The Divest-Invest commitment is a powerful demonstration of values that shows the world and policymakers that we want real climate solutions now. Divest-Invest moves catalyzes capital away from fossil fuels and towards a clean energy future. It’s an exciting example of the power of an idea whose time has come. Not only have participating funders moved beyond their own specific agendas to engage with a community in a shared collective goal, but they’re also working in solidarity with faith based groups, universities, schools, hospitals, individuals, cities, and civil society in general to achieve it. We hope that attendees will be inspired and have the tools and skills to lead conversations with foundations about Divest-Invest.

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About the Presenters:

Daryn Dodson, Private Equity and Venture Capital Consultant to Board of Directors, Calvert Funds

Daryn advises companies, foundations and universities on impact investments. He currently co-leads the Special Equities Program at Calvert Funds. Through this program, Calvert has invested more than $69 million in impact investing funds and companies. Post Hurricane Katrina, Mr. Dodson served as Director of University and Corporate Partnership for the Idea Village, where he created a platform engaging leading private equity firms, business schools, and Fortune 500 companies to invest more than 50,000 hours and $2 million into New Orleans entrepreneurs. Prior to New Orleans, he built a coalition of national banks and faith-based institutions to educate Congress on reforms needed to stabilize the subprime lending market with Self-Help Credit Union. Mr. Dodson currently serves as a Board Director for Ben and Jerry’s, Stanford Business Alumni, Impact Hub DC and Heifer Foundation. He earned a MBA from Stanford and an AB in Public Policy from Duke University.

Jenna Nicholas

Jenna is the CEO of Phoenix Global Impact, a consulting company that specializes in impact investing, social entrepreneurship and strategic philanthropy. Through her consultancy, she has directed and project managed Divest-Invest Philanthropy, a coalition of philanthropic foundations, including the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, divesting from investments in fossil fuels and reinvesting in new energy solutions.  Jenna also works with the World Bank Treasury on green bonds and other sustainability projects and with Toniic helping to support an impact investing community.  She works closely with the Calvert Special Equities team and is an advisor to the Nexus Global Youth Summit, High Water Women and the Washington DC Impact Hub. Jenna graduated from Stanford University with an International Relations Honors Degree during which time she also read International Development at Oxford University.  Jenna has special links with China and co-taught a course at Tsinghua School of Economics and Management on Business Ethics, Sustainability and Impact Investing in 2013. She is an active member of the Bahá'í Faith.

Chris Rurik 

Chris is a next-generation director of The Russell Family Foundation, a mid-sized, locally focused foundation based in Gig Harbor, Washington. He has been involved with divestment efforts in both the philanthropic world and at his alma mater of Stanford University. He works as a writer, naturalist and historian.