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Buzz Words No Longer: ESG and Diversity on Boards

Boards are feeling increasing pressure to address environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues as well as to diversify who "sits at the table". Elizabeth Funk, Founder and CEO, Dignity Capital shares how ESG and diversity can bring fresh perspectives to the boardroom and why they are good for business.

About Our Guest
Elizabeth Funk,
Founder & CEO, Dignity Capital

Elizabeth Funk is founder and CEO of Dignity Capital, a collection of Impact Investing funds and projects. She is the Senior General Partner at DevEquity, an innovative fund providing for-profit venture-style investment funding to social enterprises in Latin America.

Elizabeth’s latest project is Dignity Moves, an impact fund focused on creating transitional and interim housing solutions for the homeless in California.

Elizabeth was one of the early pioneers in impact investing. She created the Dignity Fund in 2004, one of the first for-profit funds mobilizing investment capital for the Microfinance industry.

About the Board Series

We are in the midst of massive societal shifts. Consumers are increasingly demanding a greater level of social and environmental commitment as well as responsible governance from corporations. By the same token, societies have become more inclusive, requiring more diverse representation on boards. But an authentic commitment to ESG and inclusive board representations for the sake of appearance - they make solid business sense.

In this special series, we are joined by four leading experts who will discuss what it takes to build a successful board, why diversity and inclusion on boards is no longer optional, how startups can build and leverage boards for success and finally what considerations VC and private equity must take into account in structuring high-performing boards. 

The topics we cover are:

  • Why boards are critical to business success

  • How to build a successful board 

  • Why diversity, inclusion and ESG are no longer optional 

  • How startups can leverage board expertise

  • What skills are necessary to be an effective board member 

  • Critical elements for VCs and Private Equity firms to consider

This special series is in collaboration with The Virtual Advisory Board.

This is part (2) of a (4) Part Series.

Part 1: Boards: Best Practices, Trends and Keys for Success

Part 2: Buzz Words No Longer: The Crucial Role of ESG and Diversity on Boards

Part 3: Boards for Startups: A Key to Success

Part 4:  Board Structuring - Considerations for PE & VC-Backed Businesses

Event Moderator​:
Philip Guarino, AB '92, HAE Paris Chair

$20 for HAE Members
$30 non-members

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Later Event: November 19
Meditation Fridays