Penelope Douglas
Bio
Prior to joining Th Hub | SOCAP, Penelope Douglas founded and served as CEO of Pacific Community Ventures. PCV, a nonprofit whose mission is to invest human, intellectual and financial capital in small businesses for the benefit of economically underserved communities, has helped to create more than 5,000 jobs for lower-income workers at 250 small businesses throughout California. Penelope was additionally a partner in Pacific Community Ventures LLC, with $60 million of committed capital.
For nearly three decades, Penelope has applied her strategic acumen and dedication to social change for organizations such as Morrison & Foerster, Odwalla, Ernst & Young, New Mexico Community Capital, Wells Fargo, San Francisco's Larkin Street Youth Center, Friends of the Urban Forest Juma Ventures, and more. She's been featured by media outlets such as the New York Times, NPR, San Francisco Chronicle and California magazine, which includes recognition as a pioneer of compassionate capitalism, and a Robert A. McNeeley Trailblazer Award winner.
In addition to being a leader of social change, Penelope is an athlete who has competed in ultra marathons and Ironman distance triathlons, and an artist whose paintings and drawings have been exhibited publicly. Penelope is a native of California and a graduate of Smith College
All Penelope's Posts:
Penelope Douglas says:
There is a fast growing social enterprise sector in South Korea with strong leadership including that of Jae-Gu Kim, President of the agency. For those new to impact investing and social enterprise, this is a great model to look at. Shared learning with French partners Groupe SOS , passionate leadership, and focused...In Reference To:
Job-creation Type < Korea Social Enterprise Promotion Agency
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Philanthropy is not going away; it remains a critical component of investing for lasting social and economic impact. For those new to SOCAP, exploration of the next stage of philanthropy is a key theme.In Reference To:
Bringing community philanthropy to the next stage | .
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The Rise of the D.I.Y. Economy | BALLE - Business Alliance for Local Living Economies
Penelope Douglas says:
Microfinance is one of the most developed areas of investing for both economic and social impact. It's therefore a good place to start if you are new to SOCAP and impact investing. Microplace offers an excellent primer on the history and some of the debates related to microfinance.In Reference To:
MicroPlace: Microfinance can fight poverty | Investments that make you proud.
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For many of us, particularly those new to conversations about social entrepreneurship, it's important to come to our own terms with the definition of a social entrepreneur. In my series of introductory posts, I will feature a few articles that grapple with the definition- as well as the drive- of social...In Reference To:
Define Social Entrepreneurs by Their Impact, Not Their Income Strategy - Forbes
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For anyone new to impact investing and the principles of social enterprise, this is an excellent glossary. Like many fields, ours is full of acronyms and terms. Speaking a common language is critical to any major sea change.In Reference To:
Defining a Conscious Economy: A Glossary of Sustainability Acronyms and Terms
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As many will recall, Jane was on the main stage at SOCAP11. The audience including me loved her. What else is happening in the intersection between gaming and social change? I know that another social entrepreneur, Stéphane Buthaud, from HumanoGames ,will be at SOCAP:Designing the Future. I am keen to hear his...In Reference To:
Jane McGonigal, Designer of SuperBetter, Moves Games Deeper Into Daily Life - NYTimes.com
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In 2013 non-accredited investors (those not at the income level to meet accredited investor requirements) will also be able to participate in crowdfunding as a means to invest in small enterprises. This represents a tremendous opportunity for individuals to invest locally, and to remain close to their investments. It...In Reference To:
$1,000 and a Click: Buying Stock the Crowdfunding Way - Businessweek
Penelope Douglas says:
Living Cities realized that one of the missing ingredients was an organization which served as an enabler of the tight networks within each of these cities. The HUB model is one which is expanding in cities throughout the US, and is a potential answer to the place to access the tight networks critical to successful...In Reference To:
Living Cities
Penelope Douglas says:
At SOCAP last year attendees will remember a spirited discussion about SIB's at the closing main stage panel. Social Impact Bonds are complex, and require strong intermediaries, among other factors for success. The discussion about SIB"s is important I think because it is pushing the question of how to better align...In Reference To: