The Intentional Endowments Network will honor Dr. Tony Cortese at its 10th-anniversary gala and introduce the Anthony Cortese Fellowship Fund.
As the Intentional Endowments Network (IEN) celebrates its 10th anniversary, we invite the sustainable and impact investing community to honor the extraordinary career of Dr. Tony Cortese, a trailblazer in sustainability and impact investing. Over 40 years, Dr. Cortese has reshaped public policy, transformed higher education, and pioneered sustainable investing. His impact has inspired institutions worldwide to align their investments with a sustainable, responsible future.
In 1993, Dr. Cortese co-founded Second Nature with U.S. Senator John Kerry and Teresa Heinz Kerry, launching a movement to integrate sustainability into higher education. His leadership helped establish the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) and the President’s Climate Leadership Commitment. Through these initiatives, he led institutions to adopt climate-forward policies that align with global sustainability goals.
In 2014, Dr. Cortese and Georges Dyer co-founded the Intentional Endowments Network (IEN), providing endowed institutions with the tools to align their endowments with sustainable practices. His leadership and forward-thinking approach have transformed the field of sustainable finance, guiding universities and endowments to invest in a future that values environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
The Anthony Cortese Fellowship Fund: Investing in the Future of Sustainable Finance
As we honor Dr. Cortese’s retirement, we are excited to announce the launch of the Anthony Cortese Fellowship Fund, which preserves his legacy of mentorship and leadership in sustainability. Dr. Cortese has dedicated his career to mentoring young professionals, helping countless individuals make meaningful contributions to the sustainability movement.
The Fellowship Fund will support 4-6 fellows annually, including students and early-to-mid-career professionals from underrepresented backgrounds in finance. These fellows will gain hands-on experience in sustainable investing and build the networks and skills they need to become future leaders in the industry.
To launch this effort in 2024, IEN aims to raise $150,000 to fund the selection, onboarding, and education of the fellows. Contributions to the Anthony Cortese Fellowship Fund will help IEN build a more diverse and forward-thinking community of finance professionals, ensuring the sustainability movement thrives for years to come.
Call to Action: Support the Anthony Cortese Fellowship Fund and RSVP for IEN’s 10th Anniversary Gala.
We encourage impact-investing community and our partners to contribute to the Anthony Cortese Fellowship Fund and join us in celebrating Dr. Cortese’s legacy. By supporting this fund, we invest in the future leaders of sustainable finance and advance the transition toward a more equitable, low-carbon economy.
In addition, join us to celebrate in person IEN’s 10th Anniversary Gala on November 14, 2024, at the Museum of Science in Boston. This special evening will honor Dr. Cortese’s visionary leadership and his lasting impact on sustainability, higher education, and impact investing.
RSVP today to secure your place at this milestone event and show your support for the next generation of sustainable finance leaders.
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Hear from Past Fellows on Their IEN Experience
"The fellowship provided me with the tools, language, and understanding I needed to enter the responsible investing space. I also received invaluable mentorship and opportunities to network with IEN members." – Julia Cedarholm, 2020 IEN Fellow(Anthony Fellowship Fund…)
"The internship taught me about ESG investing and sustainability in higher education. I learned that my career focus would remain on ESG investing, which continues to drive my professional goals." – Meghan Ahern, 2019 IEN Fellow(Anthony Fellowship Fund…)
By supporting the Anthony Cortese Fellowship Fund, you help build a diverse and dynamic community of leaders dedicated to advancing sustainable and impact investing. Join us in shaping a more just, equitable, and sustainable future.
Dr. Cortese's Bio Video