+Impact Studio Fellow & Founder Friday Feature: Closing the inequity gap in Entrepreneurship, Tech, and Venture Capital

READ FULL POST IN MEDIUM

Podcast: Investing Directly into Climate Solutions

 

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

By Katie Moore (BA ’25) and Loren Townes Jr.

Undoubtedly the +Impact Studio made incredible strides in 2022. From reviving its physical community space and impact design lab following COVID-19 to launching its largest and most diversified cohort of founders & Applebaum Impact Design Fellows to date and propelling financial equity & climate action ventures to success, the Studio continues to surpass all expectations. 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 FULL ARTICLE ON MEDIUM

MBC Workshop: Defining Your Problem

Open to all students interested in Michigan Business Challenge.  As part of the Michigan Business Challenge – Seigle Impact Track program for 2022-23, students will have a chance to learn more about Problem Definition and Root Cause as they plan their enterprises and compete in the challenge. Students will have an opportunity to dig into the challenge their venture addresses, including defining the stakeholders and diving deeper into their “why”. 

This session will be taught by Professor Sue Ann Savas and is open to students outside of the Michigan Business Challenge too.

Please RSVP Here

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

 

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

Designing for Wellbeing: Student Innovators Use U-M Research to Enhance Mental Health on College Campuses

During the Winter 2021 semester, students in the +Impact Studio Course “Translating Research to Impact” (BA670) at Michigan Ross interviewed local small business owners, finding a strong theme of mental health and well-being challenges in their community. One student team engaged U-M faculty members Dr. Ethan Kross and Dr. Sue Ashford to learn about their research and home in on a solution — journaling emerged as a powerful, research-based tool for enhancing well-being and performance as a leader.

In the summer of 2021, Applebaum Impact Design Fellow Jess Halter, MBA/MS ’23, was brought on to lead further development, prototyping, and testing of the journal concept, and Venture Field Guide was born. Venture Field Guide is a journal aimed at fostering greater well-being, clarity, and intentionality in both the personal and professional lives of entrepreneurs and small business owners. Currently it is focusing on supporting student entrepreneurs.

Read full post on the +Impact Studio Medium page

Opening the Space: Guiding Youth Athletes

“The bad news is that I think a lot more people have it than what meets the eye. I think it’s easy to put on a poker face. … I remember hearing a stat at the combine that 40–50% of people in the NFL have some sort of condition. [The game] can do a lot of things for you but a lot of times it can be detrimental.”

Read full story on the +Impact Studio Medium site

February 2022 Newsletter

Kyla Carlsen, Co.act Detroit; Kelly Maxwell, DDNRC; Courtney Smith, Detroit Phoenix Center; and Kevin Thompson, Good Inc.

B+I Public Panel Event Feb. 18 – Stronger Together: How Nonprofits Can Collaborate

Board Fellows Forum
Fri, Feb. 18 @ 10 -11:30 am ET
Virtual Event – Open to the Public

Each year, the Ross School’s Business+Impact Initiative places a cohort of Nonprofit Board Fellows to serve as non-voting members on boards across Southeast Michigan. The Ross community prides itself on using business to create a more equitable and just society, and for over 20 years this program has served as an action-based opportunity for graduate students to become involved in, and contribute to, local communities and causes. The program hosts an annual panel discussion with representatives from local nonprofit organizations. This event is open to the public and we invite you to join us!  This year, the theme of the forum is “Stronger Together: How Nonprofits Can Collaborate.” We believe that collaboration between nonprofits will only become more instrumental in combating injustices across America. Join us for a panel discussion featuring four local nonprofit experts: Kyla Carlsen, Co.act Detroit; Kelly Maxwell, DDNRC; Courtney Smith, Detroit Phoenix Center; and Kevin Thompson, Good Inc.

REGISTER HERE


Dimitri Alejo Giraldo poses side by side with Jason Gordon, internship funder

Impact Internship Funding – Round One Application

Application Due:
Tues, Mar. 1 @ Noon ET

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.
 
There are two deadlines to apply: Tues, Mar. 1 by Noon ET and Friday, April 15 by Noon ET. Award decisions will be made in two rounds after each of these dates and they are 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


FROM THE IMPACT STUDIO:

Ariel Cruz (MBA ‘22), Pablo Hernandez (MBA ‘21), Joi James (MBA ‘23), Loren Townes Jr.

The +Impact Studio Welcomes New Ventures and Mentors

The Michigan Ross +Impact Studio is excited to be growing! The Impact Studio Founders Program is a community where impact-driven student innovators can nurture and launch their early-stage ideas to make significant, positive change in the world. This Winter 2022 semester, the studio is welcoming three new founders, as well as an +Impact Studio Program Manager to help lead the studio and support its growth.

READ MORE


Young woman writing in a journal

Designing for Wellbeing: Student Innovators Use U-M Research to Enhance Mental Health on College Campuses

In Winter 2021, students in the +Impact Studio course BA670 interviewed local small business owners, finding a strong theme of mental health and well-being challenges in their community. Students engaged U-M faculty members Dr. Ethan Kross and Dr. Sue Ashford about their research, and what emerged was a prototype for a research-based journal that puts Kross and Ashford’s research into practice to enhance well-being. Applebaum Impact Design Fellows have developed the prototype over the last year and are partnering with OptiMize this semester to test it with student innovators.

