Social Impact: South Africa 2019

Throughout this course, students gain broad exposure to a variety of organizations that have deliberately designed their organization for social impact and will analyze how and where financial return is compatible with social impact.

In addition, students have the opportunity to look in-depth at the social challenges and market opportunities in one country: South Africa. Students work in teams on research projects that analyze one business sector in depth. The class then travels to Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa to conduct field research and interviews and meet leading social impact organizations.

Faculty Bio

Tasha Seitz is a partner with Impact Engine, a venture fund that invests financial and human capital in early-stage, for-profit technology businesses that are improving education, health, economic empowerment and resource efficiency. Tasha has two decades of venture investment experience as a partner with JK&B Capital, a technology venture capital firm based in Chicago with over a billion dollars under management. As a partner, she has been responsible for identifying, evaluating and making investments in early stage start-up software companies, serving on the board of directors, managing growth, coaching and hiring management teams and exiting investments through sale or initial public offering. In addition to her investing roles, Tasha serves as adjunct professor of social impact at the Kellogg School of Management. Tasha has served as the board chair for Spark Ventures, a non-profit venture philanthropy organization investing in NGOs serving vulnerable children in developing countries. She is also a founding partner and former board chair for the Chicago chapter of Social Venture Partners.

Advisor Bio

Debbie Kraus is the director of global study programs at the Kellogg School of Management. Her team is responsible for Kellogg global experiences across all degree programs (including the GIM program). Prior to her time in global programs, Debbie spent three years in Kellogg’s student affairs department, managing the exchange program and on-campus housing. She has also been involved with Kellogg’s ACE program for nine years, an experience which has allowed her to learn from and make connections with international Kellogg students from around the world. Through her roles at Kellogg, Debbie has been fortunate enough to travel to Brazil, Switzerland, Spain, France and the U.K. Debbie holds a B.S. in communications from Northwestern University and an M.A. in history from Indiana University.