Social Venture Partners Dallas

🌟 Reflecting on bigBANG! 2024, we’re filled with gratitude for everyone who made it a success. Each presenter and attendee brought incredible energy, creating a space where meaningful dialogue and connection could thrive. A huge thank you to our sponsors—without you, none of this would have been possible. 🙏 Your support is the backbone of bigBANG, empowering us to spotlight innovation, inspire impact, and keep this movement going strong. From the insights shared to the relationships built, this conference is only the beginning. #bigBANG2024 #ThankYouSponsors #DoGoodBetter

#ImpactInvesting Day at #bigBANG2024 brought together inspiring leaders on local social impact. Benjamin J. Vann of Impact Ventures and Amelia Nickerson from First Step Staffing shared how market-driven solutions can empower communities and drive economic resilience. Benjamin reflected on SVP’s role, saying, “SVP continues to champion innovative and market-based solutions to address our region’s challenges. I’m honored to stand on the work that SVP does to help uplift our residents.” ✨ Salah Boukadoum, founder of Impact City Initiative, offered three principles of impact investing. First, impact must be directly linked to the capital invested, not the enterprise's general community impact. Second, while impact investing can yield financial returns, the primary goal is to identify and scale sustainable solutions. Third, early investments should be cautious to avoid compromising future impact, using grants for initial risk and development. Carlos Martinez, Director of the SMU Impact Lab, discussed the lab's mission to foster entrepreneurial action and impact investing among students. The lab, supported by the Roger Philip Foundation, educates students on impact businesses and sustainable development goals. Together, these voices underscored the potential for change through strategic investment and partnership. #DoGoodBetter

The theme of day 2 at #bigBANG 2024 was #ImpactInvesting. At the beautiful Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Co-chairs Donovan Ervin (SVP Dallas Partner) and Michael Iyescas (Fossil Group, Inc.) kicked things off, bringing energy and heart to the room. Reflecting on the day, they emphasized core themes—purpose, love, and the beauty of imperfection. “The conference this year is focused on exploring our humanity in the face of great, technological, societal, political, cultural and even psychological change. And how do we hold on to our humanity, not only hold on to it, but deepen it and add further into it.” - Donovan Ervin

Thinking back on the incredible finish to the first day of bigBANG 2024! As the first day of the conference came to a close, we were treated to a performance from Dallas Youth Poet Laureate Naisha Randhar #bigBANG2024

We are so glad that you could join us!! So much hard work and dedication go into these events, we appreciate the affirmation!

🌍 Driving Equity in Impact Investing: Insights from Cynthia Muller and Donovan Ervin at bigBANG! 2024 🌍 At bigBANG! 2024, Cynthia Muller of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and Donovan Ervin, SVP Dallas Partner, shared transformative insights on equity-focused investing. Muller’s journey, inspired by her work with Alaska Native healthcare, underscored how culturally responsive strategies create meaningful change. Today, she leads W.K. Kellogg’s efforts to build equity by embedding racial awareness into investment decisions. Muller and Ervin reminded us that impact investing goes beyond returns—it’s about empowering communities and creating lasting impact. #ImpactInvesting #bigBANG2024

🎉 Celebrating Innovation at bigBANG! 2024's Fast Pitch Competition 🎉 The Fast Pitch Competition at #bigBANG2024 highlighted innovation, passion, and solutions addressing some of the most pressing community challenges. Each finalist brought insights and actionable strategies to the stage, ranging from affordable housing and disability support to college access and self-sufficiency. The $25,000 investment award went to Trailblazer, represented by Jeff Cott, for its work in rebuilding community capital to expand college access for first-generation students. Trailblazer is committed to creating new pathways to higher education, helping underserved students realize their potential by providing the support and resources they need to succeed. This investment will enable Trailblazer to further develop its programs and extend its reach, paving the way for a more equitable future in education. In addition to the grand prize, each of the other inspiring finalists received a $1,000 grant from Opus Faveo Innovation Development to support their impactful work: Dr. Michael Barnes 🏡 presented Viva Benefits, a network of affordable housing designed to foster resident stability and well-being. By offering essential resident benefits, Viva not only supports individuals but strengthens communities Vahid Behzadi introduced Pocket Case Manager, Inc. an innovative mobile tool revolutionizing disability case management. Pocket’s user-friendly design empowers both individuals with disabilities and case managers, making it easier to access resources, track progress, and ensure a higher quality of support Cece Rockwell, with SelfSuffi showcased a mission to empower individuals with the tools and resources needed to achieve self-sufficiency. By emphasizing the potential within every person, SelfSuffi is inspiring transformation at the individual and community levels. These awards celebrate not only the innovative ideas of each finalist but also their dedication to creating positive change. We congratulate Trailblazer on winning the top prize and all of the finalists for their contributions and vision for the future. Congratulations to all competitors for the incredible work they are doing! 👏 Tony Fleo, Heather Gilker, John Dupree, Jasmine Rashid, Vartan Indjeian, John Block, David Evans

“The money myths end here. We don’t need to choose between creating wealth for ourselves and supporting movements for a better tomorrow. Financial activism shows us how to do both.” -Jasmine Rashid, author of The Financial Activist Playbook At bigBANG! 2024, financial activism took center stage, featuring a conversation between Jasmine Rashid and Krys Boyd, host of KERA’s Think. This discussion, part of a live recording for the Think radio program, shed light on the transformative power of money in building a more equitable economy. #bigBANG2024 #FinancialActivism

Capping off our first day of bigBANG! 2024, a panel of thoughtful leaders took the main stage to explore the intersection of soul, society, and technology. Moderated by Robert Hunt, Director of Global Theological Education at Perkins School of Theology - SMU, the discussion reflected on how our shared humanity—empathy, creativity, and the need for connection—guides us through an ever-changing, increasingly digital world. Panelists Rev. Dr. Irie L. Session (CEO of DreamBig Coaching & Consulting), Rev. Mitchell Boone (Senior Pastor at First United Methodist Church), Chris Duffy (Comedian, Television Writer, and Radio/Podcast Host), and Naisha Randhar (Youth Poet Laureate of Dallas) shared thoughtful perspectives on how we can stay grounded and connected in the face of rapid technological and societal shifts. The conversation sparked meaningful reflection on what it means to be human in today’s world. #bigBANG2024

The breakout sessions from day #1 of bigBANG! 2024 offered from a diverse panel of speakers who shared their expertise on economics, design, and future values. Cullum Clark, Director of the Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative, presented "An Economist’s Perspective," challenging us to rethink economics as a human-centered discipline that reveals both the challenges and potential of our world. Jessica Burnham, Director of Design and Innovation Programs at Southern Methodist University, led an engaging session on "Human-Centered Design for Social Impact," demonstrating how creative problem-solving can drive meaningful, real-world change. Mark C. Hand, Assistant Professor at The University of Texas at Arlington, discussed the "Future of Work," exploring how evolving work patterns and technology will reshape the workforce. Casey Rogers, Advisor at Daughters for Earth, explored "New Values for the 21st Century," asking how nature and future generations can guide us in adapting our value systems for modern challenges. Did you attend one of these breakout sessions? What was your biggest takeaway? Share your thoughts! #bigBANG2024