Sorelle Ngatchou

  • Eight Historically Black Institutions Join the Intentional Endowments Network Membership

    Atlanta University Center Consortium, Dillard University, Florida Memorial University, Howard University, Johnson C Smith University, Lincoln UniversityTalladega College and UNCF to engage and learn alongside peer institutions to further sustainable investing and champion justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in finance.

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  • Eight Historically Black Institutions Join the Intentional Endowments Network Membership

    Atlanta University Center Consortium, Dillard University, Florida Memorial University, Howard University, Johnson C Smith University, Lincoln University, Talladega College and UNCF to engage and learn alongside peer institutions to further sustainable investing and champion justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in finance.

     

    BOSTON, MA September 18, 2023 – The Intentional Endowments Network (IEN) proudly announces the expansion of its membership to include eight esteemed Historically Black Institutions: Atlanta University Center Consortium (comprised of Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine,and Spelman College); Dillard University, Florida Memorial University, Howard University, Johnson C Smith University, Lincoln University, Talladega College, and UNCF (United Negro College Fund). In addition, IEN has initiated a working relationship with UNCF to further our work with HBCUs.

    These leading institutions are now part of the growing peer learning network comprising over 250 endowed institutions and sustainable investing firms. IEN supports members in navigating the intricate landscape of sustainable investing and promoting justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) within the finance industry, to ensure that endowments have access to the full range of talent to deliver the strongest financial results possible to support the critical missions of these institutions. 

    Paris Prince, Director of JEDI at IEN shared the following reflection after participating in last month’s UNITE Conference, hosted by UNCF: “IEN’s contributions are helping to deliver on the promise of Black higher education. IEN’s presentation during the UNCF UNITE conference entitled 'Mission-Aligned Investing and Endowment Growth at HBCUs' inspired several institutions to commit to the learning journey of sustainable financial commitments. 

    I want to thank panelists Dorien Nunez, Angela Outlaw-Matheny, Roberta Lobo, and Hilda Pinnix-Ragland for a thoughtful conversation. It was also inspiring to collaborate alongside Dr. Michael Lomax, Diego Avilez, Julian Thompson and Dr. Kendra Sharp at the endowment panel and reception co-sponsored by IEN and S&P Global. 

    Mission-aligned investing and endowment growth are crucial components in ensuring the long-term sustainability and success of HBCUs. By aligning investments with the mission and values of these institutions, we can create a positive impact on both the educational experience of students and the broader society. Implementing sustainable strategies and policies means we can ensure that HBCUs are well-positioned to provide high-quality education and support to our students for years to come.”

    “HBCUs have been longtime leaders in advancing a more just and equitable society - demonstrating that when we put these values first, everyone benefits,” said Georges Dyer, Executive Director of IEN. “We are honored to have these esteemed institutions join the Networks and look forward to their leadership in IEN’s work to support endowments in implementing mission-aligned investment strategies that drive positive change on society’s most vexing challenges, while reducing investment risk and enhancing financial returns.”

    IEN membership equips institutions with access to relevant research and space for constructive dialogue that focuses on the unique characteristics that all endowments share: a long-term investment horizon with short-term spending requirements, diverse and wide-ranging stakeholders, and a responsibility to intergenerational equity. Benefits of IEN Membership include professional development resources, exclusive member networking, discounts to industry events, and access to advisory services. A full list of current members and information about membership may be found here.

    This collective step forward exemplifies a shared commitment to transformative sustainable investing and reinforces IEN’s dedication to fostering meaningful dialogue, partnerships, and nurturing collaboration to shape the future of investment practices.

    For a comprehensive list of IEN's members, please visit IEN’s website.

     

    About the Intentional Endowments Network

    The Intentional Endowments Network (IEN) is a peer learning network of over 200+ asset owners, asset managers, consultants, OCIOs, and nonprofit partners. An initiative of the Crane Institute of Sustainability, IEN works to advance the field of sustainable investing and encourage endowments and institutional investors to allocate capital in a way that creates a low-carbon, equitable, and regenerative economy. It does so through in-person and virtual convenings, resource development, and partnerships. IEN’s premier convening, the Higher Education Leadership Summit, will be held in Long Beach, CA February 11-13, 2024.

    www.intentionalendowments.org

    Contact: 

    Georges Dyer, Co-founder & Executive Director, Intentional Endowments Network & The Crane Institute of Sustainability

    [email protected]


  • published Impact Investor Summit - PEI in Events & Webinars 2023-09-12 14:45:02 -0400

    Impact Investor Summit - PEI

    Learn more and register here 

    WHEN
    October 31, 2023 at 8:00am - November 02, 2023 at 8:00am
    WHERE
    New York
    rsvp

  • published 2023 Impact Forum - GIIN in Events & Webinars 2023-09-06 16:52:10 -0400

    2023 Impact Forum - GIIN

    Learn more and register here

    WHEN
    October 04, 2023 at 8:00am - October 05, 2023 at 8:00am
    WHERE
    Copenhagen, Denmark
    rsvp


  • 3rd annual sustainability week - Economist Impact

    Learn more and register here

    WHEN
    October 02, 2023 at 8:00am - October 05, 2023 at 8:00am
    WHERE
    London, UK and virtual
    rsvp

  • 15 Reasons Why ESG Factors Affect Investment Risk & Return - News from PRI

    2023 has been full of undeniable signs -- from the urgent effects of climate change to ongoing systemic racial injustices – that investment portfolios that ensure long-term shareholder value demand an analysis of all major financial risks and opportunities – including those related to climate change social equity.


