM Detroit Center

The Great Black Migration to Detroit occurred at the height of the city’s industrial dominance, and yet the result was a deeply divided metropolis where almost all the benefits of subsequent industrial restructuring flowed to white suburbanites and almost all the costs were borne by Black city residents. The culmination of the Michigan-Mellon Project on the Egalitarian Metropolis, this symposium brings together University of Michigan researchers and Detroit community leaders who are working daily to make the city’s recovery equitable and inclusive.

More Info

 

HOUSING SOLUTIONS FOR HEALTH EQUITY

Breaking the Cycle


​”Creating Opportunities to Succeed for Families Experiencing Homelessness in Detroit”
Fri, Mar. 10 @ Noon – 1 pm
Virtual

This event will focus on describing common elements of family trajectories into family homelessness and housing instability, including Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), intergenerational trauma and poverty, and institutional and structural barriers to recovery from housing instability. Partners from COTS will share their current innovative approaches to supporting families to break the cycle of instability.

Learn more

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

James A. Kelly Learning Levers Prize


Proposals Due
Sun, Mar. 12, 2023

Bring your passion and make an impact on pre-K–12 Education. The James A. Kelly Learning Levers Prize is a student pitch competition that supports scalable, research-based ideas that promote learning in pre-K–12 education. All U-M undergraduate and graduate students from the Ann Arbor, Dearborn, or Flint campuses can enter as individuals or teams.

Learn more

CENTER FOR SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS

Wege Lecture: Mary Robinson


“Climate Justice: Hope, Resilience & the Fight for a Sustainable Future”
Mon, Mar. 13 @ 6 pm
Rackham Auditorium

Join Robinson as she shares her passion for climate justice, human dignity, gender equality and women’s participation in peace-building. She will highlight the urgent need for climate change action and how local, community-based action can grow into a global effort to build a sustainable future.

More Info

U-M DEI

Viral Justice: How We Grow the World We Want


Tues, Mar. 14 @ Noon
Rogel Ballroom, Michigan Union

In collaboration with partners across U-M, the SPH DEI Office is bringing Dr. Ruha Benjamin to campus for a talk and community conversation on March 14, 2023. Trained as a sociologist, Dr. Benjamin’s research sits at the intersection of science, technology, and medicine and resonates deeply with the field of Public Health. Dr. Benjamin will deliver a lecture on her new book, Viral Justice: How We Grow the World We Want.  Dr. Benjamin will deliver a lecture and then participate in a conversation/Q&A facilitated by Leseliey Welch.

More Info

CENTER FOR RACIAL JUSTICE

Twink Frey Visiting Social Activist Program


Application Due
Wed, Mar. 15

Each year the Twink Frey Visiting Social Activist (TFVSA) Program brings to CEW+ a social justice activist whose work affects women and recognizes gender equity issues.   If selected, the applicant is invited to reside near campus for up to one month or make intermittent visits to Ann Arbor and work remotely. The 2024 residency will take place during the winter semester with a presentation of their project the following fall semester at the CEW+ Annual Advocacy Symposium.

More Info

NET IMPACT AT ROSS

Community Development: Finance’s Role in Sustainable Economic Progress


Wed, Mar. 15 @ 7-8 pm
Ross R0320

Net Impact @ Ross presents its annual social impact symposium for all members of this Ross club and their friends!

Register here

INNOVATION IN ACTION

10th Annual Innovation in Action Final Showcase


Fri, Mar. 17 @ 4 pm
Tauber Colloquium, Michigan Ross

Student teams from across the University of Michigan worked for several months to develop solutions to a real-world challenge they are passionate about. Join us to learn more about these incredible teams and hear the announcement of the winners! This program is cosponsored by Business+Impact.

More Info

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

On-Campus Paid Fellowship & Internship Opportunities


What follows is a list of paid fellowships and internships offered through the University of Michigan this coming summer.

DNEP +Impact Studio for Local Business Internship
(Extended!) Apply by Fri, Mar. 10

Poverty Solutions Internship
Apply by Wed, Mar 15

UM Campus Farm Internships
Apply by Wed, Mar. 15

Ginsberg Graduate Consultant Program
Apply by Fri, Mar. 31

Engelhardt Social Justice Fellowship
Apply by Thurs, Aug. 31

SCHOOL OF ANTHROPOLOGY

The Roy A. Rappaport Lectures
with Michael Lempert


“From Small Talk to Microagression: A History of Scale”
Fri, Mar. 17 @ 3-5 pm
Rackham Assembly Hall

Since the mid-twentieth century, US social scientists studying face-to-face interaction have been by turns fascinated and frustrated by the “small” scale of their object and the scrutiny it seemed to demand.  How did the “interpersonal” relate to the “institutional,” “micropolitics” to “mass” politics? Mr. Lempert   is currently leading a team-based ethnography of “liberal listening,” funded by The Wenner-Gren Foundation.

More Info

SANGER LEADERSHIP CENTER

Emerging Leaders Summit


Thurs, Mar. 23 @ 11 am – 3:45 pm
Michigan Ross

This summit is offered as part of Women in Leadership, a program sponsored by General Motors (GM) and open to all. We seek to provide space to increase agency, amplify women’s voices, and work with women and allies to overcome barriers. Speakers include Chris Willams, Sue Ashford, and Shellie Seyfarth.

More Info

WILLIAM DAVIDSON INSTITUTE

WDI Case Writing Competitions


Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Competition
Due, Fri, Mar. 31

Energy Innovation in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Due Fri, Mar. 31

You are invited to enter our competitions and support and strengthen diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) skills and knowledge for today’s students, who will become tomorrow’s global business leaders. WDI Publishing and the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business are proud to present the annual Global Case Writing Competition.

MICHIGAN ROSS DEI

Virtual Allyship Workshop


Thurs, Mar. 30 @ 7:30 pm
Register by Thurs, Mar. 16
Virtual

Please join us for an interactive virtual workshop that will provide foundational educational knowledge and tools. This program is open to all students, staff, and faculty, and will take place on March 30, 2023 from 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm ET on Zoom. Pre-work will be assigned and sent two weeks before the program to maximize our time together, and will take approximately 1.5 hours to complete. Please register by 3/16/23. A zoom link will be sent after completing the registration form.

Register Here

PLANET BLUE

Sustainability Honors Cord


Applications due
Mon, Apr. 3

The Excellence in Sustainability Honors Cord program is designed to recognize students who went above and beyond to advance their knowledge, skills, and practice of sustainability ethics while studying at U-M.The acceptance to the Excellence in Sustainability Honors Cord program will allow students to receive an Excellence in Sustainability Honors Cord for graduation, join an exclusive alumni LinkedIn Network, and the opportunity to be part of a sustainability spotlight series.


Apply Now

SANGER LEADERSHIP CENTER

Leadership Dialogues: Kofi Bruce


Mon, Apr. 10 @ 4:30-5:30 pm
Tauber Colloquium, Michigan Ross

The Sanger Leadership Center‘s next event will feature Kofi Bruce, CFO of General Mills, with Associate Dean for Engaged Learning & Professional Development, Gretchen Spreitzer. The in-person session is open to the entire University of Michigan community, including students, staff, faculty and alumni.A recording of the conversation will be posted on Sanger’s Youtube channel after the event. A virtual livestream feed will be NOT be available for this event. 


More Info

EISENBERG INSTITUTE FOR HISTORICAL STUDIES

Race, Politics, and the Modern Metropolis


Thurs, Apr. 13 @ 6-8 pm
Anderson Room, Michigan Union

Come join Thomas J. Sugrue in conversation with U-M historians Angela D. Dillard and Matthew D. Lassiter as they discuss the historical roots of the current challenges facing American cities. Topics include politics, urban history, civil rights, faith, the carceral state, and police violence.


Info & Registration

In the Impact Community:

2023 American Express NGen Fellowship


Applications due
Mon, Mar. 27 @ 11:59 PT

The American Express NGen Fellows program provides 12 changemakers, 40 and under, a dynamic leadership development opportunity. This program will strengthen their leadership capacity and grow their personal and professional network. You can apply yourself or nominate another person with a vision for racial equity, adaptive leadership, system change, and peer learning.

Apply Here

Public Allies

Apply Now

Public Allies Metro Detroit is a program of the U of M-Dearborn, and a proud member of the AmeriCorps national service network. The program is made possible through funding of the Corporation for National and the Community Service and Michigan Community Service Commission. Apply now for fall opportunities.

Application Info

Skoll World Forum


Apr. 12-14
Virtual /Free

Joining the Forum online is free and open to everyone on Hopin, a virtual event platform where you can watch Oxford plenaries and sessions and connect with other virtual attendees. Please contact registration@skoll.org with any questions. The registration deadline is April 10.


Info & Registration

Posted on

February 2023 Newsletter

 

SeaSpider Wins the 2023 Michigan Business Challenge – Seigle Impact Track


We’re excited to share that the winner of the 2023 Michigan Business Challenge – Seigle Impact Track is SeaSpider – (Joe Huang, CS ’22; Adam Zhang, BS Environment ’23). The venture won the finals on Fri, Feb. 10. SeaSpider is  a student venture aiming at the identification and removal of abandoned fishing nets in sensitive coral reefs. The runner up was International Footprint. This competition is sponsored by the Mark and Robin Seigle Entrepreneurial Innovation Fund and co-managed by the Zell Lurie Institute and Business+Impact.

READ FULL RESULTS

Public Forum on Nonprofit Boards and Communities: Mar. 15


“Community Connections: Forging Equitable Relationships Between Nonprofit Boards and the Communities They Serve”

Wed, Mar 15 @ 5:30-7:30 pm
Blau Hall, B0560

As nonprofit organizations grow, it is easy for board members to become increasingly disconnected from the community members they serve. What actions can boards take to be sure community voices are included, without tokenizing individual community members? How are boards rethinking organizational structures to foster equity and inclusion? We invite the public to join Board Fellowship students and staff for this interactive panel discussion with local nonprofit leaders. Dinner will be served. Please register through Eventbrite.

REGISTER HERE

Summer Impact Internship Funding Application

Apply now!

Each summer, Business+Impact awards competitive grants for summer internships to MBAs and BBA juniors in the Ross School of Business as well as MPP students in the Ford School of Public Policy.
 
The application for these monetary awards has just opened and will be considered on a rolling basis until April 18th. Award decisions will be based on the level of need (taking into account other funding being received), consideration of the position, the organization’s impact, and the quality of the application.

APPLY NOW

+Impact Studio Stories

Following a very successful Design Jam with UMS, we met up with CultureVerse in the +Impact Studio to continue our dialogue about the intersection of business, design, and the arts! It was such a joy to give them a tour of the Impact Design Lab and highlight the many ways we infuse #designthinking into shaping social impact concepts.

DESIGN JAM WEBSITE

Also, we just dropped a new episode in our Social Impact Design for Business podcast series.  In this episode Jerry Davis of the +Impact Studio interviews five faculty of the University of Michigan to find out what is inspiring them in the area of green energy.  It’s titled “Inspiration from the Green Energy Transition.”

LISTEN HERE

DetroitIsIt wrote a feature on our BA670 +Impact Studio course taking place this semester at Michigan Ross. Entitled “Educating for Purpose to Empower Business to Impact as a Force for Good”, the story shares how the +Impact Studio is developing architects of the future that are solving problems with critical thinking. In discussing the course, Jerry Davis says, “The intent is to translate insights from students, faculty, and stakeholders into practical solutions for businesses.”

READ MORE

 

Save Date! Support Social Impact Students on Giving BlueDay

Give on:
Wed, Mar. 15

We invite you to give to B+I’s Social Impact Internship Fund (313726) on Giving BlueDay March 15! You’ll enable Michigan Ross talent to make an impact in the community by reducing financial barriers to complete a social impact internship. Your gift directly supports summer stipends for undergraduate and  graduate students.

Plan to Donate Here

 

Ross DEI Research Awards Program

The Ross Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, in collaboration with the Dean’s Office and the Ross Faculty and Staff DEI committees, is pleased to announce the third annual Ross DEI Awards. The awards will be presented at the Annual DEI Awards event on April 24, 2023. Nominations are now being accepted, as follows:

Faculty Research Award ($5000) – Nomination letters by faculty should be submitted to Donna O’Brien via email (obriendo@umich.edu) by Wed, Feb. 22, 2023.

PhD Student Research Award ($3000) – Nomination letters by advisors should be submitted to Donna O’Brien via email (obriendo@umich.edu) by Wed, Feb. 22, 2023.

BBA Senior Thesis Award ($1000) – Nominations by advisors must be include an extended abstract of the BBA thesis. Nominations should be submitted to Donna O’Brien via email (obriendo@umich.edu) by Fri, Mar. 24, 2023.

J. Frank Yates Diversity and Inclusion Teaching Excellence Award ($5000) – Self-nominations are also accepted. Please complete the nomination form by Wed, Feb. 22, 2023.

Ross Staff DEI Impact Award ($3000) – Nominations are accepted from all current members of the Ross community, including students, staff, and faculty. Self-nominations are also accepted. Please complete the nomination form by Wed, Feb. 22, 2023.

 

DNEP +Impact Studio for Local Business Offering Paid Internships

Apply by Tues, Feb. 28

The Detroit Neighborhood Entrepreneurs Project’s +Impact Studio for Local Business is seeking 15 sophomore and junior interns for its summer internship program starting in May. This is a paid (16/hour), full-time, in-person 10 week internship program that involves working in multidisciplinary teams to implement solutions for a portfolio of Detroit minority-owned businesses.

Apply by Tues, Feb. 28

Image of Impact Gateway homepage.

A Searchable Platform for All Things Impact at Ross and Across Campus


The Business+Impact Gateway provides you with a single location for all things impact. Here you’ll find all of the activities, people and key partners working to use their learning to make a real impact in the world. 

IMPACT GATEWAY

Impact News & Notes

Michigan aims $50 million at nonprofit relief. Here’s who will benefit

University of Michigan could help develop one of four DOE-funded large-scale carbon capture factories – featuring Volker Sick

U-M Alum Manny Martinez says it’s “breathtaking” to be a part of the Michigan Central Station transformation

Including the patient voice when addressing racial disparities in maternal health

A new scholarship helps students from Detroit pursue the Detroit teaching school pathway

Opinion: People of color underrepresented in clean energy economy – Carla Walker-Miller

Detroit’s long history of evicting Black people for profit

State Senator Stephanie Chang (MPP/MSW ’14) wins prestigious Ford School alumni award

Poverty Solutions: Gun control measures associated with reduced police use of force

From Harm to Home: Replicating Detroit’s Make It Home Program

U-M eighth among U.S. universities in renewable power use

Stevenson, Cortina receive 2022 public engagement awards

U-M startup BlueConduit joins White House partnership to remove lead pipes

Environmental justice expert is U-M’s first science envoy

Practical Lessons, Powerful Connections: Workshops Aid Ukrainian Refugees

AUDIO: Debating how to fairly charge electric vehicles for use of the roads

VIDEO: A Ph.D. student shares his remarkable path from Cuba to chemical engineering at U-M.

Developing DEI as a Critical Skill

Yarina, B.S. Arch ’10, Works With, Not Against, Nature

Schools build consensus for focus on social purpose – featuring Andy Hoffman

Study: Exxon Mobil accurately predicted warming since 1970s – featuring Jonathan Overpeck

EV transition will benefit many, less so for low-income

Nearly all U.S. households could cut energy cost burden by using EVs -study – featuring Greg Keoleian

Why you might want a heat pump in your electric car – featuring Anna Stefanopoulous

At the University:

STUDENT SUSTAINABILITY COALITION

Seeking SSC Team Members


Applications Due
Tues, Feb. 14

The Student Sustainability Coalition is a student organization dedicated to promoting a sustainable campus culture by using the Collective Impact Framework to connect and elevate campus-wide student sustainability efforts. Applications for the 2023-24 SSC team are now open. 

Learn more and apply at this link

DONIA HUMAN RIGHTS CENTER & PACLSHR

Fair Labor Association Fellowships


Applications Due:
Wed, Feb, 15 @ Midnight

The Fair Labor Association (FLA) seeks to provide current graduate or advanced undergraduate students of the University of Michigan with two internship opportunities to learn about labor and human rights issues and challenges in agricultural and apparel supply chains. These followships are open to any U-M graduate student or U-M advanced undergraduate student (at least two years of completed college education). Students graduating in Spring 2023 are not eligible

More Info

FORD SCHOOL

Policy Talks @ Ford


The Ford School hosts a diverse array of timely, meaningful events that engage with students, community, and public policy leaders. During the coming month, the Ford School will host this wide-ranging and powerful series of talks on diversity, poverty and immigration.

New perspectives on college choice: The role of family, gender, and career planning in the education decisions of college ready students from families with low incomes
Feb 16, 2023, 12:00-12:50 pm EST 1210 Weill Hall


Governing for environmental justice
Mar 6, 2023, 4:30-6:00 pm EST
Weill Hall #1110 (Betty Ford Classroom)

CENTER FOR RACIAL JUSTICE

Racial Justice Events

The Center for Racial Justice hosts a diverse array of timely, meaningful events that engage our students, community, and public policy leaders. Here are some upcoming events for consideration:

Farah Mahesri on decolonizing development
Feb 17, 2023, 1:00-4:00 pm EST
Weill Hall (Paul and Nancy O’Neill Classroom)

Changemaking from the inside with Gabrielle Wyatt
Feb 23, 2023, 12:00-1:30 pm EST

Activating joy with Holly Bass: Creative practices for authentic community building
Mar 9, 2023, 12:00-1:30 pm EST

All Events

TEDxUofM

TEDx “Glitch In” Comes to UM

Fri, Feb. 17 @ 6-10 pm
Power Center for the Performing Arts

TEDxUofM is a university-wide initiative to galvanize the Ann Arbor and University of Michigan community for an event like no other; filled with inspiration, discovery, and excitement. Borrowing the template from the world-renowned TED conference, TEDxUofM aims to bring a TED-like experience to the University of Michigan. Plan now on attending “Glitch In” at the Power Center

Get Tickets

BUSINESS+TECH

Closing the Gap – From Austin to Ann Arbor

Fri, Feb. 17 @ 10 am – 4 pm
Blau Hall, Blau Colloquium

Business+Tech and the Entrepreneurship & Venture Capital Club will partner to host a Black History Month event dedicated to closing the racial, gender and monetary gaps that exist in the tech, venture capital, and entrepreneurship industries.  Leveraging experiences and connections made at the AFROTECH conference in Austin last November, this first-of-its-kind collaboration will provide participants with an insight into what these non-traditional career fields look like from the perspective of historically overlooked professionals.

Info & RSVP

WOMEN OF COLOR TASK FORCE

WCTF Career Conference

Fri, Mar. 3 @ 8:15 am – 4 pm ET
Virtual and at Rogel Ballroom – Michigan Union
Register by Tues, Feb. 8 at Noon ET

The Women of Color Task Force is excited to host its 41st annual career conference this year on March 3, 2023. Pre–registration is required to participate in all events and sessions. Morning conference sessions will be presented virtually. The keynote luncheon and afternoon sessions will be in-person at the Michigan Union.  All session times are in Eastern Standard Time Zone. The keynote presentation will take place at 12:00 pm EST at a luncheon in the Rogel Ballroom at the Michigan Union.

Info & Registration

WILLIAM DAVIDSON INSTITUTE

DEI Global Case Writing Competition

Enter Now

You are invited to enter our competition and support and strengthen diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) skills and knowledge for today’s students, who will become tomorrow’s global business leaders. WDI Publishing and the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business are proud to present the second annual DEI Global Case Writing Competition.

More Info

DESAI

Accelerator Cohort Applications

Applications due
Mon, Mar. 6

Get excited to spend eight months with mentors, subject matter experts, investors, and interns who are committed to your success! Acceptance to the University of Michigan’s alumni accelerator adds credibility to your early-stage startup, and provides a strong support system of people who understand you and your business. We’ve recently expanded our eligibility criteria!

Apply Now

CENTER FOR THE EDUCATION OF WOMEN

2023 Paid Fellowship Applications

Applications due
Mon, Mar. 6

Applications for four CEW+ fellowships are now open. Fellowship funds for the current application can be awarded in Winter 2023, Spring/Summer 2023, or Fall 2023. Applications must meet be student-designed research that is tied to degree requirements and focused on issues of importance to women, and must involve travel abroad for students in public health, environmental health, or another health-related field. Most CEW+ Fellowships range between $2,000 and $5,000.

Apply Now

In the Impact Community:

21 Day Equity Challenge

Sign up to participate this month

United Way of Washtenaw County (UWWC) has a vision that by 2030 your zip code will no longer determine your opportunity in life. At present in Washtenaw County, it does. Join United Way on a virtual self-guided learning journey examining the history and impacts of racism and how it shapes people’s lived experience in Washtenaw County. Along the way, you’ll also receive examples and tools on how to undo racism and build racial equity and justice.

Sign up now!

Public Allies

Apply Now

Public Allies Metro Detroit is a program of the U of M-Dearborn, and a proud member of the AmeriCorps national service network. The program is made possible through funding of the Corporation for National and the Community Service and Michigan Community Service Commission. Apply now for fall opportunities.

Application Info

Natural Products Expo West

Mar. 7-11, 2023
Anaheim, CA

Natural Products Expo West 2023 is just over a month away; and the full agenda is now online, featuring everything lined up for a in-person and digital experience! From the exhibit hall to the classroom, and everything in-between, this year’s Expo West is built to spark business success in natural products

Info & Registration

Posted on

January 2023 Newsletter

Anti-Racism and Racial Justice

This week we celebrate MLK Day. The life, legacy, scholarship, and leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. provide us with powerful wisdom and a profound call to action. It is a call to imagine and build a just and loving world. Business+Impact is committed to the work of dismantling the structures of systemic racism and to collectively imagining and building a just future where all can thrive. We must examine how we live our values each day, and seek to continually educate ourselves and others in the work of advancing justice and equity. 

SEE OUR RESOURCES

Summer Impact Internship Funding Application

Apply now!

Each summer, Business+Impact awards competitive grants for summer internships to MBAs and BBA juniors in the Ross School of Business as well as MPP students in the Ford School of Public Policy.
 
The application for these monetary awards has just opened and will be considered on a rolling basis until April 18th. Award decisions will be based on the level of need (taking into account other funding being received), consideration of the position, the organization’s impact, and the quality of the application.

APPLY NOW

Ross Open Road Applications


Applications Due:
Mon, Jan 30

Open Road is an action-based social entrepreneurship program taking place in May, where MBAs drive from state to state meeting socially- and environmentally-driven entrepreneurs. Students spend one week on-site in each location, working closely with the entrepreneur to provide a solution or recommendation to a business problem they are facing, then they move on to the next city and the next entrepreneur.
 
Open Road @ Ross is a student club powered by Ford Motor Company Foundation and co-sponsored by Business+Impact and the Zell Lurie Institute.

APPLY NOW

+Impact Studio Stories

Applebaum Impact Design Fellows and +Impact Studio Founders are gearing up for a new impact-focused semester. Starting with a heavy focus on prototyping, venture teams will go deeper in testing and defining their offerings. For the broader campus community, events in the space continue to guide and direct students interested in design thinking for impact. Check out these recent stories:


MEDIUM: +Impact Studio Propels Financial Equity & Climate Action Ventures to Success
Applebaum Family Philanthropy and Guests Guide +Impact Studio Founders and Applebaum Design Fellows During Special Visit

+Impact Studio Course Kicks Off 

The +Impact Studio course (BA670) met for the first time this Winter on January 11th, and welcomed 50 students. Taught by Jerry Davis and Cat Johnson, and attended by grad students from several colleges across campus, the Winter 2023 course will examine ways to design community-based enterprises for the green energy transition with a view toward fair wages and community building.

The +Impact Studio Applebaum Impact Design Fellowship application is open for Winter 2023!


Applebaum Impact Design Fellows serve as temporary venture co-founders working to support the +Impact Studio Founders Program & prototype studio concepts. Fellows will support ventures focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and will help take ideas from concept to prototype during the Winter semester. We are seeking students with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, enthusiasm for collaboration, and a commitment to impact to join our collaborative design community!

APPLY HERE

Ross Event Highlights:

B+T: Datathon and FinTech Challenge Info Session
Wed, Jan. 18 @ 5:30
Virtual
CPO: Unlock the True Power of Purpose
Mon, Jan. 23 @ 11 am ET
Virtual

ROSS DEI: Diversity Week
Jan. 30 – Feb. 3
Ross School of Business
CPO: Mastering Community
Tues, Feb. 7 @ 2 pm ET
Virtual

Blueprints for Pangaea U-M Seeks Applicants for Winter Cycle

Case Workshop
Tues, Jan 17 @ 6 pm
Kuenzel Ballroom, Michigan Union

Application Workshop
Thurs, Jan 19 @ 6 pm
On Zoom

Blueprints for Pangaea is a student-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit that ships excess, unused medical supplies from U.S. hospitals to areas in need overseas. Our mission is to mobilize accessible healthcare in emerging communities. At the two events above, B4P members will provide insight on the inner workings of each department and answer your questions. Then APPLY by Sat, Jan. 21 at 11:59 pm ET. Speed dating and interviews will take place the last week of January.

APPLY HERE

5th Annual Women Who Launch Symposium

Fri, Jan 20 @ 9:30 am
At a Private Location

The Women Who Launch Symposium 2023 explores the theme of “Empower”. This event will engage hundreds of women interested in entrepreneurship and investing through speakers, panelists, workshops, and networking opportunities. In addition to notable speakers, the event includes lunch, a self defense workshop, and happy hour.

Women Who Launch is a student group led by MBA candidates at the Ross School of Business. We empower women to engage with entrepreneurship, whether as funders, founders, or team members, and we’re dedicated to creating a gender-equal entrepreneurial ecosystem on our campus and in our careers.

CONFERENCE INFO

Impact News and Notes

Cheap, sustainable hydrogen through solar power

Community Enterprise Clinic supports new food security hub in Detroit

Ginsberg match advances sustainability, builds neighborhood connections in Detroit

Matthew Bui awarded anti-racism grant

Q&A: Jason Hawes says urban agriculture is a critical element in Detroit land use 

Detroit unemployment drops but those with jobs are still looking for work

Detroit’s Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Distributes Half A Million In Community Art Grants

UM CEW+ Story: Remi Mink

Bringing it home: improving tomorrow’s living environments – featuring H. Luke Schaefer

Report Reveals 311,961 Children Under Age Three Are Estimated to Be Experiencing Homelessness Across Twenty U.S. States – featuring Jennifer Erb-Downward

University Research Corridor Universities Contribute $20.6B to Michigan’s Economy

Community-builder Leon Pryor takes Detroit’s FIRST Robotics program to new heights

Fusion breakthrough is a milestone for climate, clean energy – featuring Carolyn Kuranz

Cambridge University agrees to hand colonial-era African artefacts back to Uganda so the items can ‘live again’ – featuring Derek Peterson

Getting to know CID at U of M: the Stone Center for Inequality Dynamics

U-M reports progress on endowment-related carbon offsets

Environmental justice expert is U-M’s first U.S. Science Envoy

For Kids, Mental Trauma From Gun Injury Far Exceeds That of Car Crashes

Image of Impact Gateway homepage.

A Searchable Platform for All Things Impact at Ross and Across Campus


The Business+Impact Gateway provides you with a single location for all things impact. Here you’ll find all of the activities, people and key partners working to use their learning to make a real impact in the world. 

IMPACT GATEWAY

At the University:

TROTTER MULTICULTURAL CENTER

Kaleidescope Conversations


“Colorism”
Tues, Jan. 17 @ 6 – 7:30 pm
Large Meeting Room, Trotter Multicultural Center

“Race and Disability”
Wed, Feb. 1 @ 6 – 7:30 pm
Large Meeting Room, Trotter Multicultural Center


Kaleidoscope conversations will provide an opportunity for students to come together for a conversation with their peers and get the chance to dive beneath the surface, lean into vulnerability, and to explore the struggles and stories that make up our lives.  In this session will we discuss the legacy of colorism and the ways in which it continues to impact the lives of people of color.


RSVP Here

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

James A. Kelly Learning Levers Prize


Proposals accepted
Dec. 1, 2022 – Mar. 12, 2023

Bring your passion and make an impact on pre-K–12 Education. The James A. Kelly Learning Levers Prize is a student pitch competition that supports scalable, research-based ideas that promote learning in pre-K–12 education. All U-M undergraduate and graduate students from the Ann Arbor, Dearborn, or Flint campuses can enter as individuals or teams.

Learn more

OFFICE OF ACADEMIC MULTICULTURAL INITIATIVES

MLK Events on Campus


Below are a number of highlighted events commemorating the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this year:

“Racism in the White Church” – Tues, Jan. 17 @ 1 pm

Linda Villarosa “Under the Skin” – Tues, Jan. 17 @ 4:30 pm

Anti-Racism Teach-In – Tues, Jan. 24 @ 3 pm

6th Annual Rackham King Talks – Thurs, Jan 26 @ 6 pm

Alice Wairimu Nderitu “Racial Injustice” – Wed, Jan 31 @ 4 pm

See the complete listing of events

GINSBERG CENTER

Learning in Community Workshops


Fri, Jan. 20 @ Noon – Virtual

Tues, Jan. 24 @ 6 pm – Virtual

Fri, Feb 10 @ Noon – Virtual

Wed, Feb 15 @ 6 pm – Virtual

The Ginsberg Center offers multiple workshops to support students and staff who are working with communities through courses, student organizations or independently. Learning in Community (LinC) is an educational workshop and training series focused on supporting those interested in community engagement, social justice, democratic engagement, advocacy, activism and philanthropy.

