Jacqueline Novogratz
About Jacqueline Novogratz
Jacqueline Novogratz is the Founder and CEO of Acumen, a nonprofit organization focused on addressing poverty through philanthropic investments. She is an accomplished author and speaker, recognized for her contributions to social entrepreneurship and global thought leadership.
Work at Acumen
Jacqueline Novogratz has served as the Founder and CEO of Acumen since its establishment in 2001. Under her leadership, Acumen has focused on investing philanthropic patient capital in entrepreneurs who are addressing poverty. The organization has invested over $132 million in 136 companies across various continents. Acumen was recognized as one of Fast Company’s Top 10 Most Innovative Not-for-Profit Companies in 2015, reflecting its impact in the social enterprise sector.
Education and Expertise
Jacqueline Novogratz holds an MBA from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business and a BA in Economics and International Relations from the University of Virginia. Her educational background has equipped her with the skills necessary for her work in social entrepreneurship and investment. She has also been involved in various philanthropic boards and advisory councils, enhancing her expertise in social impact and business ethics.
Achievements
Jacqueline Novogratz has received numerous accolades for her contributions to social entrepreneurship. She was listed among the world’s 100 Greatest Living Business Minds by Forbes in 2017 and is a recipient of the Forbes 400 Lifetime Achievement Award for Social Entrepreneurship. Additionally, she has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Global Thinkers by Foreign Policy and named one of the 25 Smartest People of the Decade by the Daily Beast.
Authorship and Speaking Engagements
Jacqueline Novogratz is the author of two New York Times best-selling books: 'The Blue Sweater: Bridging the Gap between Rich and Poor' and 'Manifesto for a Moral Revolution.' She is also a sought-after speaker, frequently presenting at influential forums such as TED and the Aspen Ideas Festival. Her writings and talks focus on bridging the gap between wealth and poverty and the importance of moral leadership in business.
Early Career and Founding of Duterimbere
Before founding Acumen, Jacqueline Novogratz quit her job on Wall Street in 1986 to co-found Rwanda’s first microfinance institution, Duterimbere. This early experience in microfinance laid the groundwork for her future endeavors in social entrepreneurship and investment, ultimately leading to the establishment of Acumen.