Experiential / Reality-based Learning / March 12, 2014

Smith Hosts 6th Annual Social Enterprise Symposium

What could be accomplished if anything was possible, and we used our unique talents to forge fearlessly forward – without ever holding back?

This was the idea behind each of the sessions at the 6th Annual Social Enterprise Symposium that took place on March 7, 2014 in the Stamp Student Union. Sponsored by the Center for Social Value Creation (CSVC) at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, this year’s theme was: “Don’t hold back.”

“We are change makers. We are dreamers. And, most importantly, we are doers,” Executive Director of CSVC Melissa Carrier said to the 800 people in attendance of the symposium. “We are a part of the UMD community that is dedicated to making a difference in the world.”

The event kicked off with a morning keynote from Lisa Neuberger-Fernandez, director of Corporate Citizenship Programs at Accenture. She spoke about growing a career to make it into what you want it to be.

“My experience tells me that we all have the ability to choose our own adventure in our careers,” she told the audience. To do so, she advised, don’t be afraid to ask for things that are really important to you. She also stressed the importance of finding your own “North Star. Understand what is most important to you and let that be your star as you navigate the path of your career.”

The morning keynote was followed by a morning buzz, a sustainable campus tour and several break out sessions ranging in topic from creating social value inside industry, investing for impact and creating impact at UMD.

After the breakout sessions ended, the afternoon keynote, Jenna Fournel, director of teaching and learning from the Center of Inspired Teaching, took the stage.

She asked the audience who among them wanted to be teachers, then who among them wanted to be teachers. Then she explained that you cannot be one without the other.

“Making change means changing minds, and changing minds requires teaching, she said”

The day ended with the Do Good Ventures Showcase, during which five ventures from the University of Maryland's Do Good Challenge talked about their ventures and the impact they have had thus far in the challenge in fun and interactive ways. The audience participated in the showcase by texting votes to fast track their favorite venture to the Do Good Challenge Semi-Finals.

Showcase participants included:

  • Terps Against Hunger
  • Community Pipeline
  • MADE Microfinace
  • Glow for the Girls
  • JustLikeYou.org

The Center for Social Value Creation at the Robert H. Smith School of Business aims to create a better world through business principles. CSVC offers hands-on learning opportunities, supports ground-breaking research, and collaborates across sectors to help prepare the next generation of leaders. The goal of the center is to infuse students with the ability to apply business principles in creative and entrepreneurial ways that co-create economic prosperity and social and environmental well-being.

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About the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business

The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. One of 12 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and flex MBA, executive MBA, online MBA, business master’s, PhD and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs in learning locations in North America and Asia.

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