FORD SCHOOL

Policy Talks @ Ford


The Ford School hosts a diverse array of timely, meaningful events that engage with students, community, and public policy leaders. During the coming month, the Ford School will host this wide-ranging and powerful series of talks on diversity, poverty and immigration.

Masterclass in Activism with Angela Harrelson – Fri, Jan. 20 @ 4 pm

Teacher Diversity and Student Success: Why Racial Representation Matters in the Classroom – Tues, Jan. 24 @ 4 pm

Jelani Cobb on “The half-life of freedom: Notes on race, media and democracy” – Tues, Jan. 24 @ 6 pm

POVERTY SOLUTIONS

Research Assistant Job Posting


Applications Due:
Wed, Jan. 25

Poverty Solutions is looking for a Research Assistant to support the United Way for Southeastern Michigan on their Financial Well-Being Innovation Challenge, a grant challenge that provides significant technical assistance and support to community organizations before and while they pilot their proposed economic and financial mobility-enhancing Detroit-based programs.

Apply Now

WILLIAM DAVIDSON INSTITUTE

DEI Global Case Writing Competition


Intent-to-Enter Form
Due Tues, Jan. 31

You are invited to enter our competition and support and strengthen diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) skills and knowledge for today’s students, who will become tomorrow’s global business leaders. WDI Publishing and the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business are proud to present the second annual DEI Global Case Writing Competition.

More Info

LSA

Semester in Detroit

Applications due
Tues, Jan 31

Semester in Detroit applications are accepted on a rolling basis, which means that the earlier you apply, the better chance you have of getting in. The Semester in Detroit spring program accepts undergraduate students from all schools and departments at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. All students, from Freshmen to Seniors or Super Seniors are eligible to apply.

Apply Now

In the Impact Community:

Centering Justice


Thurs, Jan. 18 @ Noon-1:30
Online

In this session, NEW will explore how we exit old oppressive systems, and build new ways of being and working together through Just Transition. What is Just Transition? It’s how communities build thriving economies that provide dignified, productive and ecologically sustainable livelihoods; democratic governance and ecological resilience. 

RSVP Here

21 Day Equity Challenge


Sign up to participate during
Black History Month

United Way of Washtenaw County (UWWC) has a vision that by 2030 your zip code will no longer determine your opportunity in life. At present in Washtenaw County, it does. Join United Way on a virtual self-guided learning journey examining the history and impacts of racism and how it shapes people’s lived experience in Washtenaw County. Along the way, you’ll also receive examples and tools on how to undo racism and build racial equity and justice.

Sign up now!

Creative Washtenaw


Volunteer now

Help Creative Washtenaw conduct surveys for a national study called “Arts & Economic Prosperity 6” in partnership with Americans for the Arts. As a survey volunteer, you’ll join our call list and have the opportunity to collect surveys at an upcoming arts + cultural event in town. Fill out our volunteer form, and we will be in touch soon!

Volunteer Here

Circular Plastics Challenge


Apply by
Mon, Feb. 13

Net Impact’s Circular Plastics Challenge calls upon innovators, systems-thinkers, and practitioners from all walks of life and levels of study to consider,”How might we keep plastics in the economy and out of the environment by using upstream innovation to reduce plastic leakage?” Up to five teams will be selected as finalists in the Circular Plastics Challenge. Finalist teams will gain exclusive access to a career-focused industry connections event where they will hear from and network with subject matter experts in the fields of material circulation and sustainability. Finalist teams will present their solution to a panel of expert judges at the final showcase event. 


Apply Here

Posted on

November 2022 Newsletter

Design Equitable Enterprises in the Winter +Impact Studio Course (BA 670)

Professors: Cat Johnson, Jerry Davis |  Credits: 3
Winter 2023


The +Impact Studio graduate course BA670 prepares students to be architects of an equitable, just, and sustainable future. In this award-winning interdisciplinary course, you’ll gain a mindset, a process, and a set of tools and experiences for designing new and equitable models for business. In Winter ’23, the +Impact Studio course will focus on a just energy transition. Innovations in financing and technology have dramatically changed the costs of launching enterprises such as solar microgrids, and the recent Inflation Reduction Act greatly increases potential funding for renewable energy. We will be engaging with neighborhood partners in Detroit to design feasible business models for green energy that support communities. The course is 3 credits, and will be offered to all graduate students on Wednesdays.

COURSE INFO

Equity-Centered Prototyping Workshop

Tues, Nov. 29 @ 5:15 – 7 pm
+Impact Studio, Blau Hall

Calling all undergrads! Come learn how to use prototyping as a tool to generate ideas, validate concepts or explore technologies using Food Futuring to cultivate your imagination. In our complex world there is a need to develop and test ideas without causing harm to others. This workshop will help you understand what, how, and when to prototype, and to transform good ideas into interactive, emotional experiences with an equity lens. This session will be run by Keesa V Johnson (MDes), an award-winning creative systems designer and design strategist who uses African and indigenous principles throughout the design thinking process.

MORE INFO

Ensuring that Post-Secondary Credentials Pay off for Low-Income Students

Fri, Nov. 18 @ Noon ET
School of Social Work, ECC 1840
and Livestreamed

Consider attending this Poverty Solutions event, cosponsored by Business+Impact. Norma Rey-Alicea is the Executive Director and co-founder of NextGen Talent (NGT). Norma has dedicated her career to the development of new educational models and career advancement solutions to close the opportunity gap for low-income students of all backgrounds, with a focus on Latinx, Black, Native American, and immigrant students.

MORE INFO

Ross Event Highlights:

Photo of various ages and races of women facing the camera, wearing pastel colors.

ZLI: Women Who Fund Forum
Thurs, Nov. 17 @
9:30 am – 2:30 pm ET
Online

ZLI: Alumni Panel
Thurs, Nov. 17 @ 6-7 pm ET
Online

 

Impact Gala

Mon, Dec. 5 @ 6:30 – 8:30 pm
University of Michigan Museum of Art

Community Case Competition, Net Impact @ Ross, and Detroit Impact @ Ross invite you to celebrate the conclusion of our Fall Impact Cases and build community with one another! Co-sponsored by Business+Impact.

RSVP here

 

Winter Course Features Utah Wilderness Expedition

InterMission (MO 330) is a self leadership course for undergraduate students adrift in a sea of expectations who are exceptional at fulfilling goals set by others but find themselves too busy to reflect on whether they’re the right thing to do. The goal of the course is to help you authentically lead yourself and others — everyday, in ways large and small. Taught by Kevin Thompson the course includes a one-week wilderness expedition in Utah’s Canyonlands with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS).

More Info

Can we fix business education to build equitable enterprises?

Business+Impact’s Jerry Davis writes that business is by far the most popular college major in America. But are business schools training young people to build and lead more equitable enterprises, or churning out apparatchiks whose main function is to serve shareholders?

READ MORE



Impact News & Notes

VIDEO: Child Poverty Fell Due to the Child Tax Credit

Partner Profile: HOPE Village Revitalization

Q&A: Faye Anderson Nelson’s vision put Detroit on revival path

Five join U-M faculty through Anti‑Racism Hiring Initiative

From garden to growth: This urban garden cultivates young leaders

E.V.s Start With a Bigger Carbon Footprint. But That Doesn’t Last – featuring Greg Keoleian

Clean Water Act at 50: environmental gains, challenges unmet – featuring Oday Salim

Income, segregated schools drive Black-white education gaps

Political science alum Jill Ettinger is applying entertainment experience to social change

Hotter days bring out hotter tempers, research finds – featuring Libby Hemphill

Planet Blue Student Innovation Fund helps support sustainability efforts

DEI Summit speaks to nurturing the heart, mind and soul

Image of Impact Gateway homepage.

A Searchable Platform for All Things Impact at Ross and Across Campus


The Business+Impact Gateway provides you with a single location for all things impact. Here you’ll find all of the activities, people and key partners working to use their learning to make a real impact in the world. 

IMPACT GATEWAY

 

WILLIAM DAVIDSON INSTITUTE

WDI’s DEI Global Case Competition


Information Session
Wed, Nov. 16 @ 10 am ET
Online

You are invited to enter our competition and support and strengthen diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) skills and knowledge for today’s students, who will become tomorrow’s global business leaders. WDI Publishing and the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business are proud to present the 2023 DEI Global Case Writing Competition.

More Info

WILLIAM DAVIDSON INSTITUTE

Crossing Borders and Cuisines: A New Flavor of Sustainable Tourism

Wed, Nov. 16 @ 5 pm
Ross School of Business, R1230

For cities and countries looking to market themselves, culinary tourism has become an essential and powerful branding element.
But can this kind of travel be about much more than food? Yigal Schleifer, the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Culinary Backstreets, will tackle that question and more during a talk hosted by the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan. 

More info

PLANET BLUE

Sustainability Honors Cords

Orders Due
Mon, Nov. 28

The Excellence in Sustainability Honors Cord program is designed to recognize students who went above and beyond to advance their knowledge, skills, and practice of sustainability ethics while studying at the University of Michigan. The acceptance to the Excellence in Sustainability Honors Cord program will allow students to receive an Excellence in Sustainability Honors Cord for graduation, join an exclusive alumni LinkedIn network, and be part of a sustainability spotlight series.

Learn more

FORD SCHOOL OF PUBLIC POLICY

Policy Talks @ Ford

The Ford School hosts a diverse array of timely, meaningful events that engage with students, community, and public policy leaders. During the coming month, the Ford School will host this wide-ranging and powerful series of talks on diversity, poverty and immigration.

Fri, Nov 18 – Ensuring that postsecondary credentials pay off for low-income students

Mon, Nov. 28 –Special screening of the feature film “She Said”

Wed, Nov. 30 – Lead in the water: What are the educational impacts on Flint students?

Thurs, Dec. 8 – What policymakers need to know about the criminal justice system

LSA

Global Scholars Program

Fall Applications Due
Fri, Dec. 2

GSP is an interdisciplinary living-learning community that brings students together from around the world to engage in social justice education on a global level. We invite applications from students of all backgrounds and levels of intercultural experience and from any college or school at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

Apply here

GINSBERG CENTER

Community Engagement Grants

Apply By Fri, Dec. 9

The Ginsberg Center provides multiple forms of financial resources for student groups and organizations to engage in positive change through social justice education, leadership development, and meaningful service experiences with the community. The Community Engagement Grant program allows us to deepen our partnerships with student organizations and support community-based initiatives. Community Engagement Grants are offered on a rolling basis until funds are depleted.

Apply Now

In the Impact Community:

Volunteer for VITA and Help Others with Tax Returns

Virtual Training in November

VITA stands for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. Join a community of over 80 volunteers in working to complete federal and state tax returns for low to moderate income families in Washtenaw County. Volunteer to help clients save on costly tax preparation fees, and put over $1.4 million of refunds into the hands of those that need it most. No experience? No problem! United Way’s comprehensive training process will give you the skills and knowledge necessary to prepare basic tax returns.


More Info

Net Impact Circular Plastics Challenge

Submit now

We need innovative leaders like you to imagine how we can craft a truly circular economy! Industry-leading companies are eager for fresh, out-of-the-box thinking to push the plastics industry to become more circular, at scale. In an effort towards making progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption, Net Impact’s Circular Plastics Challenge calls upon innovators, systems-thinkers, and practitioners from all walks of life and levels of study.

More info

Global Health Supply Chain Summit

Nov. 30 – Dec. 2
Dakar, Senegal

The 15th Annual Global Health Supply Chain Virtual Summit (GHSCS-2022) will focus on equity, resilency and country ownership. The last couple of years have highlighted several vulnerabilities in country health systems impacting not only their response to the pandemic but also their ability to continue to address other routine health issues. GHSCS 2022 will explore all of these issues and more through a combination of keynotes, panel discussions, and contributed talks. 

Info & Registration

MBark 2 Boulder

Jan. 4-6
Boulder, CO

Academic institutions are only now beginning to provide instruction in relevant disciplines such as authentic leadership and sustainability.  Meanwhile, natural foods companies have seldom recruited MBA students, so many of the best management practices, analytical tools, growth strategies, and latest research on organizational development are simply not present in the ranks of their leadership. MBArk was created to bridge that gap, bringing the “hearts” of natural foods together with the “smarts” of business education.

Apply Now

Posted on

October 2022 Newsletter

Diverse set of 5 people, Board fellows and Board members

Business+Impact Announces its 2022-23 Board Fellows and Nonprofit Partners

Welcome to our 2022-23 Board Fellowship participants! This year’s Board Fellowship Program brings together 25 partner organizations and 38 students from six U-M schools. The Fellows will serve on the governing boards of these partner organizations for the academic year and complete a strategic project by April 2023.

READ MORE

Posed group of 16 diverse students

+Impact Studio Fellows and Founders Announced


The +Impact Studio kicks off an exciting academic year and welcomes its newest cohort of Founders and Applebaum Impact Design Fellows! Hailing from eight different degree programs across campus, this dynamic group of social innovators is the largest, with the broadest range of skills, backgrounds, and experiences to come! While the Studio seeks to advance all facets of impact, this year’s efforts will be geared towards advancing ideas that address climate action and/or diversity, equity, inclusion & racial justice (DEIRJ).

READ MORE

Design Equitable Enterprises in the Winter +Impact Studio Course

The +Impact Studio graduate course BA670 prepares students to be architects of an equitable, just, and sustainable future. In this award-winning interdisciplinary course, you’ll gain a mindset, a process, and a set of tools and experiences for designing new and equitable models for business. In Winter ’23, the +Impact Studio course will focus on a just energy transition. Innovations in financing and technology have dramatically changed the costs of launching enterprises such as solar microgrids, and the recent Inflation Reduction Act greatly increases potential funding for renewable energy. We will be engaging with neighborhood partners in Detroit to design feasible business models for green energy that support communities. The course is 3 credits, and will be offered to all graduate students on Wednesdays.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Wynton Marsalis Joins +Impact Studio Design Jam

What do a world-famous jazz musician and a business school have in common? When it comes to the Ross School of Business and the +Impact Studio, far more than you might imagine! On Sunday, October 16th, the University Musical Society and the Ross School of Business +Impact Studio convened a one-day design jam to look at new ways of getting the arts into the hands of audiences through innovative uses of technology — using new tools and design methods to generate new formats and equitable access. This event was planned to coincide with a weeklong UMS residency with Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.

READ MORE

Impact Advantage Loan Repayment Assistance – Apply by Tues, Nov. 1

The Ross School of Business Impact Advantage program provides educational loan repayment assistance to Ross full-time MBA graduates who pursue careers in nonprofit or public sector organizations.

Full-time MBA students like you who graduated in May 2022 or after will be eligible to apply for the Impact Advantage program and receive up to $7,500 per year for the first 5 years after graduation, towards Ross-related loan obligations. You must be in a full-time position at a public or nonprofit sector organization, and you’ll need to reapply each year for re-consideration.

DETAILS & APPLICATION

Ross Event Highlights:

Ross Admissions: Forté Diversity Day
Fri, Oct. 21 @ Noon – 4 pm
Online

Ross Admissions: Ask Me Anything: HBCU
Thurs, Oct. 27 @ 6-7 pm ET
Online

CPO: Creating Wise Crowds
Mon, Nov. 7 @ 4-5 pm
Robertson Auditorium

Photo of various ages and races of women facing the camera, wearing pastel colors.

ZLI: Women Who Fund Forum
Thurs, Nov. 17 @
9:30 am – 2:30 pm ET
Online

 

Image of Impact Gateway homepage.

A Searchable Platform for All Things Impact at Ross and Across Campus


The Business+Impact Gateway provides you with a single location for all things impact. Here you’ll find all of the activities, people and key partners working to use their learning to make a real impact in the world. 

IMPACT GATEWAY

MBA2s Win Gordon Scholarships for Commitment to Impact

Business+Impact (B+I) is pleased to announce that Summer Abiad (MBA ’23), Connor Donnelly (MBA/MS ’23), Harshita Pilla (MBA/MURP ’23), and Joss Woodhead (MBA ’23) are the recipients of the 2022-23 Skip and Carrie Gordon Scholarships for outstanding commitment to solving complex social challenges. The award comes with $7,500 for each recipient. Gordon Scholars serve as B+I Student Ambassadors for the 2022-23 academic year.

READ MORE

Forging a Career at the Heart of the Climate Challenge

Wed, Oct. 26 @ 7-8 pm
Robertson Auditorium
Ross School of Business

Business+Impact is cosponsoring an event with Net Impact Undergrad on the passion that drives an individual from engineering to environmental action. Gerry Anderson (MBA/MPP ‘88), former Chairman and CEO of DTE Energy will talk about consulting  at McKinsey, working with the Obama administration, leading DTE to embrace renewables, and more. Now he is deeply passionate about building Michigan’s economy and continuing his environmental action in retirement.  

REGISTER HERE

Michigan Business Challenge – Seigle Impact Track Begins

Info Session
Mon, Oct 24 @ 6-7 pm
Room R0210
Ross School of Business

Problem Definition /  Root Cause Workshop
Wed, Oct. 26 @ 5-6:30 pm
Room B2560
Blau Hall

The Michigan Business Challenge Seigle Impact Track, with prizes totaling over $26,000, recognizes the business plan that best pursues a mission-driven goal. This track aims to stimulate the creation of new businesses, products or services that prioritize social and/or environmental considerations. The Seigle Impact Track is sponsored by the Mark and Robin Seigle Entrepreneurial Innovation Fund and co-managed by Business+Impact at Ross and the Zell Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies.

APPLY FOR THE COMPETITION BY TUES, NOV. 1.

Business+Impact Wins a “Doing the Most Good” Award from Salvation Army

These awards from the Salvation Army Great Lakes Division recognize those who exemplify an extraordinary spirit of service and collaboration. Our Board Fellows program was recognized for  “providing more than 20 board fellows to the Metro Detroit Advisory Board.” Members of the program have served and completed projects making a huge impact on The Salvation Army. B+I’s Cat Johnson and Haley Phillips were in attendance to receive the award at the Metro Detroit Advisory Board Civic Awards dinner.

READ MORE

Impact News & Notes

U-M urban planning students work closely with low-income Brazilian families

Why Do Some People in New Jersey Suddenly Have Bags and Bags of Bags? featuring Shelie Miller

Why are unions such a non-starter in the C-suite? – featuring Jerry Davis

Unplugged: Why utilities are more likely to disconnect Black, Latino, and Indigenous households – featuring Justin Schott

Report: Detroiters living under the federal poverty line would struggle with a $400 emergency – featuring Afton Branche-Wilson

Child poverty in the US was stagnant — and then something changed – featuring H. Luke Shaefer, Patrick Cooney, and Betsey Stevenson

CEW+ welcomes two new Twink Frey Visiting Social Activists

U-M study reveals significant portion of adult population lacks consistent access to transportation – featuring Alexandra Murphy

DEI leaders to present campus climate survey results

One state’s plan to push low-income health insurance beyond traditional health care – featuring Paula Lantz

Opinion: Duggan touts homeownership as crisis escalates for Black renters – featuring Alexa Eisenberg

Black prison exonerees outpace white counterparts, study says – featuring Samuel Gross

When climate change hits home

PODCAST: Is the American Corporation Doomed? – featuring Jerry Davis

Q&A: DeAndré Calvert continues family legacy with work uniting students and community partners

From garden to growth: This urban garden cultivates young leaders

Immersive Semester in Detroit Program expands opportunity to all U-M campuses, providing transformational learning experiences

UM researchers use planes to find major undercounted source of climate pollution – featuring Genevieve Plant and Eric Kort

 

At the University:

 

GLOBAL CO2 INITIATIVE

Join the GCISA

Apply Now

Whether you want to attend meetings, lead a project, or access the community that the Global Carbon Initiative Student Association offers, we’re excited to have you! Our sponsoring unit, the Global CO2 Initiative (GCI) at the University of Michigan, is also dedicated to reducing carbon emissions via sequestration and reuse of carbon dioxide in a new circular carbon economy. 

More Info

CENTER FOR SOCIALLY ENGAGED DESIGN

Compete in Innovation in Action


Apply by Wed, Oct. 19 @ 11:59 pm

Innovation in Action, cosponsored in part by Business+Impact, is a campus-wide challenge giving groups the opportunity, the tools, the people, and the room to take on the world’s biggest challenges. To celebrate Innovation in Action’s 10th annual program, we are giving our dearest program a refresh! We are accepting applications from Friday, September 30th to Wednesday, October 19th with our return to an in-person kick-off event to build excitement in early November.

Apply here

CITIZEN’S CLIMATE LOBBY

Tune In Turn Out Festival


Thurs, Oct. 20 @ 5 – 8 pm
Diag, Central Campus

Join us for a night of climate action on the Diag with live music and free food! Hosted on October 20, 5-8 PM by Citizens’ Climate Lobby and Empty Mug Records, the event will feature performances by Kelly Hoppenjans, Ani Mari, and Big Chemical. Free pizza will be provided by VegMichigan and voter registration will be available through NARAL. Hope to see you there!

More Info

POVERTY SOLUTIONS

Real World Perspectives on Poverty Solutions


October 21 – Politics, Policy, and Poverty: Medical Debt and Other Financial Reforms

October 28 – Biodiversity, Coffee Production, and Dignified Livelihoods Under a Globalized Economy

November 11 – The Color of Power: The Evolving Relationship Between Race, Skin Color and American Politics

November 18 – Ensuring that Postsecondary Credentials Pay Off for Low-Income Students

Real World Perspectives on Poverty Solutions introduces key issues regarding the causes and consequences of poverty through an in-person lecture series featuring experts in policy and practice from across the nation. Our goal is to help build a broad community of learners to engage in these issues together.

Read about the entire series

GINSBERG CENTER

Entering, Engaging, and Exiting Communities


Thurs, Oct. 26  @ Noon – 1:30 pm
Online

Fri, Nov. 11 @ Noon – 1:30 pm
Online

All students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to attend this community kick-off to the fall semester. Join the SEAS/PitE community and welcome both old and new faces to the start of the school year. Socialize, have fun and enjoy a bite to eat.

Register for 10/26    Register for 11/11

GRAHAM SUSTAINABILITY INSTITUTE

Student Sustainability Leaders Summit

Sat, Oct. 22 @ Noon – 4 pm
Michigan League

The purpose of the event is to foster relationship building between and among students and student organizations to promote successful advocacy, communication, and collaboration. There will be activities, workshops, and networking opportunities that strengthen the sustainability network on campus and spark thoughtful discussion and engagement. Please direct your questions or concerns to sustainability.coalition.core@umich.edu.

Register Here

GINSBERG CENTER

Alternative Spring Break

Application Due
Fri, Oct. 28 @11:59 pm

MAC-ASB is a student organization that supports students on service trips during spring break. We arrange a variety of different trips for participants to engage in meaningful work with charitable organizations around the country. Contact Lead Team with any additional questions via mac-leadteam@umich.edu.

Apply here

CEW+

Scholar Community Award Ceremony & Luncheon

Sun, Nov. 6 @ Noon – 3 pm
Rogel Ballroom
MIchigan Union

Please join CEW+ at U-M as we return to an in-person luncheon and celebration of our 2022-23 Scholar Community Award Ceremony. This event celebrates all CEW+ Scholarship and Fellowship recipients for the current academic year and is open to family, supporters, donors, and friends of the Center.  Registration will close on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, at 5:00 pm.

Register Here

In the Impact Community:

Volunteer for SafeHouse Center

Information Sessions:
Tues, Nov. 1 @ 10-11am
Tues, Nov. 1 @ 6-7 pm

Now accepting applications for Response Team, Shelter/Helpline, Community Awareness, Front Desk Receptionist, Support Group and Teen Voice. We encourage you to attend one of our virtual information sessions to get more information

More Info

Pop-up Safety Town Events


Volunteer Now

Dr. Andrew Hashikawa, is organizing several “Pop-up Safety Town” events in underserved communities, including Flint and Detroit. Volunteers are needed to join this effort, help with bike helmet fitting, distribute educational resources…etc.  Upcoming Safety Town events that are open to volunteers: Flint Head Start @ Cummings Elementary School (2200 Walton Ave G, Flint, MI 48532), 09/23 (Fri), 10am-1pm Detroit Marygrove Campus 10/19 (Wed) and 10/20 (Thu) – will likely be morning and early afternoon sessions. Email pop.up.safetytown@umich.edu to learn more and volunteer.

Rally’s 10th Cohort Showcase

Tues, Oct. 25 @ 6 pm
1001 N. Orange Ave.
Orlando, FL

Join us on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at 6:00pm for Rally’s 10th Cohort Showcase at CREDO Conduit! For 16-weeks, our Fellows have been working hard to build sustainable ventures that create positive social change. During this event, you’ll hear 3-minute presentations about their vision, work, and how you can assist them along their journey.


Registration info

Wege Prize Competition

Application Due
Mon, Oct. 31

Wege Prize is an annual competition that ignites game-changing solutions for the future by inspiring college/university students around the world to collaborate across institutional, disciplinary, and cultural boundaries to redesign the way economies work. Participants contend for $65,000 (USD) in total cash prizes, all while learning—and helping to show the world—what the future of problem solving looks like.


Application info

Social Enterprise Alliance Summit of Summits

Nov. 9-11, 2022
Online

Attend the Summit of Summits and hear from national and global leaders in the social enterprise sector, local movement builders from our local Chapters and inspiring stories from network partners about how their unusual business model enabled their stakeholders to survive and thrive in the last two years. Together we can learn from this innovative business model to create economic, racial and climate justice for all.

Register here

Apply for D-Prize

Picture of dandelion with spores blowing and the word "D-Prize"Regular Applications Due
Sun, Nov. 6 @ Midnight PT

Can you design a new business or NGO that delivers a proven poverty intervention at scale? Submit your design for a new organization that solves one of our Distribution Challenges below. We will award the most promising teams with up to $20,000 USD to launch their new organization wherever extreme poverty exists. Challenges include Health, Water, Education Agriculture, Livelihoods, Energy, and Public Services.

More info

Upswell 2022


Tues, Nov. 5 @ 10 am – 6 pm ET
Online


Upswell Summit 2022, powered by Independent Sector, will advance our singular mission by offering thought leadership that wrestles with issues plaguing our nation, workshops and panels that will strengthen your institutional, personal, and professional development, as well as time to invest and care for the most important person in the work – you.  If you have any questions, please let us know at either info@upswell.org or 202-467-6115.


Registration info

Posted on

September 2022 Newsletter

The Business Impact showcase

Meet with 30+ U-M Impact Groups at the B+I Showcase

Thurs, Sept. 8 @ Noon – 2 pm
Tauber Colloquium
Ross School of Business


Welcome new and returning students! We hope your summer was invigorating, because we have a lot of opportunities coming up for you. As part of our mission to make students aware of impact opportunities across campus, we welcome all U-M students to our fifth annual Business+Impact Showcase on Thurs, Sept. 8 from Noon – 2 pm at Ross’s sixth floor Tauber Colloquium. Students will have a chance to meet with over 30 organizations and map out their U-M impact journeys. The event will also feature a “Mission & Mocktails Room,” a raffle, and lunchtime food.

SEE MORE

Nonprofit Board Fellowship Info Sessions and Application


Business+Impact’s Nonprofit Board Fellowship Program develops cross-sector leadership skills by placing graduate students as ex officio members on boards at Southeast Michigan nonprofits.

The 2022-23 Student Application for the program is now available, along with student instructions, and is due Fri, Sept. 9 at noon.

If you haven’t yet, you must attend the info session below in order to participate in the program for 2022-23:

BF Info Session
Wed. Sept 7 @ 4 pm
Room 3240, Weill Hall

If you are unable to attend due to an academic or religious conflict, please email us to schedule an alternate time.

MORE INFO & APPLY

+Impact Studio Founders and Applebaum Impact Design Fellows Application


If you’re a current U-M student from any degree program who has a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration, we want you!  If you have a commitment to impact, and willingness to help take ideas from concept to prototype to scale, we want you!

The +Impact Studio Founders Program helps impact-driven creators and innovators bring impactful ideas to life that build a sustainable and just world for all! Using business knowledge, design tools, and research expertise, our experienced and interdisciplinary coaches and fellows roll up their sleeves and work alongside founders to accomplish great things.

Applebaum Impact Design Fellows are part of an interdisciplinary cohort working to support the +Impact Studio Founders Program & prototype studio concepts.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BOTH PROGRAMS

APPLY TO BE A FOUNDER

APPLY TO BE A FELLOW

Ross Event Highlights:

Ross Admissions: Women’s Forte Forum
Thurs, Sept. 8 @ 11 am ET
Online

CPO: What Inclusive Leaders Do Differently
Wed, Sept. 14 @ 2 pm ET
Online

Photo of various ages and races of women facing the camera, wearing pastel colors.

Ross Admissions: Ross Women’s Weekend
Thurs-Sat, Oct 6-8
Ross School of Business

Crowd of diverse students with a Ross flag.

Ross Admissions: UpClose Diversity Weekend
Fri-Sun , Oct 7-9
Ross School of Business

MBA2 Gordon Impact Scholarship Application Due in September

Application due:
Mon, Sept. 26 @ Noon

Are you an MBA2 committed to addressing complex social challenges? This year the Skip and Carrie Gordon Scholarship Fund will award four $7,500 scholarships to MBA2s who demonstrate a dedication to impact. Applications are open now, and winners will be announced in late September.

J’Taime Lyons (MBA/MPP ’22), Nathan Alston (MBA ’22), and Elizabeth Wallace (MBA/MS ’22) were each chosen to receive Gordon Scholarships in 2021-22.

APPLY NOW

A Summer of Impact: Insights from B+I Summer Interns

This year, Business+ Impact’s Summer Fund financially supported the summer impact internships of 29 University of Michigan students. MBA funding came from the Give-A-Day Fund, a student-led MBA pay-it-forward fund, and from General Motors. Additionally, the Gordon Impact Entrepreneurship Fund provided support for BBA and MBA student internships with ventures or funders seeking to create societal impact. Students from Ross and Ford created impact through virtual or onsite internships, where they developed skills in business and policy that expanded their horizons exponentially and created value for numerous impact organizations. Read their stories below, and see photos from their experiences.

READ ARTICLE

Impact News & Notes

OVPR anti-racism grants awarded to eight research teams

U-M students put skills to work through summer internship program, helping Detroit communities

New Research Explains What Triggers Corporate Action on Social Issues – featuring CPO’s Stephanie Creary

Facebook bans hate speech but still makes money from white supremacy ads – featuring Libby Hemphill

U-M study: Local renewable energy employment can fully replace U.S. coal jobs nationwide

Business schools get a bad rap – but a closer look shows they’re often a force for goodCollective Experimentation and Acts of Urbanism in Banglatown, Detroit

Compromises in Democrats’ climate bill will hit communities facing most pollution hardest, critics say – featuring Kyle Whyte

Helping youth harness the power of communication

A win-win: working together to increase the impact

Stakes are high for Detroit renters living in foreclosed homes

Poverty Solutions collaborates on Detroit Land Contract Buyer Guide

Rabe: Landmark U.S. climate bill addresses methane

U-M study finds discussing carbon dioxide removal does not limit climate policy support

Poverty Solutions: Washtenaw County should consider long-term impact, implementation of ARPA allocations

SPOTLIGHT

Bob Chapman in a suit.Bob Chapman (MBA ’68)

Bob Chapman (MBA ‘68) was recently named the #3 CEO in the world by Inc. and a Top Social Capital CEO by the International Business Times.  As Chairman and CEO of $3.5 billion global capital equipment and consulting firm Barry-Wehmiller, Chapman is showing what’s possible at the intersection of great business strategy and profound care for people.  It’s the message of his 2015 Wall Street Journal bestseller Everybody Matters, his “Truly Human Leadership” TEDxTalk and a Harvard Business School case study that is used by 70 universities around the world. We caught up with Bob around the end of August 2022 and asked him questions, not only about leadership, but navigating through tough times.

READ MORE

 

Image of Impact Gateway homepage.

A Searchable Platform for All Things Impact at Ross and Across Campus


The Business+Impact Gateway provides you with a single location for all things impact. Here you’ll find all of the activities, people and key partners working to use their learning to make a real impact in the world. 

IMPACT GATEWAY

At the University:

SCHOOL FOR ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY

Climate Justice for Whom?


Fri, Sept. 9 @ 10 – 11 am
1040 Dana Building

What are the types of injustices associated with low-carbon transitions? Relatedly, in what ways do low-carbon transitions worsen social risks or vulnerabilities? Lastly, what policies might be deployed to make these transitions more just? Join SEAS and STPP for a talk with Dr. Benjamin K. Sovacool.

More Info

GINSBERG CENTER

Entering, Engaging, and Exiting Communities


Wed, Sept. 14 @ Noon – 1:30 pm
Online

Thurs, Sept 22 @ 4:30 – 6 pm
Online

All students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to attend this community kick-off to the fall semester. Join the SEAS/PitE community and welcome both old and new faces to the start of the school year. Socialize, have fun and enjoy a bite to eat.

Register for 9/14    Register for 9/22

SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK

Social Change in Action: How to Be a Change Agent


Lecture: Wed, Sept. 14 @ 12:30 – 2 pm
Reception: @ 2 – 3 pm
Rogel Ballroom, Michigan Union

The Social Justice Changemaker Lecture series was established by a generous gift from Neil and Annmarie Hawkins. The second annual lecture features Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation. He will be joined by Dean Beth Angell as they explore ways to become a social justice change agent during challenging times.

More Info & RSVP

CENTER FOR THE EDUCATION OF WOMEN

CEW+ Annual Advocacy Symposium


Wed, Sept. 21 @ 12 – 5:45 pm
Michigan League

The advocacy symposium features a keynote lecture from a nationally or internationally renowned advocate, the presentation of the Carol Hollenshead Inspire Award for Excellence in Promoting Equity and Social Change, a capstone presentation by the outgoing Twink Frey Visiting Social Activist, and the introduction of the next activist.

More info

SCHOOL FOR ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY

EarthFest


Thurs, Sept. 22 @ 10 am – 2 pm
On the Diag

Earthfest celebrates sustainability initiatives across U-M and the surrounding communities, while providing an inclusive platform to educate and engage the campus community on opportunities to support sustainability and environmental justice on campus and in our daily lives. Come learn about sustainability on campus and particpate in fun engagement opportunities.

More Info

FORD SCHOOL OF PUBLIC POLICY

Social Policy Is Health Policy: Lessons from the Pandemic


Fri, Sept. 23 @ 4-5 pm
Room 1120, Weill Hall

Join Ford School Dean and founding director of the U-M Center for Racial Justice, Celeste Watkins-Hayes, along with and Paula Lantz the James B. Hudak Professor of Health Policy, as they discuss the devastating structural inequities exposed by the COVID pandemic—and why all policymakers must now be equipped with a toolkit for navigating pandemics.

More Info

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

DEI Summit 2022


Wed, Oct. 12 @ 10-11:30 am
Power Center

This year’s summit theme, DEI: Nurturing the Heart, Mind and Soul, explores the role of the arts in supporting our humanity (heart), mental health and wellness (mind), and religious/spiritual diversity (soul). Although distinct, these topics all address components of self-identity and influence how we show up in the world.

More Info

In the Impact Community:

Detroit Month of Design

September
Detroit, MI

The 12th annual Detroit Month of Design is here and runs through September 30! The citywide collaboration of creativity that gathers designers and the greater community to celebrate Detroit’s role as a national and global design capital. The theme this year is United By Design, and the intention with the 2022 festival is to bring unity to the forefront.

More Info

Rally Winter 2023 Cohort


Apply Now!

Come join Rally and get all of the tools you need to accelerate the success of your social enterprise! The mission of Rally’s social enterprise accelerator is to help local, national, and international entrepreneurs transform their early-stage work into sustainable ventures that create positive social change, with support from mentorship & 1-on-1 coaching.

More Info

Centering Justice

Wed, Sept. 21 @ Noon – 1:30 pm ET
Online


Centering Justice offers the insight and guidance we need to realize our vision for the future. In these monthly virtual gatherings, you’ll hear the stories and live experience of inspiring leaders of color. You’ll witness passionate dialogue between nonprofit leaders, artists, activists, faith leaders, and others. Join us to hear their invitations and live into their calls to action.


Registration info

Women Leading Nonprofits

Wed, Sept. 28 @ 4:30 – 6:30 pm
614 First St NW, Grand Rapids

Michigan Nonprofit Association presents this year’s annual “Women Leading Nonprofits” event!. Guest Speakers will share lessons in leadership and how emotional intelligence can help you succeed, no matter what your role.  For student discount, contact Jen Fiandt at jfiandt@mnaonline.org 

More info

FATE Program Mentoring


Apply by Fri, Sept. 30

Give Merit’s mentorship program, FATE, is looking for University of Michigan students to become mentors! Give Merit is a Detroit-based nonprofit serving high school students that seeks to enhance and extend educational opportunities to Detroit youth through innovative enrichment and mentorship activity. If you are interested in mentoring for the FATE Program during the 2022-2023 academic year, email Give Merit’s Program Success Director, Rachel Mazzaro, at rmazzaro@meritgoodness.com for more information!

More info

Michigan Angel Summit


Mon, Oct. 10 @ 8:30 am – 4 pm
Sheraton Ann Arbor
3200 Boardwalk, Ann Arbor

The fifth annual Michigan Angel Summit is a great opportunity for individual investors to meet like-minded people from around the state and learn more about this exciting asset class.  Our keynote speaker is Peter Adams, Angel Capital Association board member and teacher of the ACA Angel University course on exits.


Registration info

SOCAP ’22


Oct. 17-20
San Francisco

SOCAP convenes the largest and most diverse impact investing community in the world.  We are at a precipice in impact, and we need to urgently accelerate the boldest, brightest ideas to put capital to work solving the world’s biggest problems. It’s time to demand and create the changes our world requires to allow all people and the planet not just to survive but thrive.


More info

Pre-College and Youth Outreach Conference


Oct. 21 @ 8 am – 4:30 pm
Eberhard Center, Grand Rapids, MI

Each year PCC brings together 200+ professionals in the higher education space who focus on K-12 outreach and DEI initiatives. Other attendees are college admissions staff, first-year professionals, new to outreach, or high school administrators and college counselors. It’s a great community to share your insights and learn from others throughout the state of Michigan. 


