Penn State Net Impact
Through speakers, workshops, field trips, panels, and discussion meetings, PSNI focuses on a collaborative learning environment where all members help educate each other. The role of the Board of Officers is to facilitate this learning and cultivate relationships with professionals and organizations in the business world. We discuss topics related to social entrepreneurship, socially responsible investing, sustainable supply chains, sustainable growth and development, corporate citizenship, social marketing, green building, and community economic development. PSNI is also focused on innovation as a means to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the business world. We are dedicated to empowering students with the spirit of innovation and an interest in new venture creation, as sustainability and entrepreneurship are often complementary.
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Officer Bio
Isaac Ogaldez, President
Isaac, double-majored in California State University, Northridge (CSUN), with degrees in Finance and Management. Through his involvement in CSUN's student government, he helped establish a sustainability center for the local community. Before joining Smeal, Isaac worked in entertainment as an accountant with Ticketmaster and United Talent Agency. During this period, he volunteered for nonprofits like Heal the Bay, and OVERDUE Cleanup Crew. In this role, Isaac plans on expanding student opportunities regarding networking, education, and helping the local community. He believes that through innovation and knowledge, each individual can be a sustainable leader in whatever career they pursue.
Kärin Strom, VP of Operations
Kärin Strom is the VP of Operations for Net Impact. She has over 11 years of experience leading organizations in capacity-building practices and has spent 7+ years working internationally in education and international development collaborating with local stakeholders in Japan and Guyana, South America on successful education projects. Most recently, Kärin has worked in disability advocacy and higher education implementing best practices in organizational efficiency, communication strategy and crisis response. Kärin earned a Communications and Peace Studies degree at Whitworth University in Spokane, WA and plans to apply her future MBA to brand management for a more inclusive, sustainable world. Kärin enjoys being outdoors in nature hiking, kayaking, and snowshoeing. She is a lifelong learner with a curiosity that has driven her growth as a yoga practitioner and instructor.
Christine Borton, VP of Finance
Christine Borton is the VP of Finance for Net Impact. She attended The College of New Jersey where she majored in marketing with concentrations in sustainability and global business. Her experience prior to arrival at Smeal was volunteering as a Community Business Advisor for Peace Corps Panama and working in systems operations and marketing for the Philadelphia based start-up Verif-y. She plans to use her MBA to work in Corporate Social Responsibility and is passionate about working towards a more sustainable future, specifically in the business world. In her free time Christine enjoys hiking, traveling, trying new things and spending time with close friends.