READ MORE

Ross Event Highlights:

Professor Andy Hoffman smiling

CPO: Andy Hoffman: Management as a Calling
Thur, Feb. 17, 4-5 pm ET
Online

Asia Business Conference logo, showing words and a geometric symbol.

Ross: Asia Business Conference
Feb. 11-12, 18-19
Online

Picture of Ross Impact Gateway websiteA 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

Cover of Innovation in Impact Report with diverse group of 4 students showing a Michigan Ross flag

Read the B+I Innovation in Impact Report

Recently released by Business+Impact, the Innovation in Impact Report notes all the ways the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan has recently innovated for positive societal impact and sustainability through research, education, and outreach.

READ THE REPORT


Hattie McKinney, BA ’16, JD ’22, founder of Great Quality Developments

Great Quality Developments Wins the 2021 Michigan Business Challenge — Seigle Impact Track

We’re excited to share that the winner of the 2022 Michigan Business Challenge – Seigle Impact Track is Great Quality Developments ( Hattie McKinney, BA ’16, JD ’22). The venture won the finals on Fri, Feb. 11. Great Quality Developments is a community focused, mixed-use development company that specializes in integrative developments that increase affordable housing, homeownership, and community resources in Detroit, MI. Clear Computing won second prize in the Seigle Impact Track. This competition, co-sponsored by the Zell Lurie Institute and Business+Impact, began in November with 40 teams. The Round 1 video pitch took place in mid-November, while the Round 2 video pitch took place a month later, and the eight semi-finalists pitched on Fri, Jan. 21.

READ MORE FINALS RESULTS


Diverse group of eight Ross faculty and students who received diversity awards last year, standing in front of Ross.

Ross DEI Research Awards Program

Applications Due
Mon, Feb. 28

Carolyn Yoon, Associate Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, is please to announce that the Business +Impact initiative at Ross, in collaboration with the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee and the Dean’s office, will hold the second annual research awards to celebrate and honor research related to diversity, equity and inclusion conducted at the Ross School of Business. Applications are now open until February 28. Please send your submissions to eogreen@umich.edu.

MORE INFO

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE SPOTLIGHT

Ariel Olaiz (Ross '07), co-founder of ePesos, wearing an ePesos shirt

ePesos: Fostering Economic Inclusion in Mexico

Last year Business+Impact introduced a new series on U-M alumni who have created social enterprises and continue the work of entrepreneurship after graduation. Previous Social Enterprise Spotlights included Thawra and FoodFinder; now we focus our spotlight on ePesos, a tech platform expanding economic inclusion to the population least affiliated with the banking system in Mexico.

Ariel Olaiz, BBA ’07, has come full circle — from studying business at the base of the pyramid at the Ross School of Business to fostering economic inclusion in Mexico. Olaiz says his U-M education comes into play every day in his role as co-founder and chief financial officer at ePesos. We caught up with Ariel to learn more about his experience running a company in the FinTech space.

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At the University:

MESA

Black History Month

Black History Month poster for U-M, featuring smiling black people in cartoon formatMulti-Ethnic Student Affairs affirms and celebrates  the lives, success, struggles and beauty of the Black and Afro-descended peoples from around the globe.  The theme for this year’s Black History Month is: Black Joy.  Below are some highlights:


U-M SUSTAINABLE FOOD PROGRAM

Seeking Sustainable Food Leaders

Apply by
Wed, Feb. 16

UMSFP logo, with hands planting a seedling.

UM Sustainable Food System (UMSFP) is a student-led organization that coordinates, connects, and supports U-M students that are developing innovative solutions to food system problems. SFP is seeking a group of 14 students that collectively manage all of UMSFP’s programs and operations. LT members work 5-12 hours per week managing one program, supporting the organization’s collective goals, and participating in weekly meetings. The ideal candidate is a creative, food-loving self-starter who is committed to social justice and collaboration. Pay starts at $15/hour.

Learn More and Apply


LSA

A Conversation on Academic Freedom and Responsibility in a More Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Campus Community


Tues, Feb. 22 @ 4 – 5:30 pm ET
Virtual Event

Poster showing diverse group of speakers in Academic Freedom presentation.Faculty have the benefit of academic freedom that encourages a search for deeper knowledge and understanding, and the academic responsibility to ensure that complex content is presented through inclusive pedagogy that promotes positive learning environments. This community conversation will further explore the principles and practices of academic responsibility and academic freedom, and how these are effectively exercised in a  diverse, inclusive and equitable campus community.

More Info & Registration


SEAS

20th Peter M. Wege Lecture: Expanding the Base for Climate Action and Social Justice

Wed, Feb 23 @ Noon
Online Event

Poster for Wege Lecture, showing Dr. Ayana Elizabeth JohnsonJoin an engaging conversation about climate action and social justice with Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson. A marine biologist, policy expert, writer, and Brooklyn native, Johnson is the co-founder of Urban Ocean Lab, a think tank for costal cities, as well as co-creator of the Spotify/Gimlet podcast, ‘How to Save a Planet,’ which focuses on climate solutions. The event will be moderated by SEAS assistant professor Sara Hughes and will include a live Q&A with students.