    In this blog, we share the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)'s compelling press coverage underscoring investor’s fiduciary obligation to consider how ESG factors affect investment risk and return.

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  • published Celebrating Juneteenth at IEN in Blog 2023-06-18 18:50:22 -0400

    Celebrating Juneteenth at IEN

    As we reflect on the importance of Juneteenth, we want to share with you some of the ways we’re honoring Juneteenth at IEN, and also ways investors can prioritize racial equity and environmental justice. Below, read about:

    • Our upcoming Juneteenth webinar on the power of reparations and reparative finance to undo systemic harm;
    • A recent JEDI quarterly call, featuring 4 powerful presentations from racial equity professionals and;
    • The recent commitment we made at the Racial Equity Leadership Collaborative Summit  to advancing racial equity lens investing.

    We hope these updates would inspire and encourage you to integrate justice into your sustainable investing work, and we look forward to engaging with you in the coming weeks. 

    Wishing you a reflective and inspiring Juneteenth!

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  • published 8th annual Sustainability Week in Past IEN Events 2023-04-03 12:59:42 -0400

    Register Here 

     

    8th annual Sustainability Week focuses on helping businesses become sustainable faster.

    The 8th annual Sustainability Week provides insights into the challenges businesses face, such as reducing emissions, meeting increased reporting requirements and accounting for natural resource risks. Join us on March 29th-31st 2023, in London and virtually along and network with leaders and policymakers. Discover more or register here >> http://bit.ly/3RYji8G 

     

    Learn more about the event agenda, speakers and registration here.


  • IEN Women's History Month Spotlight: Dianne Dillon-Ridgley

    IEN Women's History Month Spotlight: Dianne Dillon-Ridgley

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  • published Leadership award in Blog 2023-03-08 14:06:28 -0500

    Honoring Felicia Davis, the inaugural recipient of the Intentional Endowments Network Leadership Award!

    Honoring Felicia Davis, the inaugural recipient of the Intentional Endowments Network Leadership Award!

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  • Celebrating Black Impact Investing Professionals: Black History Month Edition

    Celebrating Black Impact Investing Professionals 

    Black History Month Edition

    Four Black sustainable finance professionals in our network share their experiences in both the impact investing and traditional finance industries.

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  • published Endowment Impact Benchmark in Blog 2023-02-02 14:43:45 -0500

    The Crane Institute of Sustainability Receives Grant from the Tipping Point Fund to Develop an Endowments Rating System

    Funding will support the development of an ‘Endowment Impact Benchmark’ to support endowments in reporting and celebrating progress on sustainable investing and to encourage the adoption of emerging impact standards.

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  • published Five New Steering Committee members in Blog 2023-01-26 16:03:01 -0500

    The Intentional Endowments Network Expands Steering Committee with Five New Sustainable Investing Leaders

    Press Release updated on Feb 13, 2023

    Cornelia Horner, Kunle Apampa, George Suttles, Amita Schultes, and Geri Melchiorre to advise on the Intentional Endowments Network’s strategic direction.

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  • published Tim Coffins Press Release in Blog 2023-01-19 13:36:12 -0500

    Breckinridge's Tim Coffin Brings Fixed Income and ESG Expertise to the Intentional Endowments Network's Net Zero Steering Committee

    The Intentional Endowments Network has welcomed Tim Coffin, Head of Strategic Partnerships Sustainability Committee Chair at Breckinridge, to its Net Zero Endowments Steering Committee

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  • published Amita Schultes in Steering Committee 2023-01-19 10:51:11 -0500

    Amita Schultes, PH.D.

    Amita Schultes, Ph.D., Partner at Agility

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  • published Kaede Kawauchi in Steering Committee 2023-01-18 14:18:34 -0500

    Kaede Kawauchi, Ceres

    Kaede Kawauchi, Manager, Investor Network, Ceres

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  • The DOL’s New Approach to ESG: What Does It Mean for the Investment Community

    Currently, nonprofit institutions offer limited ESG investing options in their retirement plans with less than 3% of employee retirement savings plans include climate-friendly investing options. This has been despite substantial evidence that ESG strategies can reduce risk and enhance long-term investment performance. Concerns about fiduciary duty are often cited as a barrier for these institutions to offer these options.

    A new proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Labor would open the way for retirement plan sponsors to include more sustainable options in their saving plans by enabling fiduciaries to consider climate and other ESG factors when selecting investments and exercising shareholder rights while continuing to uphold fundamental fiduciary obligations. 

