Nonprofit Board Member, Impact Investor, Social Change Advocate
Saint Paul, Minnesota

Why did you open a Venn Account?
I believe we need new ideas for supporting change and problem solving.  The world of impact investing holds much promise, but it is just emerging and needs new tools and models to reach its potential.  Venn Foundation offers one such model.  Program-Related Investments (PRIs) are powerful but nuanced, and I like that Venn is focused on them.  The Venn Account offers me an easy way to support PRIs, when I wouldn’t normally make PRIs directly. 

What is one Venn PRI you are proud to have supported?
The first PRI I helped capitalize through my Venn Account was to Asiya.  Asiya creates athletic clothing that enables Muslim girls and women to be physically active and participate in sports.  Studies show that girls participating in sports can develop self-confidence and leadership skills that are basic to future success in many areas of life.  The potential social impact is the primary reason why I chose to support this PRI, but if it works out as hoped, I can also redeploy my money and any gains into a new charitable project.