Fighting Global Poverty Through Impact Investing & Partnerships: A Conversation with Yasmina Zaidman of Acumen

January 9, 2017 Jamie Serino

“The status quo isn't going to cut it anymore, and so everywhere we go, we're looking for people who really believe in change and the kind of leadership that that requires.” - Yasmina Zaidman

In this episode of the Champions for Social Good Podcast, Jamie Serino speaks with Yasmina Zaidman (@yasminajz), Director of Strategic Partnerships at Acumen (@Acumen). Yasmina discusses Acumen’s history as a pioneer in helping to develop new solutions to global poverty by investing in businesses, leaders and ideas. Yasmina also discusses how Acumen’s model of investing patient capital helps entrepreneurs create outsized impact in their communities and globally, and how their entrepreneurs have demonstrated that a great business model achieves both growth and impact, from small startups to multinational corporations. Examples of Acumen’s work to help create business partnerships between large companies and entrepreneurs are also discussed.

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About the Author

Jamie Serino is Director of Marketing for Blackbaud’s Corporations & Foundations division. Bringing nearly two decades of leadership experience spanning the private and nonprofit sectors, Jamie oversees the strategy to communicate Blackbaud’s brand promise to grantmaking organizations and corporations, drive market leadership, and establish strategic partnerships that lift the philanthropic sector. Jamie also hosts the Champions for Social Good podcast. Prior to joining Blackbaud, Jamie developed and led transformational marketing and communication strategies in both B-to-B and B-to-C technology industries, including financial services, network security, CRM, Internet telephony and HR/Recruiting. He was instrumental in building the Vonage brand, growing the customer base from 10,000 to 2.5 million while helping the company through its IPO. He also led the centralization of communications and branding at SunGard in order to reposition the company for IPO/acquisition.
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