Terry and a small tea of partners founded Openlane after recognizing themselves as frustrated consumers.
Join us for an afternoon of insight-driven workshops followed by an evening of inspiration with our global community at our Imagine Dignity event →
Please note: Our afternoon program is open to ticket holders of the Imagine Dignity evening event. If you haven’t purchased a ticket, you may do so here.
We will explore what it means to create dignified employment opportunities for the world’s most vulnerable workers - when worker livelihoods are prioritized - and what responsibility donors, entrepreneurs, and practitioners have in advancing this work.
We will discuss what it will take to end energy poverty and achieve a just, inclusive clean energy transition. We will start by unpacking the role energy access plays in the pathway out of poverty and will explore clean energy-powered solutions that both increase income generation and climate resilience for vulnerable communities.
We will explore how Acumen is taking a system approach to its work with smallholder farmers, from how we shape future leaders to how we invest in innovative entrepreneurs. It will bring together select stakeholders within the ecosystem of partners and collaborators necessary to create systems level change for smallholder farmers.
We will discuss how the future generation of leaders are already changing the world and what they need to sustain their work.
We will explore the role that trust based philanthropy can play in the impact investing sector, how patient capital is supporting social entrepreneurs and the spectrum of capital needed to address the greatest issues of our time.
Imagine a world where unjust systems are transformed so they work better for all people. Where opportunity is available for everyone, everywhere…and where the sustainability of the planet is centered.
Imagine dignity.
For more than two decades, Acumen has been working to solve the problems of poverty and build a world based on dignity. Join us for a day of conversation, celebration and community - where we will bring together advocates and thought leaders to experience our mission, reflect on our progress, and share our vision for the future.
An evening program of entertainment, dinner and dancing will then follow, including the honoring of several special guests. This is an event you won't want to miss.
Sponsorship opportunities and tickets will be available for purchase soon.
For any other inquiries, please email info@acumen.org.
We started Acumen to change the way the world tackles poverty; to influence traditional charity by moving from a top-down approach toward one that’s bottom-up: approaching low-income people as part of the solution, seeing investment as an important tool for change, and insisting on stronger metrics of accountability.
We started Acumen to change the way the world tackles poverty; to influence traditional charity by moving from a top-down approach toward one that’s bottom-up: approaching low-income people as part of the solution, seeing investment as an important tool for change, and insisting on stronger metrics of accountability.
In this session we challenged ourselves to articulate what it means to create “dignified work” opportunities for the world’s most vulnerable people.
In this session, we discussed what it will take to end energy poverty and achieve a just, inclusive clean energy transition.
Understanding the challenges associated with smallholder agriculture and considering opportunities to further strengthen the ecosystem of partners and collaborators are necessary to create systems-level change for smallholder farmers.
We learned from Acumen Fellows who have applied the principles of Moral Leadership to build scalable solutions to poverty.
A robust exploration on how trust based philanthropy is uniquely positioned to catalyze social innovation, reverse the tides of inequality, and encourage more action from risk averse governments and financial markets.
Imagine a system where a workforce is supported - having access to the tools and infrastructure needed for economic security - and a world where safer, more dignified jobs are intentionally created for people. A system where vulnerable workers have opportunities to become more secure, moving away from informality and out of poverty, as economies transition to become greener and more inclusive. A system where achieving better environmental outcomes doesn't come at the expense of the workforce because livelihoods and the dignity of work are prioritized in global sustainability efforts.
The Dignified Work session will challenge us to articulate what it means to create “dignified work” opportunities for the world’s most vulnerable people. It will also demonstrate how a one-size-fits-all solution for workforce development doesn’t exist. Offering training to improve employability, creating the infrastructure to match labor demand and supply, building opportunities to earn stable and fair wages, prioritizing worker health and wellbeing, and providing access to financial and social security benefits are critical elements to solving the problems of poverty in countries with a predominantly informal workforce.
We will hear directly from entrepreneurs and practitioners about their experiences in India, demonstrating how partnerships can enable innovation in the face of complexities.
We will also explore how competing priorities might influence change rather than stymie progress, shedding light on the collective responsibility philanthropists, donors, entrepreneurs, and practitioners have in creating a more inclusive system for workers.
- Moderator: Sabrina Lee Sanchez, Head of Development and Partnerships - Philanthropies, Acumen
With over 16 years of experience in fundraising and program development, Sabrina joined Acumen in 2019 to lead and cultivate the organization’s partnerships with Foundations. Prior to Acumen, Sabrina led business development efforts at Women’s World Banking, securing support from corporations and development aid agencies to create inclusive policies and commercially viable financial solutions for women across the globe. Sabrina holds a BA from New York University in Economic Development and Public Policy and is fluent in French, Filipino, and Spanish.