More info

 

Posted on

August 2022 Newsletter

Meet with 30+ U-M Impact Groups at the B+I Showcase


Thurs, Sept. 8 @ Noon – 2 pm
Tauber Colloquium
Ross School of Business

Welcome new and returning students! We hope your summer was invigorating, because we have a lot of opportunities coming up for you. As part of our mission to make students aware of impact opportunities across campus, we welcome all U-M students to our fifth annual Business+Impact Showcase on Thurs, Sept. 8 from Noon – 2pm at Ross’s sixth floor Tauber Colloquium. Students will have a chance to meet with over 30 organizations and map out their U-M impact journeys. The event will also feature a “Mission & Mocktails Room,” a raffle, and lunchtime food.

SEE MORE

Nonprofit Board Fellowship Info Sessions and Application


Business+Impact’s Nonprofit Board Fellowship Program develops cross-sector leadership skills by placing graduate students as ex officio members on board in Southeast Michigan nonprofits.

The 2022-23 Student Application for the program is now available, along with student instructions, and is due Fri, Sept. 9 at noon.

You must attend an info session below in order to participate in the program for 2022-22:
BF Info Session #1
Thurs. Sept 1 @ Noon
Blau Colloquum, Blau Hall

BF Info Session #2
Wed. Sept 7 @ 4 pm
Room3240, Weill Hall

If you are unable to attend due to an academic or religious conflict, please email us to schedule an alternate time.

MORE INFO & APPLY

+Impact Studio Founders and Applebaum Impact Design Fellows Application


If you’re a current U-M student from any degree program who has a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration, we want you!  If you have a commitment to impact, and willingness to help take ideas from concept to prototype to scale, we want you!


The +Impact Studio Founders Program helps impact-driven creators and innovators bring impactful ideas to life that build a sustainable and just world for all! Using business knowledge, design tools, and research expertise, our experienced and interdisciplinary coaches and fellows roll up their sleeves and work alongside founders to accomplish great things.

Applebaum Impact Design Fellows are part of an interdisciplinary cohort working to support the +Impact Studio Founders Program & prototype studio concepts.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BOTH PROGRAMS

APPLY TO BE A FOUNDER

APPLY TO BE A FELLOW

Ross Event Highlights:

Zell Lurie Institute: Information Session
Tues, Aug. 30 @ 4:30 pm
Ross R0210

Ross Admissions: Sustainability at Ross
Wed, Sept. 7 @ 8:30 am ET
Online

Ross Admissions: MBA Tour – DEI
Wed, Sept. 7 @ 5 pm ET
Online

MBA2 Gordon Impact Scholarship Application Due in September

Application due:
Mon, Sept. 26 @ Noon

Are you an MBA2 committed to addressing complex social challenges? This year the Skip and Carrie Gordon Scholarship Fund will award four $7500 scholarships to MBA2s who demonstrate a dedication to impact. Applications are open now, and winners will be announced in late September.

J’Taime Lyons (MBA/MPP ’22), Nathan Alston (MBA ’22), and Elizabeth Wallace (MBA/MS ’22) were each chosen to receive Gordon Scholarships in 2021-22.

APPLY NOW

MBA Impact at Ross Happy Hour/Kickoff


Wed, Aug. 31 @ 5:30-7 pm
Casa Dominick’s
812 Monroe St., Ann Arbor

Business+Impact and Net Impact are excited to welcome all MBAs to a kickoff Happy Hour at Dominicks, celebrating the beginning of the academic year and renewing friendships while refreshing ourselves. New and returning MBAs interested in impact are invited to gather at this special event featuring sangria and pizza, co-sponsored by Business+Impact and Ross Net Impact.

Attendees will be limited.

RSVP TO ATTEND

 

+Impact Studio Summer Summary

The +Impact Studio is a proud partner of Detroit Neighborhood Entrepreneurs Project (DNEP) +Impact Studio for Local Business. This summer, undergraduate students developed pivotal solutions for Detroit businesses, and the program has been meeting in the +Impact Studio. Our final story from the program, “DNEP Thinks Ross’ +Impact Studio Space Is Amazing.” is written by Christie Baer, Assistant Director of UM’s Center on Finance, Law & Policy.

Our podcast series, Social Impact Design for Business, recently released an episode on crowd funding. We want to focus your attention on our recent interview with Donna Harris of Builders+Backers, on “New Venture Capital: Crowdfunding, Crowd Loans, and Crowd Grants.”



Impact News & Notes

Ryanair critics call European airline racist for ‘colonial’ flier test – featuring Andries Coetzee

University awarded $53M to expand Great Lakes research

Elizabeth Cole named NCID’s new director effective July 1

Donating ‘portion of the proceeds’ to a charity? Take a step back, expert says – featuring Aradhna Krishna, and Uday Rajan

Race and racism at U-M is Inclusive History Project’s initial focus

Q&A-Sherelle Hogan: Helping Detroit children with incarcerated parents thrive

U-M Faculty members receive Harold R. Johnson Diversity Service Awards

Detroit’s need to address pollution, heat waves and flooding

Detroit promised to end water shut-offs for low-income residents. Advocates say we’re not there yet.

U-M awarded $53M to expand federally funded Great Lakes research institute over next 5 years

Student groups spur progress toward U‑M sustainability

New approach reduces EV battery testing time by 75%

University-developed software that doubles 3D printing speeds hits the market

Is Prince George’s still the richest majority-Black county in America? – featuring Karyn Lacy

Scholarship support enabled LSA senior Julia Gray to study climate change in Iceland

U-M remains committed to DEI through transition period

Six University Diversity and Social Transformation Professors appointed

Arthur Lupia to lead Bold Challenges initiative as executive director

‘Clear and present danger’: Climate’s new normal – featuring Barry Rabe

U-M researchers partner with UP community to improve firearm safety, reduce injuries

Most evictions filed in Detroit during pandemic ‘not in compliance’ U-M group finds

Picture of Ross Impact Gateway website

A Searchable Platform for All Things Impact at Ross and Across Campus

The Business+Impact Gateway provides you with a single location for all things impact. Here you’ll find all of the activities, people and key partners working to use their learning to make a real impact in the world. 

IMPACT GATEWAY

At the University:

 

IMPACT INVESTING GROUP

Impact Investing Group Donations


Donate Now!

The Impact Investing Group at Michigan Ross serves business that face inequitable financing. IIG’s Microfinance Fund provides microloans to entrepreneurs in Detroit and Ann Arbor. Now you can donate to this fund and impact SE Michigan.

More Info

SCHOOL OF INFORMATION

Get Volunteer Support for Your Team

Apply Now

Have an information-based project you’re having trouble prioritizing? Your organization can get the help you need from the University of Michigan School of Information (UMSI). Organizations and units on the U-M campus are invited to host a student team who will provide high impact deliverables on your project. Interested? 

Apply here

SPECTRUM CENTER

Pride Outside 2022


Sun, Sept. 4 @ 2 – 4:30 pm
Palmer Field

Pride Outside is a yearly event that occurs during Welcome Week on Palmer Field with games, drag performances, student performances, food, and information about campus resources. It is an opportunity for incoming first-year students and transfer students to get to know the campus LGBTQ+ community and resources.

More Info

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTION SUPPORT TEAM

PHAST Info Session


Wed, Sept 7 @ 5:30 pm
1655 SPH 1 Building

Established in 2005, the Public Health Action Support Team (PHAST) deploys graduate students to health organizations and non-profit organizations throughout Michigan, nationally, and globally in order to assist with various public health projects. Interested in learning more about PHAST or have questions about the application process? Then this is for you!

Register Now

SCHOOL FOR ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY

SEAS/PitE Fall Welcome


Fri, Sept. 9 @ Noon
Ingalls Mall North

All students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to attend this community kick-off to the fall semester. Join the SEAS/PitE community and welcome both old and new faces to the start of the school year. Socialize, have fun and enjoy a bite to eat.

More Info

LSA

Diversity 101


Tues, Sept. 13 @ 10 am – Noon
Room 2001, LSA Building

In order to have meaningful, productive conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion, we must start with a common language. This session will provide an introduction to key terminology as well as the categories and labels we use to describe others and ourselves. We will also examine how our identities shape the way we enter the world and our interactions with each other.

Register Now

GINSBERG CENTER

Entering, Engaging, and Exiting Communities


Wed, Sept. 14 @ Noon – 1:30 pm
Online

Thurs, Sept 22 @ 4:30 – 6 pm
Online

All students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to attend this community kick-off to the fall semester. Join the SEAS/PitE community and welcome both old and new faces to the start of the school year. Socialize, have fun and enjoy a bite to eat.

Register for 9/14    Register for 9/22

In the Impact Community:

 

2022 Workplace Mental Health Conference


Wed, Aug. 17 @ 1 – 5:30 pm ET
Online

This 3rd annual University of Michigan event will bring together key stakeholders to discuss strategies to improve employee mental health. Topics will include retention of young employees, case studies, special presentations on code-switching and novel programs to support mental health, and an interactive session on resilience at work.

More Info

Crain’s New World of Work Certificate Program


Register by Thurs, Aug. 18
8 week program begins Thurs, Sept. 29
Online

The flexible work arrangements and advanced technologies introduced over the past two years have changed the workplace as we know it.  At the same time, conversations about diversity and inclusion in the workplace have put an emphasis on leading from a position of empathy — and from a posture of equity.  Mid-level managers and leaders across all industries will benefit from this program, facilitated by Wayne State University.

Registration info

Paragon One Nonprofit Consulting Remote Externship


Apply by Mon, Aug. 29

In this externship program, students will learn strategic consulting skills to analyze and evaluate challenges from nonprofit organizations using consulting frameworks, in an overall effort to help them solve their important problems. Selected individuals will dive into their strategic problems, such as development, impact assessment, process improvements, talent engagement, communication, and strategic positioning.

Application info


University of Michigan
Stephen M. Ross School of Business
700 E. University St., K3510 West
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1234
Phone  734.763.4214
Email  businessimpact@umich.edu

 

© 2021 Regents of the University of Michigan