Net Impact chapters inspire their local community of students and professionals to make a difference in the world through work. Within this worldwide network is a special group of chapters that exceed expectations to host amazing events, expand their network, or join forces to create something special. Once a year we recognize those chapters and celebrate them as Chapters of the Year.And the winners are... Net Impact University of Maryland Undergrad (SUNI: Smith Undergraduate Net Impact), Net Impact Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, and Net Impact Washington D.C. professional chapter. Our hats are off to you and all you've done.

SUNI: Impact Ninjas

Innovative events, new partnerships, and an all-hands-on-deck mentality marked the Net Impact University of Maryland Undergrad chapter's inaugural year.The young guns of SUNI showed off their creativity with diverse events and programming. We held an event, How to be an Impact Ninja about developing specific skills and a social media presence in the social impact world, says Mandy Yard, VP of Events. This year's programming also included a MindSumo mini-case challenge and a Q&A session with Seth Goldman, TeaEO of Honest Tea.That entrepreneurial spirit was the product of an inclusive leadership team that worked to create something entirely new together. SUNI offered leadership opportunities to anyone who was willing and able to take them on. As Kushaan Shah, VP of External Affairs explains, We have a very large leadership team which currently consists of about 25-30 individuals.The foundational year culminated at the Net Impact Conference where SUNI members met other chapters, listened to inspired and accomplished individuals, and even had a reunion with Goldman. As Yard puts it it was great to feel a part of the Net Impact community and realize that the amazing experiences and opportunities will continue to build from here.Read the full Q&A with the SUNI Ninjas!

Net Impact Kellogg: Power in Numbers

To bring together the entire impact community at Kellogg, this Net Impact chapter adopted an umbrella structure to embrace a variety of student organizations. Kellogg's Net Impact Community is made up of 13 social impact-oriented clubs. Our membership includes approximately 75% of the total student body, which means we are a very diverse group, says Justin Wu, President.That diversity is reflected in the programming. Wu explains, Every member has a different experience, but each engages primarily in one of three ways: pursuing careers, learning about social impact or service in our communities.Despite its size and variety of interests, NI Kellogg was able to bring the entire school together for its Net Impact Week. Wu credits his classmates and their passion for keeping him committed through the rigor of grad school. He says I [see] how our programming enriches their Kellogg experience. It's easy to be committed when you know your friends are benefitting.The combination of numbers and engagement makes the Kellogg chapter one of the most active chapters we've seen. Wu estimates that when it comes to Net Impact related activities, Kellogg students spent over 50,000 student hours last year. Indeed, in a business school environment where students come primarily to advance their careers, we find these figures astounding! So do we.Read the full Q&A with Net Impact Kellogg!

Net Impact Washington, D.C. Professionals: Working the Crowd

Net Impact D.C. handled their business like old pros- with enthusiasm, resilience and a desire to help others.In fact, mentorship and collaboration were major goals for this chapter. Drawing upon local resources and their proximity to universities, the D.C. chapter collaborated with fellow Chapter of the Year winners SUNI. The two award-winning chapters co-hosted an event that, in the words of D.C. President Mikael Baker, was a great achievement, as we were able to bring students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and people closely involved in B Corp policy together... and in the process we helped some aspiring entrepreneurs.Organizing such a successful year was not a breeze for the D.C. chapter as the leadership team adjusted to the departure of several board members. It was a growing experience, and the chapter responded by reworking its programming, marketing and partnerships. They also invited talented new people to the leadership team to keep the momentum going.As a result, Net Impact Washington, D.C. is now a stronger, more responsive chapter. Through increased member interaction with the leadership team and the implementation of an annual membership survey, the chapter is able to provide more targeted programming: Our membership is very interested in career-development programming so we try to provide panel discussions in the fields/industries in which our membership has greatest interest. It is this versatility that will ensure the chapter's success through many more transitions, and sets it apart as an exceptional chapter.Read the full Q&A with Net Impact Washington, D.C.!

Next year's winners... You!

To be named Chapter of the Year is to be honored above many other incredible organizations that are changing the world. Every year a different Net Impact chapter innovates and accelerates in an astounding way. We here at Net Impact Central cannot wait to see who stands out above the rest in the coming year.