- Mahesh Yagnaraman, Country Director, Acumen India
Mr. Mahesh Yagnaraman is the India Country Director since January 2018, where he leads investing, business development and Acumen Academy for India. He has been an entrepreneur, CEO and strategic professional with over thirty years of experience spanning varied roles and functions across continents. Mahesh's understanding of how a product could change the lives of the poor translated to a deep commitment to the social impact sector, and he has followed the development of this space closely and served as an advisor to various social entrepreneurs and firms. Prior to Acumen, Mahesh founded First Energy Private, Ltd., an alternative energy company, which he led as the CEO and Managing Director from 2009. Before that, he ran BP's biomass energy venture which sold cook-stoves and biomass fuel pellets to low-income consumers. When BP decided to spin off the company, Mahesh took over the business, pivoting the business several times and ultimately succeeded in building one of the most successful alternative energy companies in India, specializing in commercial biomass cooking solutions. In 2017, First Energy was acquired by Thermax Limited. He also worked in Marketing for BP & Castrol India, and for ten years with Unilever in roles that spanned multiple functions across continents. Mahesh has a degree in Economics from Delhi University and an MBA from XLRI, Jamshedpur. For his entrepreneurship and work, Mahesh was conferred the honour of Distinguished Alumnus by XLRI in 2015.
- Aniket Doegar, CEO & Co-Founder, Haqdarshak
Aniket Doegar (he/him) is the CEO and co-founder of HESPL (Haqdarshak Empowerment Solutions Private Limited), a social impact organization working on easing access to welfare. An alumnus of SRCC, Delhi, Aniket first started out in the development sector as a TFI (Teach for India) Fellow. Over the course of the last 12 years, he has co-founded non-profits and various other organizations in this space. Recently, he was also an Acumen and Unreasonable fellow. In 2019 he was recognised under Forbes 30 under 30 Asia cohort. For the last 7 years, Aniket has been leading the Haqdarshak team with his passionate drive for creating impact at scale. Aniket was also on the advisory board of Teach for India and is currently a board of trustee at the YP foundation. - Shriti Pandey, Founder, Strawcture
Shriti Pandey is a Civil & Construction Management Professional from New York University and Founder of Strawcture, India's first Carbon Negative engineered panel. She is an Acumen, Echoing Green , GP Birla Ananta Aspen fellow and Former 30U30 Asia 2021 under Manufacturing Segment. She is a TedX Speaker , United Nations Social Impact Challenge Award Winner and 1 of the 10 global circularity based startups in the Respond Accelerator by BMW Foundation. At Strawcture their vision is to convert alternative waste streams into carbon offsetting building materials to convert buildings into carbon sinks from being the biggest polluters. - Gayatri Jolly, CEO & Founder, MasterG and Daughters
Gayatri Jolly is the Founder and CEO of MasterG. She has designed MasterG’s Breaking Patterns® Pedagogy and is building an equitable world for every woman who wants to make their mark in the apparel sector by giving them design based skill education to break the patterns of unjust and societal prejudices. Before establishing MasterG, she has also worked with Fena Pvt. Ltd. (Family Business).
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
Imagine a system where a workforce is supported - having access to the tools and infrastructure needed for economic security - and a world where safer, more dignified jobs are intentionally created for people. A system where vulnerable workers have opportunities to become more secure, moving away from informality and out of poverty, as economies transition to become greener and more inclusive. A system where achieving better environmental outcomes doesn't come at the expense of the workforce because livelihoods and the dignity of work are prioritized in global sustainability efforts.
The Dignified Work session will challenge us to articulate what it means to create “dignified work” opportunities for the world’s most vulnerable people. It will also demonstrate how a one-size-fits-all solution for workforce development doesn’t exist. Offering training to improve employability, creating the infrastructure to match labor demand and supply, building opportunities to earn stable and fair wages, prioritizing worker health and wellbeing, and providing access to financial and social security benefits are critical elements to solving the problems of poverty in countries with a predominantly informal workforce.
We will hear directly from entrepreneurs and practitioners about their experiences in India, demonstrating how partnerships can enable innovation in the face of complexities.
