Join us for NY+acumen's second Spark! fundraiser on Thursday, June 28th. The format of the evening will be a Ted-like conference featuring four inspiring individuals who are igniting change around the world followed by a reception with appetizers and wine. This year's speakers are:

Paul Rieckhoff  – Founder and Executive Director of IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America)

IAVA is the country's first and largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It focuses on building the next greatest generation with a three-pronged model based on advocacy, awareness, and assistance.

Dee Poku – Founder of the WIE Network

The WIE Network is a new dynamic woman’s conference and community aimed at delivering social change, and inspiring and empowering a new generation of women leaders and advocates. 

Alfa Demmelash – Co-Founder and CEO of Rising Tide Capital

Rising Tide Capital is a nonprofit microenterprise development organization that supports underservedentrepreneurs in the low-income urban communities of Northern New Jersey.

Adam Braun  – Founder of Pencils of Promise

Pencils of Promise is a nonprofit organization that focuses on building strong structures and sustainable education programs; they have opened more than 50 schools around the world and delivered over 1.5 million educational hours in just over three years.

In addition to these four innovative leaders, the event will be attended by Acumen Fund Partners, staff, alumni, former Fellows, and a host of new faces passionate about Acumen Fund’s mission and looking to find their own unique path to changing the world. New York for Acumen events always attract a diverse group, from bankers to techies and artists to activists, and are a great opportunity to network and draw inspiration.

Two years ago, NY for Acumen hosted the first Spark event on the topic of “Igniting change in an interconnected world”. Chris Hughes, Sarah Kay, Gretchen Rubin, and Jawad Aslam headlined the event and shared stories about sparking change in their own lives and professions.  The evening was a wonderful success and left a strong impression on the attendees. You can see video footage of the event here. 

We expect an equally thought-provoking evening of powerful stories and meaningful connections, and we hope that you will able to join us. 

Event Details:

What: Spark! New Leadership for a New World

When: Thursday June 28th; Doors open at 6:30pm (Speakers will begin promptly at 7:00pm), Reception to follow

Where: Instituto Cervantes - 211 E. 49th St @ 3rd avenue

Food & Wine sponsors:  Beecher's Cheese, Kopali Chocolates, Crisp Hummus, and beer & wine sponsored by Bib + Tuck.

All proceeds from ticket sales above the cost of hosting the event will go directly to Acumen Fund.

Tickets are non-refundable.

Can't attend but still want to contribute? Make a tax-deductible donation to Acumen Fund here.

We look forward to seeing you,

- The NY+acumen Leadership Team

Sponsors: