When Kristin Resnansky called me in 2004, I had no idea that a partnership would ensue and we would create Echoing Green’s Social Investment Council together. Just out of business school and working for a hedge fund, Kristin was eager to bring her commitment to social change into her life before the daily grind swept her away. In the first year, we had eleven members and one bar night. Now, we have over fifty outstanding members who volunteer, coach, and guide our work, a long waiting list, and a gala-like event that is only two days away.

At Thursday’s event, we are honoring bold luminaries from every sector, including Chancellor Joel Klein who oversees over 1,400 New York City Schools and 1.1 million students. His Children First reforms have introduced alternative programs, practices, and structures that fostering success for our city’s children. And there’s 1998 Echoing Green Fellow Vikram Akula, founder of SKS Microfinance. SKS Microfinance offers small loans to impoverished women in India.  In just over a decade, it has become the fastest growing microfinance institution in the world. Having loaned over $354 million dollars to 1 million women in 15 states across India, SKS has amassed an impressive 161 percent portfolio growth rate and 98 percent on-time repayment rate. We are also honoring the bold hedge fund founder Richard L. Chilton who has both built a successful firm and devoted a large portion of his time and expertise to social causes near to his heart.

If you are in New York, we hope that you can attend. It will be a fun, inspiring night for all.