We will also explore how competing priorities might influence change rather than stymie progress, shedding light on the collective responsibility philanthropists, donors, entrepreneurs, and practitioners have in creating a more inclusive system for workers.
- Moderator: Sabrina Lee Sanchez, Head of Development and Partnerships - Philanthropies, Acumen
With over 16 years of experience in fundraising and program development, Sabrina joined Acumen in 2019 to lead and cultivate the organization’s partnerships with Foundations. Prior to Acumen, Sabrina led business development efforts at Women’s World Banking, securing support from corporations and development aid agencies to create inclusive policies and commercially viable financial solutions for women across the globe. Sabrina holds a BA from New York University in Economic Development and Public Policy and is fluent in French, Filipino, and Spanish.
- Mahesh Yagnaraman, Country Director, Acumen India
Mr. Mahesh Yagnaraman is the India Country Director since January 2018, where he leads investing, business development and Acumen Academy for India. He has been an entrepreneur, CEO and strategic professional with over thirty years of experience spanning varied roles and functions across continents. Mahesh's understanding of how a product could change the lives of the poor translated to a deep commitment to the social impact sector, and he has followed the development of this space closely and served as an advisor to various social entrepreneurs and firms. Prior to Acumen, Mahesh founded First Energy Private, Ltd., an alternative energy company, which he led as the CEO and Managing Director from 2009. Before that, he ran BP's biomass energy venture which sold cook-stoves and biomass fuel pellets to low-income consumers. When BP decided to spin off the company, Mahesh took over the business, pivoting the business several times and ultimately succeeded in building one of the most successful alternative energy companies in India, specializing in commercial biomass cooking solutions. In 2017, First Energy was acquired by Thermax Limited. He also worked in Marketing for BP & Castrol India, and for ten years with Unilever in roles that spanned multiple functions across continents. Mahesh has a degree in Economics from Delhi University and an MBA from XLRI, Jamshedpur. For his entrepreneurship and work, Mahesh was conferred the honour of Distinguished Alumnus by XLRI in 2015.
- Aniket Doegar, CEO & Co-Founder, Haqdarshak
Aniket Doegar (he/him) is the CEO and co-founder of HESPL (Haqdarshak Empowerment Solutions Private Limited), a social impact organization working on easing access to welfare. An alumnus of SRCC, Delhi, Aniket first started out in the development sector as a TFI (Teach for India) Fellow. Over the course of the last 12 years, he has co-founded non-profits and various other organizations in this space. Recently, he was also an Acumen and Unreasonable fellow. In 2019 he was recognised under Forbes 30 under 30 Asia cohort. For the last 7 years, Aniket has been leading the Haqdarshak team with his passionate drive for creating impact at scale. Aniket was also on the advisory board of Teach for India and is currently a board of trustee at the YP foundation. - Shriti Pandey, Founder, Strawcture
Shriti Pandey is a Civil & Construction Management Professional from New York University and Founder of Strawcture, India's first Carbon Negative engineered panel. She is an Acumen, Echoing Green , GP Birla Ananta Aspen fellow and Former 30U30 Asia 2021 under Manufacturing Segment. She is a TedX Speaker , United Nations Social Impact Challenge Award Winner and 1 of the 10 global circularity based startups in the Respond Accelerator by BMW Foundation. At Strawcture their vision is to convert alternative waste streams into carbon offsetting building materials to convert buildings into carbon sinks from being the biggest polluters. - Gayatri Jolly, CEO & Founder, MasterG and Daughters
Gayatri Jolly is the Founder and CEO of MasterG. She has designed MasterG’s Breaking Patterns® Pedagogy and is building an equitable world for every woman who wants to make their mark in the apparel sector by giving them design based skill education to break the patterns of unjust and societal prejudices. Before establishing MasterG, she has also worked with Fena Pvt. Ltd. (Family Business).
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
Imagine a system where a workforce is supported - having access to the tools and infrastructure needed for economic security - and a world where safer, more dignified jobs are intentionally created for people. A system where vulnerable workers have opportunities to become more secure, moving away from informality and out of poverty, as economies transition to become greener and more inclusive. A system where achieving better environmental outcomes doesn't come at the expense of the workforce because livelihoods and the dignity of work are prioritized in global sustainability efforts.
The Dignified Work session will challenge us to articulate what it means to create “dignified work” opportunities for the world’s most vulnerable people. It will also demonstrate how a one-size-fits-all solution for workforce development doesn’t exist. Offering training to improve employability, creating the infrastructure to match labor demand and supply, building opportunities to earn stable and fair wages, prioritizing worker health and wellbeing, and providing access to financial and social security benefits are critical elements to solving the problems of poverty in countries with a predominantly informal workforce.
We will hear directly from entrepreneurs and practitioners about their experiences in India, demonstrating how partnerships can enable innovation in the face of complexities.
We will also explore how competing priorities might influence change rather than stymie progress, shedding light on the collective responsibility philanthropists, donors, entrepreneurs, and practitioners have in creating a more inclusive system for workers.
- Moderator: Sabrina Lee Sanchez, Head of Development and Partnerships - Philanthropies, Acumen
With over 16 years of experience in fundraising and program development, Sabrina joined Acumen in 2019 to lead and cultivate the organization’s partnerships with Foundations. Prior to Acumen, Sabrina led business development efforts at Women’s World Banking, securing support from corporations and development aid agencies to create inclusive policies and commercially viable financial solutions for women across the globe. Sabrina holds a BA from New York University in Economic Development and Public Policy and is fluent in French, Filipino, and Spanish.
- Mahesh Yagnaraman, Country Director, Acumen India
Mr. Mahesh Yagnaraman is the India Country Director since January 2018, where he leads investing, business development and Acumen Academy for India. He has been an entrepreneur, CEO and strategic professional with over thirty years of experience spanning varied roles and functions across continents. Mahesh's understanding of how a product could change the lives of the poor translated to a deep commitment to the social impact sector, and he has followed the development of this space closely and served as an advisor to various social entrepreneurs and firms. Prior to Acumen, Mahesh founded First Energy Private, Ltd., an alternative energy company, which he led as the CEO and Managing Director from 2009. Before that, he ran BP's biomass energy venture which sold cook-stoves and biomass fuel pellets to low-income consumers. When BP decided to spin off the company, Mahesh took over the business, pivoting the business several times and ultimately succeeded in building one of the most successful alternative energy companies in India, specializing in commercial biomass cooking solutions. In 2017, First Energy was acquired by Thermax Limited. He also worked in Marketing for BP & Castrol India, and for ten years with Unilever in roles that spanned multiple functions across continents. Mahesh has a degree in Economics from Delhi University and an MBA from XLRI, Jamshedpur. For his entrepreneurship and work, Mahesh was conferred the honour of Distinguished Alumnus by XLRI in 2015.
- Aniket Doegar, CEO & Co-Founder, Haqdarshak
Aniket Doegar (he/him) is the CEO and co-founder of HESPL (Haqdarshak Empowerment Solutions Private Limited), a social impact organization working on easing access to welfare. An alumnus of SRCC, Delhi, Aniket first started out in the development sector as a TFI (Teach for India) Fellow. Over the course of the last 12 years, he has co-founded non-profits and various other organizations in this space. Recently, he was also an Acumen and Unreasonable fellow. In 2019 he was recognised under Forbes 30 under 30 Asia cohort. For the last 7 years, Aniket has been leading the Haqdarshak team with his passionate drive for creating impact at scale. Aniket was also on the advisory board of Teach for India and is currently a board of trustee at the YP foundation. - Shriti Pandey, Founder, Strawcture
Shriti Pandey is a Civil & Construction Management Professional from New York University and Founder of Strawcture, India's first Carbon Negative engineered panel. She is an Acumen, Echoing Green , GP Birla Ananta Aspen fellow and Former 30U30 Asia 2021 under Manufacturing Segment. She is a TedX Speaker , United Nations Social Impact Challenge Award Winner and 1 of the 10 global circularity based startups in the Respond Accelerator by BMW Foundation. At Strawcture their vision is to convert alternative waste streams into carbon offsetting building materials to convert buildings into carbon sinks from being the biggest polluters. - Gayatri Jolly, CEO & Founder, MasterG and Daughters
Gayatri Jolly is the Founder and CEO of MasterG. She has designed MasterG’s Breaking Patterns® Pedagogy and is building an equitable world for every woman who wants to make their mark in the apparel sector by giving them design based skill education to break the patterns of unjust and societal prejudices. Before establishing MasterG, she has also worked with Fena Pvt. Ltd. (Family Business).
Imagine a system where a workforce is supported - having access to the tools and infrastructure needed for economic security - and a world where safer, more dignified jobs are intentionally created for people. A system where vulnerable workers have opportunities to become more secure, moving away from informality and out of poverty, as economies transition to become greener and more inclusive. A system where achieving better environmental outcomes doesn't come at the expense of the workforce because livelihoods and the dignity of work are prioritized in global sustainability efforts.
