The Innovators in Residence talks are presented exclusively for Sustainable Innovation MBA (SI-MBA) students and provide an open and intimate forum to hear from and interact with thought leaders in the socially responsible business arena. Innovators in Residence share their personal experiences drawn from work in B Corporations, sustainable development, social enterprises, impact investing, socially responsible businesses and leading nonprofits.
Upcoming SI-MBA Innovators in Residence
Karen Johns
Friday, September 18
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Kalkin 110
Karen Y. Johns is a seasoned professional in the education and nonprofit arena with expertise in fostering collaboration between business and philanthropic organizations. She is the Chief Executive Officer of Net Impact, one of the largest and oldest global member organizations focused on preparing business trained students for impactful careers and impactful lives. Net Impact engages over 50,000 students and professionals annually. With almost 300 chapters in over 30 states and 40 countries, our members are pursuing impactful careers across diverse industries, including business, sustainability, and impact fields.
Since becoming CEO in 2023, Karen has steered the organization through a digital transformation that expands access to impact and sustainability careers including four annual case competitions on circularity and clean energy that engage Fortune 500 partners such as Coca-Cola and Cisco. She also spearheaded Net Impact’s Global Talent Hub, a new platform designed to match employers with the next generation of impact leaders.
A graduate of Tufts University, Karen is the founder of the Tufts Black Alumni Association and remains an active alumna. She is a native of Jamaica and serves in an advisory capacity to several Caribbean-based organizations.
Previous Speakers
Past SI-MBA Innovators in Residence have included:
- Tu Rinsche, Founder & Principal, All Rights Advisors
- Roma McCaig, Board Member, B Lab
- Matt Dunne, Founder & Executive Director, Center on Rural Innovation
- Kristina Reed, Consultant - Advocate - Connector
- Bridget Croke, Managing Partner, Closed Loop Partners
- Geoff Tuff, Global and US Sustainability Leader for Energy and Industrials US Clean Hydrogen Leader, Deloitte
- Jostein Solheim, CEO, Ben & Jerry's
- Sean Larkin, CEO, OnLogic
- David Blittersdorf, Founder, AllEarth Renewables
- Valeria Budinich, Ashoka
- Iqbal Quadir, Founder, Grameen Phone
- Mary Powell, CEO, Green Mountain Power
- Brian Kelly, CEO, Keurig Green Mountain
- Matt Arnold, Head of Sustainable Finance, JP Morgan Chase
- Yao Huang, Founder, The Hatchery
- Richard Stammer, CEO, Cabot
- Justin Bakule, Director, Shared Value Initiative, FSG
- Erin Meezan, CSO, Interface
- Kate Williams, CEO, 1% for the Planet
- Duane Peterson, Co-President, SunCommon