OCS Conference Funding Submission

Event Photo:

Diana Sierra of Be Girl Inc. sharing insights on revolutionizing menstrual health for women and girls globally, aligning with multiple SDGs through eco-friendly products and impactful education.

Presentation by Cherryrock Capital, highlighting their mission to empower Black and Latine-led high-growth startups through Series A and B investments, emphasizing diversity and inclusion in venture capital.

Panel discussion at SOCAP24 on "Going Deeper: Catalyzing Systems Change," exploring innovative strategies to address structural and systemic challenges for sustainable social impact.

Name: Allison Shao

Degree Program: MPA IN PUBLIC & NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT & POLICY

Specialization: PNP-Social Impact, Innovation & Investment

Conference Host Organization/Institution: Sorenson Impact Institute

Conference/Competition Name: SOCAP24

Conference Term: Fall Conference Start Date: 2024-10-28 Conference End Date: 2024-10-30

What were your takeaways from this conference/case competition?
Attending SOCAP24 was a transformative experience that deepened my understanding of driving systems change through social impact, innovation and investment. The conference emphasized the need to address structural and systemic issues to achieve lasting social impact. Exchanges with global leaders provided valuable insights into innovative approaches to challenges such as climate resilience and economic inclusion. Networking opportunities fostered connections with professionals working to advance social innovation and reinforced the critical role of partnerships in achieving systemic change. Overall, SOCAP24 provided me with actionable knowledge to recommit myself to leveraging social impact, innovation and investment to create equitable and sustainable solutions.

How will your participation in this conference/case competition support your professional development?
Attending SOCAP24 will allow me to explore and refine my professional interests by attending various sessions on social impact, innovation and investment. These discussions help me identify the areas I am most passionate about, such as equitable climate resilience and gender equality. In addition, the conference provides invaluable opportunities to build my network by connecting with other attendees, including social enterprise founders and industry leaders. Engaging in these conversations will provide insights into the industry trends and how to successfully land my career.

What are some next steps or action items this conference/case competition inspired?
First, I plan to actively explore job opportunities that align with the interests and insights I identified during the conference, particularly in areas like impact investing and social innovation. Second, I aim to attend more industry conferences and events in New York City to deepen my understanding of emerging trends and gain practical knowledge from industry leaders. Lastly, I intend to maintain and nurture the connections I established at SOCAP24, leveraging them to broaden my network and discover potential collaborations that can support my career goals in creating social impact.

What are some tips or best practices that you would like to share with other Wagner students who attend a conference/case competition?
Networking is key to finding job opportunities, especially those not publicly advertised. Engage with attendees by sharing your skills and experiences relevant to their industry. Tailor your highlights to align with the needs and trends of their field, demonstrating your value and expertise. Understanding industry trends is equally important. Being well-informed positions you as a credible and knowledgeable candidate during conversations and interviews. For those interested in impact investing or related fields, practicing how to write an investment memo can be invaluable. This skill prepares you for interviews and demonstrates your ability to analyze and communicate complex ideas.

Wagner Areas of Impact: Cities, Education, Finance, Government, Health, Housing, Inequality, Race, and Poverty, International Development, Leadership, Nonprofits, Social Innovation, Transportation