Reflections on my Impact Learning Journey
by Chantal Esperance
As part of this new series, we have the Fellows share their own voices on how the program has impacted their work. Check out this post from Chantal Esperance Atinya, who is a grad student in Kenya studying about resource management and working in Environment Health and Safety. Chantal is from Ethiopia and is an amazing addition to our global cohort of future impact leaders. Connect with her on LinkedIn
Learn more here - https://www.neiii.org/thefellowship
““Impact investing is not just a career path; it’s a commitment to driving meaningful change in our communities.” ”
Reflecting on my journey through the Impact Investing Fellowship, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and a profound sense of growth. This fellowship has been nothing short of transformative, opening doors to invaluable knowledge and skills in impact investing and sustainable finance, within the global context which is relatable to the African context.
From the very start, the fellowship plunged us into the deep end of investment landscapes, financial planning, and fintech. Navigating through sessions like "Navigating the Investment Landscape" and "Investing Unveiled: Equities, Debt, and Beyond!" provided a robust foundation in the financial industry, helping me understand the nuances of equity securities, debt instruments, and the overarching financial ecosystem. These sessions were not just informative but also thrilling, giving me the confidence to engage with complex financial concepts.
BLAISE Learning Week
Learning from industry stalwarts like Jaylen Spann, Nakia Maddox, and Marcela Pinilla was particularly enlightening. Their sessions during the BLAISE Learning Week from the Croatan were a treasure trove of insights. Jaylen Spann’s discussions on affirmative action and shareholder advocacy underscored the importance of intentional diversity within corporations. Nakia Maddox's deep dive into ESG investment management highlighted the significance of aligning impact with investment goals across various asset classes. It was a lightbulb moment for me, realizing how interconnected and vital these aspects are for sustainable finance.
One of the most memorable parts of this journey was the emphasis on diversity and inclusion. The session "BIPOC Professionals Making Impact" showcased the invaluable contributions of individuals from diverse backgrounds. As a young Kenyan woman passionate about climate change, conservation, and ESG, this resonated deeply with me. It was inspiring to see how representation and equity are critical for driving change in the finance industry. I am more determined than ever to foster an inclusive environment in my work as an Environmentalist, where we strive to integrate these values into our environmental strategies.
Online Platforms and Communities
The Diversity in Sustainability platform has also been an exciting and essential part of my experience. It has provided a vibrant community where ideas and best practices are shared, further enriching my understanding and commitment to sustainable development.
The practical case studies, like the DEI Health case from Boston Impact Initiative, were game-changers. They provided real-world applications of impact investing principles, showing how cultural competency training can lead to improved healthcare outcomes. This practical approach reinforced the potential of impact investing to drive social change and improve lives.
Networking was another cornerstone of the fellowship. Interacting with a diverse cohort of fellows and participating in sessions with global impact leaders expanded my professional network. It felt like being part of a vibrant community committed to making a difference. These connections are invaluable, and I look forward to leveraging this network in my future endeavors. I have built friendships from the fellowship cohort, and we are already building partnerships to conquer this field together all thanks to NEIII.
Balancing the fellowship with my professional and personal responsibilities was challenging but rewarding. It required effective time management and dedication. However, these challenges facilitated personal growth, teaching me resilience and the importance of perseverance in pursuing impactful work. The fellowship's aspect of having data compiled in one central location has been incredibly helpful. Big thanks to Stephen for ensuring a seamless flow of the database as well as communication channels. Catching up on sessions I missed and revisiting documentation and recordings for reference has made the learning process smoother and more efficient.
Next Steps - Professional Development
My current aspirations to grow as an Environmentalist, exploring the mining sector vis-à-vis conservation in Africa, have greatly benefited from the knowledge gained through this fellowship. The insights on climate finance and ESG have informed my long-term strategies for sustainable management and waste reduction. I now have a clearer vision of how to implement these principles in future projects, contributing to the sustainable development of our operations.
The fellowship also deepened my understanding of climate justice investing and the urgent need for ecological solutions to climate change. This aligns perfectly with my post-graduate studies in climate change adaptation at the University of Nairobi. The emphasis on the economics of climate change and the importance of transitioning to a low-carbon economy has further fueled my passion for climate finance.
Through this NEIII fellowship, I discovered other exciting opportunities within the same space that I am now a part of. The Oikos Leap researchers program is profound, and the Net Impact Boston (NIB) mentorship sessions have been incredibly informative since we commenced. These programs have further enriched my understanding and provided additional platforms for growth and impact.
In conclusion, the Impact Investing Fellowship has been a pivotal experience, providing a platform to connect with industry experts, engage in meaningful discussions, and gain valuable insights. I am immensely grateful for this opportunity and excited to apply what I have learned in my career. I highly recommend early career professionals interested in advancing in climate finance, impact investing, ESG, and sustainability to apply for the upcoming cohorts. The benefits are invaluable, offering a wealth of knowledge even if you're not yet an expert in finance. As I continue my journey, I am committed to driving sustainable change and contributing to the growth of impact investing in Africa and beyond.
Professional Profile – Chantal Esperance