Info & Registration


OFFICE OF HEALTH EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Cultural Humility Workshop


Thurs, Feb. 24 @ 10:30 – 11:30 am ET
Virtual Event

Picture showing fingers changing letter cubes from "Humanity" to "Humility"In this one-hour workshop, facilitated by OHEI’s Michael Herrington, cultural humility is defined, and behaviors and practices that foster better relationships are explored. Through self-reflection and dialogue, participants will examine how our respective cultures and identities influence our interactions with others and how to better navigate cultural interactions and relationships. Open to all in the U-M community.

More Info


CEW+

40th Annual Women of Color Task Force Career Conference

Fri, Mar. 4
Online

Diverse group of women watching a presenter, with Women of Color Task Force Career Conference logo in front of them.Save the date for the 40th anniversary Women of Color Task Force (WCTF) career conference on Friday, March 4, 2022!! This historic event will be a virtual 1-day conference featuring a keynote fireside chat with Tamika D. Mallory, one of the organizers of the 2017 Women’s March on Washington and co-president of The Women’s March, Inc. Ms. Mallory will be discussing the conference theme: “The Time is Now!” 

See Sessions & Register

Also, the Center for the Education of Women (CEW+) has opened applications for four fellowships covering bold advocacy, study abroad, women’s research, and women’s health. Applications are due at 11:59 pm, Mon, Feb. 21.

Find out more and apply


LSA

Engelhardt Social Justice Fellowship

Apply by
Fri, Mar 11

Cartoon drawing of a city, showing streets and buildings.The Engelhardt Social Justice Fellowship (ESJF) offers an opportunity for students and non-profit organizations to propose a mutually beneficial summer project. Students whose projects are selected will be paid $5,000 for ~300 hours of work with the sponsoring organization. Interns and organizations create their own work schedule, but the required hours must be completed by August 31, 2022. Fellowship recipients must be available from Monday, May 9th, 2022 through Friday, July 8th, 2022.

Apply here


DESAI ACCELERATOR

Desai Summer Interns Sought

Apply by
Sun, Mar. 13

Diverse group of 10 students with "Paid Startup Internships" as a border above the photo.Desai is hiring software development, design, business development and generalist interns who will help portfolio companies with business development, financial modeling, product QA/testing, customer development/support, user acquisition, user experience, design, marketing and market research. Students who thrive in a fast-paced environment and are currently enrolled in the University of Michigan are welcome to apply. Interns will work virtually, full-time and should have a strong interest in 1) technology and startups, 2) great execution, organizational and communication skills 3) desire to learn more about startups and entrepreneurship and 4) the ability to work individually and as part of a team.

More Info


SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

Learning Levers

Proposals Due
Mar. 13, 2022

James A. Kelly Learning Levers logo in maize and blue.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


STUDENT LIFE

Dinners for Democracy

Dinners Mar. 9, 10, 15, 23, 24

Poster for Dinner for Democracy on Gender and Climate, with a globe at the top.Dinners for Democracy are nonpartisan presentations and small group discussions on topics students care about. Participants can expect to gain:
– A deeper knowledge of the issue and an opportunity to discuss your thoughts
– Information about how your vote in local offices can affect the issue
– Additional resources you can use to learn more
– Free food! Virtual attendees receive a $15 gift card as a thank you for participating. You’ll have an opportunity to select from a list of restaurants/stores at the end of the event. You are welcome to participate in as many dinners as you like, though gift cards are limited to one per student per topic.

More Info

 


In the Impact Community:

 

Detroit Financial Well-Being Innovation Challenge

Apply Now

Logo for United Way's Detroit Financial Well-being Innovation Challenge, in blueThe Detroit Financial Well-being Innovation Challenge is committed to gathering and acting on feedback from community residents who have first-hand experience with the financial difficulties the Challenge is trying to address. Here are a few ways you can participate in the Detroit Financial Well-being Innovation Challenge as an individual.

Learn more


Apply for the SafeHouse Center

Winter 2022 Training
February 17-20

Applications open
Mon, Feb. 21

Blue save-the-date image for SafeHouse Training dates.SafeHouse Center provides support for those impacted by domestic violence or sexual assault. SafeHouse provides free and confidential services for any person victimized that lives or works in Washtenaw County. At this time our next training will be May 19-22 for the Shelter & Helpline Program. Applications will open on February 21 for May’s training. 

Application link


Detroit’s Green Task Force

Attend and Get involved

Detroit's Green Task Force logo.The Green Task Force advises Detroit City Council on sustainable principles and practices to better serve the City of Detroit. Focused on moving the needle in all areas of sustainability, the Task Force has focus groups to build comprehensive progress.

Attend and Get Involved


Public Allies

Apply Now

Logo for Public Allies of Metro Detroit, showing a cartoon hand print in African style.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




Some images in this newsletter are Pre-COVID.