Introduction to Opportunities in Impact Investing
How can finance be used to address persistent social, environmental and economic challenges? We will be hosting several workshops this fall to learn more about careers and opportunities in impact investing. We will be joined by industry experts based in Seattle to gain exposure to this growing community and opportunities for students to participate.
The first session will work on a common understanding of impact investing and the types of roles that exist across disciplines and career paths. A panel of practitioners will share how they entered the field, what the work looks like and what they wish they had known earlier.
The session is open to all UW students interested in learning more about opportunities in impact investing.
Panelists:
Melanie Audette, Senior Vice President, Mission Investors Exchange
Melanie Audette is Senior Vice President of Member Experience and Partnerships at Mission Investors Exchange, where she works with investors and partners to advance innovative impact investing opportunities. A former U.S. Foreign Service officer with extensive nonprofit and foundation experience, Melanie brings a broad perspective on using capital to create social impact.
Teresa Wells, Managing Director, AltiGlobal
Teresa Wells is Managing Director and Co-Head of U.S. Client Advisory and Impact Strategy at AlTi, with more than 25 years of experience in wealth management and investment strategy. She specializes in impact investing, gender equality, and inclusive finance, and is a frequent speaker and thought leader in these areas.
Dion Cook, CEO & Founder, Denkyem Coop
Dion Cook is Co-Founder and CEO of Denkyem Co-op, a Washington-based CDFI advancing community finance and economic development. Since 2018, he has grown Denkyem’s portfolio from $60K to $5M, using blended capital to support Black entrepreneurship and build long-term economic resilience in the region.
Moderated by Anna Smukowski, Managing Director, Enterprise Community Loan Fund
Anna Smukowski is Managing Director of Business Development and Impact Investing at Enterprise Community Loan Fund, where she leads work across impact investing, capital raising, and innovative financing. Previously at Local Initiatives Support Corporation, she helped develop major impact and ESG-focused investment initiatives, bringing deep experience in structuring capital for community and economic development.
Interested in attending the other Impact Investing sessions? Click here for the full schedule.
Questions? Email:yukooaku@uw.edu