Careers with Impact: Aligning Passion, Purpose, and Profession
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Event Date and Time: Tuesday, April 22, 2025 from 7 - 9 pm PT
Location: UCLA Campus. Exact Location details will be shared after registration.
UCLA Net Impact
United States
UCLA Net Impact Undergraduate Chapter
ucla_ug@netimpact.org
The UCLA Undergraduate Chapter invites you to a gathering of the LA-based Net Impact community! This event will serve as a meeting of the minds to discuss the ‘what and how’ of impact careers as well as a chance to connect with the broader Net Impact community. Hosted and facilitated by UCLA Net Impact Undergraduate Chapter Leaders, the event will feature Net Impact’s CEO Karen Johns and Board Member John Davies in an engaging discussion about their perspectives on all things responsible business - bring your questions!
The event will include a short fireside chat with Karen and John, followed by networking so you can make new connections!
Participants will walk away with:
- Positive, inspirational and realistic insights about how it’s not only possible - but critical - to have an impact with our careers.
- Insights from John Davies’ experience working with CSOs and senior sustainability professionals from across the corporate landscape.
- Insights from Karen Johns on what’s next for Net Impact and how the organization is advancing its mission to build the responsible business movement across the globe.
- Meaningful connection time with other Net Impact chapter members in the LA area to learn about what their chapter is working on and explore potential areas for collaboration.
Who Should Attend?
- Net Impact Chapter Leaders and members of Los Angeles-based Chapters
- Faculty and administrators supporting Net Impact Chapters
Speakers:
John Davies, President, Networks, Trellis Group (formerly GreenBiz) | John Davies leads the Trellis Network, a member-based, peer-to-peer learning forum for sustainability professionals. The network is made up of senior executives from $1 billion-plus corporations working together to share best practices and lessons learned for implementing sustainable development programs. Davies is an experienced entrepreneur and innovator who has applied his business and management skills to launching start-ups as well as improving the operations of existing businesses. Davies is a frequent keynote speaker at international events, is well-known for his supply chain and sustainability expertise and is the author of numerous articles in business, industry and educational publications. John received his bachelor’s degree from SUNY at Fredonia and his master’s degree from the University of Delaware.
Karen Johns, CEO, Net Impact | Karen Johns is the Chief Executive Officer of Net Impact. Karen is a seasoned professional in the educational and nonprofit arena, with expertise in strategic planning, engaging diverse communities in philanthropy, diverse workforce strategy, and fund development to help institutions build more effective organizations. Karen joined Net Impact after a tenure as National Director for A Better Chance and serving as the President of the Johns Group, a consultancy specializing in nonprofit management and social business development in the US and the Caribbean. A graduate of Tufts University, Karen is founder of the Tufts Black Alumni Association and remains an active alumnae. Karen is a native of Jamaica and serves in an advisory capacity with several Caribbean-based organizations.
Sreeja Polkampally, President, Net Impact UCLA - Undergraduate | Sreeja Polkampally is a senior at UCLA studying Computational Biology, passionate about leveraging business for social good. She joined Net Impact UCLA in her second year, working on a civic engagement project to expand education opportunities for justice-impacted individuals. Last year, she served as VP of External Affairs, leading recruitment efforts to bring in students eager to explore impact-driven careers. Now, as President, she is focused on building a strong, mission-driven community and demonstrating how business can drive positive change—whether through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) or social entrepreneurship, she is committed to equipping future leaders with the tools to create meaningful impact. After graduation, Sreeja hopes to explore how investment strategies can promote responsible growth and sustainability.