Corporate Philanthropy Cohort: Making the Case

Corporate social impact leaders are masters of balancing operations and vision. While keeping programs running, you must also plan and prepare for expanding impact in the future, often while being asked to do more with less. Success in doing all this is fueled by how effectively you can advocate internally. This interactive session will break down the steps involved in building a compelling argument.

Join us to learn about the key elements to include in “making your case,” including ways to fast-track searching for sources that reinforce your case and how to communicate the ask. Creating a strong proposal requires a blend of research, data, and messaging, and our expert speaker, Carmen Perez, Founder and Chief Impact Officer of Better Next, LLC, will dive into all aspects. Attendees will also engage in group discussions, so come prepared to connect with your peers.

Lunch will be provided.

Target Audience

This program is designed for Catalyst members who work in corporate philanthropy. If you are interested in Catalyst membership, please contact [email protected].

Catalyst is committed to making our events accessible to everyone. Please let us know how we can help you fully participate by contacting [email protected]. 

Speakers

Carmen Perez, MPA | Founder and Chief Impact Officer | Better Next, LLC.

Carmen Perez is an impact sector renaissance woman with 20 years of experience in the business of change. She has advised hundreds of corporate changemakers on their strategy, measurement, and partnerships helping them loosen tight challenges and level up their results. She’s gone from Analyst to Senior Director and from Community Organizer to CEO; Carmen is a seer with rolled-up-sleeves.

After working at six organizations under twelve titles on her professional journey, she became her own boss in 2021 as Founder and Chief Impact Officer of Better Next, LLC. She is prolific in mastering diverse methods to catalyze change including research, consulting, networking building, metrics and data, and direct service. In research, she authored or contributed to over 15 thought leadership reports. In consulting, she provided over 6,000 hours of expertise to corporate leaders from Campbell Soup Co., Chevron, Discovery Education, Impossible Foods, Intel, Regeneron, USAA, and more. In network building, she launched and facilitated a global network of 15 peer organizations. In metrics and data, she gathered stakeholder input for and designed an S in ESG metric used by the World Economic Forum’s Common Metrics: Measuring Stakeholder Capitalism. In raising awareness, she presented at more than 50 in-person and virtual events. In direct service: she started her career in nonprofit financial counseling and microcredit, including launching and serving as founding CEO of a community-based credit union.

Carmen holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) in Nonprofit Financial Management from the NYU Wagner School of Public Service and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in International Studies, Political Science, and French from the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh.