Social Enterprise Alumni Association Launched

Social Enterprise Newsletter, Winter 2003

When the HBS Social Enterprise Alumni Association (SEAA) was launched last spring, the interest among alumni was immediately apparent. Within weeks, over 500 graduates had joined the association, which was created to help alumni more fully engage in and strengthen the social sector, both personally and professionally, at all stages of life.

"The response from alumni has been extremely exciting," says SEAA copresident Stephanie Lowell (MBA '99). "Our members are actively involved in the sector and are particularly interested in engaging with one another and in benefiting from the growing base of social enterprise knowledge at HBS."

The SEAA network is particularly important to members such as Elizabeth Croll (MBA '97) who are exploring nonprofit career opportunities. Says Croll, "The unconditional willingness of HBS contacts to help, as well as their ability to speak the same language regarding organizations and potential opportunities, makes this a valuable and refreshing alumni resource. I look forward to leveraging the knowledge and experience of fellow SEAA members as I continue my job search."

Members Gather for First SEAA Conference

The diverse group of alumni in the SEAA share a common desire to connect with each other and with HBS. Approximately 70 members attended the SEAA's first annual conference at HBS in April, for a chance to share experiences and build on their knowledge of the sector. Alumni relived their classroom experience with a lively case discussion led by Assistant Professor Jane Wei-Skillern on the creation of The September 11th Fund. Panel discussions and presentations featuring HBS faculty and alumni focused on social enterprise careers, nonprofit governance, performance-driven philanthropy, and cross-sector collaboration.

A large part of the day was dedicated to small-group and plenary sessions, for suggestions and feedback on future activities of the SEAA. Input from these sessions has already helped in the start-up of new initiatives, including global volunteer consulting projects and helping members become more effective nonprofit board members.

"I've long felt that HBS has much to learn and to offer in social enterprise," says SEAA conference participant Jerry Brashear (MBA '69). "It was so gratifying to return to the School and see the high level of interest among alumni, faculty, and current students alike, and also the range and variety of their responses to these important issues."

Social Enterprise Alumni Association Statistics:

• Over 600 members
• Alumni from 39 U.S. states, 27 countries, and 6 continents
• Graduates of every class from 1950 to 2002
• Two-thirds of the members either work full-time in social enterprise or plan to make a transition to a nonprofit or public-sector career at some point in their lives. (Survey of members by The Bridgespan Group.)
• Another third expressed primary interest in how to effectively engage with social enterprises in other capacities such as volunteerism or philanthropy. (Survey of members by The Bridgespan Group.)