Impact Investing for the Curious
Date: Wednesday March 4 (1:00 pm - 3:00 PM ET)
Presenters:
Joanne Norris (Independent Consultant)
Michelle de Cordova (Principal, de Cordova Consulting)
Price: $200/participant. A payment link will be sent to you after you click the "Request to Join" button.
Max participants: 15
Curious about impact investing, but unsure where to start?
Many investors are curious about impact investing, but unsure what it involves, whether it is realistic for their portfolio, and how to get started. This introductory session, illustrated with real-life examples, aims to help you take the first step toward investing more impactfully.
Who is this session for?
Anyone curious about impact investing or looking for a refresher on the basics – no prior experience of responsible investment or impact investing is required.
Relevant for staff, executive leaders, board members, trustees and investment committee members of asset owners (e.g., foundations, endowments, pensions, family offices, faith communities - including those with externally-managed portfolios), as well as for individual investors seeking to create real-world sustainability impact through their investments.
What will you learn?
What impact investing is, and how does it fit in the responsible investment spectrum
How impact investing relates to financial return objectives and fiduciary duty
How impact investing works in an external investment management context
How impact investing can help align investment portfolios with organizational sustainability commitments (e.g., climate action, Indigenous economic reconciliation)
How to get started: practical first steps for developing an impact investing strategy
By the end of the session, participants will have a high-level and practical understanding of impact investing and be able to initiate a conversation within their organization about developing or strengthening an impact investing strategy.
Pricing includes an optional follow-up 1-hour live online group study session with the presenters to discuss the practical application of what you have learned.
Presenters:
Michelle de Cordova has over 25 years’ experience in sustainability, including over 15 years in responsible investment. As Principal at de Cordova Consulting Inc., she helps investors develop effective responsible investment approaches and companies develop sustainability strategies that focus on impact and value and respond to capital markets expectations. Previously, she was Principal at boutique consulting firm ESG Global Advisors, Director of Corporate Engagement and Public Policy at pioneer responsible investor NEI Investments, a staff member and consultant to international environment and social development NGOs, and a diplomat. She sits on the Investment Committees for the United Church of Canada Foundation and Treasury Fund and is a 2020 Clean50 Honouree for leadership in sustainable finance.
Joanne Norris brings more than 20 years of professional experience globally and across Canada. Joanne has held several leadership roles in the social finance/impact investing sector and consults with venture founders, investors, foundations, intermediaries and other impact-driven organizations. Having worked with a variety of nonprofit, government and corporate partners, Joanne has a broad understanding of how local community sectors operate to serve vulnerable populations in different regional geographies. Joanne is current President of Deer Crossing the Art Farm, a non profit, community-based arts organization, Board Director at Social Venture Partners Vancouver and past founding Board Director at Demonstrating Value Resource Society and Social Value Canada. Joanne is also a member of Canadian Forum for Impact Investing and Development.