MALIBU, Calif. – Social impact professionals and aspiring change-makers are heading to Washington, D.C. to join Pepperdine University’s first annual Social Enterprise Collective two-day event, presented by the Pepperdine Masters in Social Entrepreneurship and Change, March 31 and April 1. 

Participants from the master’s program alternate between Pepperdine’s West Los Angeles and Washington D.C. campuses, two of the nation’s most prominent regions for entrepreneurship, policy and social impact. 

Television personality and social entrepreneur Michelle Young will host panels, fireside chats, a pitch competition and networking mixers in the spirit of inspiration and collaboration.

“As the first institution to offer a Master’s degree in social entrepreneurship, Pepperdine has always been a pioneer in preparing future generations to lead at the intersection of entrepreneurship and social good, ” said Luke Phillips, Executive Director of Marketing and Enrollment and Advisory Board Member for the MA in Social Entrepreneurship program. “The Social Enterprise Collective will integrate a variety of social entrepreneurs, policymakers and a diverse spectrum of contributors to harness collective knowledge, leverage business and policy and encourage attendees to continue the change-making efforts in their circles of influence to create a better world.”

Day 1 will feature the “Women Trailblazers and Changemakers” panel in honor of Women’s History Month. Presented by the Pepperdine Master’s in Social Entrepreneurship, The speakers include Erika Hanafin Feldhus, CEO of HeyMama, Shannon Ricks, White House Liason for the Department of Education, and Sarah Bassin, Nonprofit Executive. The evening will conclude with a networking mixer and light refreshments.

Day 2 will follow with “Sustainable Change in a Challenged World” talks, collaborative networking and a student business plan pitch competition. Pepperdine University’s Masters of Social Entrepreneurship and Change students’ pitch competition finalists will present the social enterprise ideas they have been incubating throughout the two-year program. Three winners will be awarded seed money. 

Dr. Martin Burt, founder of Fundación Paraguaya and creator of the Stop Light Method, the leading way to assess community health to create sustainable solutions to alleviate poverty, will share stories of impact in a keynote address. The day will include presentations from former Obama Administration Appointee, Isaac McCoy, Vice President of Social Impact for Discovery Education, Jacqueline Smalls, Chief Engagement Officer at Prosperity Now, Mary-Francis Wain, and Secretary Executive Office of Elder Affairs, Dr. Elizabeth Chen. Surprise guests will be announced throughout March.

Event speakers include:

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