OCS Conference Funding Submission

Event Photo:

Rooftop Happy Hour with NYU Student, Faculty + Alumni

Andrew, Ivan + Devashish (Current NYU Wagner Students)

Name: Andrew Garrett

Degree Program: MPA IN PUBLIC & NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT & POLICY

Specialization: PNP-Social Impact, Innovation & Investment

Conference Host Organization/Institution: SOCAP (Social Capital Markets) + Sorenson Impact Institute

Conference/Competition Name: SOCAP23

Conference Term: Fall Conference Start Date: 2023-10-23 Conference End Date: 2023-10-25

What were your takeaways from this conference/case competition?
Though it’s uncertain how we can equitably share the cost of impact measurement and management, the organizations leading the way give me hope that our impact will empower the end-user while being transparent, accurate, and actionable. My hat is off to all of the social entrepreneurs tackling our greatest challenges. Without their innovation, leadership, and courage we have no impact or enterprises in which to invest. I learned that unrestricted trust-based philanthropy is one tool we can use to more justly allocate funds. What we are currently doing is not enough. Beyond philanthropy, we need greater investments in BIPOC communities.

How will your participation in this conference/case competition support your professional development?
Participating in SOCAP has affirmed that I want to work in belonging at the intersection of culture, convening, and consulting. Although I enjoyed SOCAP overall, I found myself my connect to the community aspects of the conference - the networking, the meals, the creativity. Attending SOCAP confirmed that I do not want to go into finance and social impact investing. Although I see the value in this work, my skill and passion is people. I would love to help organize and run an event like SOCAP, the Unites States Conference of Mayors, NIVA's Conference, or the Aspen Ideas Festival.

What are some next steps or action items this conference/case competition inspired?
After SOCAP I have begun to follow up with individuals and organizations with whom I resonated - IDEO.org, Tideline Consulting, Ubumuntu Arts Festival, 92nd Street Y, Epic Journey, Story & Spirit, and more. My next step is to both deepen and widen my network at these organizations and the others to which I am considering applying for full-time work. Following this step and concurrently, I will begin applying to full-time jobs. Lastly, I am bringing knowledge from the conference back to NYU and telling my classmates and professors what I learned.

What are some tips or best practices that you would like to share with other Wagner students who attend a conference/case competition?
There are so many options at conferences. It is important to have a game plan. Although attending plenary and breakout sessions is important, panels and speeches are often boiler plate. You will likely benefit equally, if not more so, from scheduling one-on-one meeting will fellow attendees through the conference app/portal. Additionally, seek out networking events and happy hours. There is a ton of unscheduled programming at every conference. Look up a few organizations and individuals before the conference, meet with them early in the conference schedule, and see where the connections lead. Be flexible and be sure to rest.

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