    This webinar is intended to help clarify how plan sponsors and trustees can consider sustainable investing strategies related to their fiduciary duties in light of the new proposed rules. Join us for an informative and interactive webinar comprised of top experts on the state of fiduciary duty for defined contribution plans in the United States to learn how your institution could provide retirement funds that reflect both the mission of your organization and the values of your employees.

    In this session, participants will:

    • Gain a deeper understanding of the impact of the proposed rules on ESG investment opportunities
    • Hear about how the rule change is viewed by the investment service community

    Recording 

    Panelists:

    • Keith Johnson, Former Partner, Head of Institutional Investor Legal Service, Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren
    • Bradford Campbell, Partner at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
    • Bill Slimbaugh, Managing Director, Natixis
    • Michael Rhim, Principal, PRM Consulting – The IEN Guide to Sustainable Retirements

    Resources:

     


  • published Listen to Our Podcast in Stay Connected 2022-12-15 09:57:54 -0500

    Listen to Our Podcast

    Chris Ito of FFI Solutions and Georges Dyer of Intentional Endowments Network go “beyond carbon” to discuss topics relating to climate change, net zero, DEIJ (diversity, equity, inclusion & justice), ESG and the benefits and challenges of sustainable investing.

     

     

    Episodes

    Episode 9

    SPLIT

    Dr. Michael Greenstone: Decoding the Social Cost of Carbon and the Carbon Offset Market

    In this episode, Chris and Georges do a deep dive into the economic implications of carbon emissions with one of the world’s leading climate finance experts, Dr. Michael Greenstone. As a former chief economist for President Obama's Council of Economic Advisers, Dr. Greenstone played a pivotal role in developing the "social cost of carbon." The trio discusses the significance of understanding the economic cost of carbon emissions and the tools policymakers have at their disposal to combat climate change.

    Episode 8

    SPLIT

    Elysabeth Alfano: Reaching Net Zero Through Plant-Based Innovation

    In this episode, Georges and Chris delve into the world of plant-based foods and explore the potential of this burgeoning industry with Elysabeth Alfano, a renowned expert at investing in companies that innovate with plants to produce animal-free products for sustainable consumption. Elysabeth discusses the health, environmental, and ethical implications of this dietary shift and shares her insights on the role of plant-based foods in mitigating climate change.

    Episode 7

    SPLIT

    Tom Soto: Diversity in Asset Management Meets Carbon Negative Investing

    Georges and Chris talk with impact investor Tom Soto on his trajectory from civil rights activist to a leader in environmental technology and renewable energy, including his new fund strategy that enhances biomass plants using forest standing deadwood to create 24-hour dispatchable power that is fully renewable and net carbon negative.

    Episode 6

    SPLIT

    Mark Kriss: Spotlight on Methane: Satellite Technology and Emissions Detection

    Georges and Chris sit down with Geofinancial Analytics CEO Mark Kriss and take a birds eye view on detecting methane emissions from space, mapping those emissions to oil and gas asset owners and driving methane management accountability and reporting transparency.

    Episode 5

    SPLIT

    Jenna Nicholas: Climate Finance, Green 401(k)s & Community Empowerment

    Georges and Chris have a wide-ranging discussion with impact investment trailblazer Jenna Nicholas, who takes us on her career journey through climate activism, community-informed impact investing and climate finance in 401(k) retirement plans.

    Episode 4

    SPLIT

    Brent Suter: Pitching for the Planet

    Chris and Georges talk climate and curve balls with major league baseball player Brent Suter. The discussion centers around how athletes can use their platform to raise awareness of environmental issues.

    Episode 3

    SPLIT

    ESG and Sustainable Investing the Sun Devil Way

    Chris and Georges talk with Arizona State University CIO Jeff Mindlin about the journey to align investment practices with the sustainability goals and commitments of a large public university.

    Episode 2

    SPLIT

    Endowments and Investor Responsibility: UVIMCO’s Journey

    Chris and George talk with UVIMCO’s Cornelia Horner for insights on how one of the largest and most well-respected endowment managers committed to and is implementing a responsible investment strategy. 

    Episode 1

    SPLIT

    Taking Inventory: The State of Sustainable Investing

    In their inaugural Beyond Carbon episode, Georges Dyer and Chris Ito reflect on COP27 and discuss what makes them hopeful, and skeptical, about the future of sustainable investing. They also provide a preview of future episodes.

     

    About

    Risks created by climate change are complex and multi-faceted. The intersection of science, policy, changing societal norms, notions of equity and politics makes projecting and then solving the climate crisis challenging. 

    This podcast unpacks climate change and climate justice through the lens of finance and investing, helping to inform institutions and everyday savers on what it means to adopt sustainable policies. Best practices are evolving and there is no one size-fits-all approach to determining the best path.

    Our hosts, Georges Dyer and Chris Ito will hold discussions with thought leaders from a range of disciplines that will help investors form their own opinions on how to allocate capital in a more sustainable fashion.

     


  • published Mike Pearce in Executive Committee 2022-12-15 09:41:02 -0500

    Mike Pearce

    Michael Pearce, Managing Director, Cambridge Associates

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