The Dignified Work session will challenge us to articulate what it means to create “dignified work” opportunities for the world’s most vulnerable people. It will also demonstrate how a one-size-fits-all solution for workforce development doesn’t exist. Offering training to improve employability, creating the infrastructure to match labor demand and supply, building opportunities to earn stable and fair wages, prioritizing worker health and wellbeing, and providing access to financial and social security benefits are critical elements to solving the problems of poverty in countries with a predominantly informal workforce.
We will hear directly from entrepreneurs and practitioners about their experiences in India, demonstrating how partnerships can enable innovation in the face of complexities.
We will also explore how competing priorities might influence change rather than stymie progress, shedding light on the collective responsibility philanthropists, donors, entrepreneurs, and practitioners have in creating a more inclusive system for workers.
- Moderator: Sabrina Lee Sanchez, Head of Development and Partnerships - Philanthropies, Acumen
With over 16 years of experience in fundraising and program development, Sabrina joined Acumen in 2019 to lead and cultivate the organization’s partnerships with Foundations. Prior to Acumen, Sabrina led business development efforts at Women’s World Banking, securing support from corporations and development aid agencies to create inclusive policies and commercially viable financial solutions for women across the globe. Sabrina holds a BA from New York University in Economic Development and Public Policy and is fluent in French, Filipino, and Spanish.
- Mahesh Yagnaraman, Country Director, Acumen India
Mr. Mahesh Yagnaraman is the India Country Director since January 2018, where he leads investing, business development and Acumen Academy for India. He has been an entrepreneur, CEO and strategic professional with over thirty years of experience spanning varied roles and functions across continents. Mahesh's understanding of how a product could change the lives of the poor translated to a deep commitment to the social impact sector, and he has followed the development of this space closely and served as an advisor to various social entrepreneurs and firms. Prior to Acumen, Mahesh founded First Energy Private, Ltd., an alternative energy company, which he led as the CEO and Managing Director from 2009. Before that, he ran BP's biomass energy venture which sold cook-stoves and biomass fuel pellets to low-income consumers. When BP decided to spin off the company, Mahesh took over the business, pivoting the business several times and ultimately succeeded in building one of the most successful alternative energy companies in India, specializing in commercial biomass cooking solutions. In 2017, First Energy was acquired by Thermax Limited. He also worked in Marketing for BP & Castrol India, and for ten years with Unilever in roles that spanned multiple functions across continents. Mahesh has a degree in Economics from Delhi University and an MBA from XLRI, Jamshedpur. For his entrepreneurship and work, Mahesh was conferred the honour of Distinguished Alumnus by XLRI in 2015.
- Aniket Doegar, CEO & Co-Founder, Haqdarshak
Aniket Doegar (he/him) is the CEO and co-founder of HESPL (Haqdarshak Empowerment Solutions Private Limited), a social impact organization working on easing access to welfare. An alumnus of SRCC, Delhi, Aniket first started out in the development sector as a TFI (Teach for India) Fellow. Over the course of the last 12 years, he has co-founded non-profits and various other organizations in this space. Recently, he was also an Acumen and Unreasonable fellow. In 2019 he was recognised under Forbes 30 under 30 Asia cohort. For the last 7 years, Aniket has been leading the Haqdarshak team with his passionate drive for creating impact at scale. Aniket was also on the advisory board of Teach for India and is currently a board of trustee at the YP foundation. - Shriti Pandey, Founder, Strawcture
Shriti Pandey is a Civil & Construction Management Professional from New York University and Founder of Strawcture, India's first Carbon Negative engineered panel. She is an Acumen, Echoing Green , GP Birla Ananta Aspen fellow and Former 30U30 Asia 2021 under Manufacturing Segment. She is a TedX Speaker , United Nations Social Impact Challenge Award Winner and 1 of the 10 global circularity based startups in the Respond Accelerator by BMW Foundation. At Strawcture their vision is to convert alternative waste streams into carbon offsetting building materials to convert buildings into carbon sinks from being the biggest polluters. - Gayatri Jolly, CEO & Founder, MasterG and Daughters
Gayatri Jolly is the Founder and CEO of MasterG. She has designed MasterG’s Breaking Patterns® Pedagogy and is building an equitable world for every woman who wants to make their mark in the apparel sector by giving them design based skill education to break the patterns of unjust and societal prejudices. Before establishing MasterG, she has also worked with Fena Pvt. Ltd. (Family Business).
