IN THIS POST
When I moved to the United States almost a year ago, I was filled with anticipation and a sense of adventure. For the first time, I had the chance to immerse myself in a professional environment outside of my home country.
Then, this summer, I got the incredible opportunity to join the REDF Farber Fellow program and work in the impact investing sector — an area I have been passionate about for a long time. My Farber summer provided hands-on professional experience and exposure to impact measurement strategy, but also left me with important personal lessons learned for working in a new sector and geography.
Quantifying Social Impact: A New Standard
Weld Seattle is an employment social enterprise dedicated to providing housing, employment, and training opportunities for individuals exiting incarceration, and making a significant difference throughout Washington State. Given their work, Weld has often been asked to share and quantify the social impact of their initiatives.
My role as a Farber Fellow was to help Weld think through the right impact measurement strategy and develop something similar to a Social Return on Investment (SROI) model. This involved answering key questions, such as “What is the best way to quantify the dollar value of the benefit to society created by Weld’s housing, employment, and training programs?” I sought to highlight the tangible benefits Weld provides and to develop strategies that would effectively communicate this value to stakeholders.
Working on the impact measurement project was a highlight of my summer. By developing tools to measure and articulate their impact, we are setting a new standard for how ESEs can communicate their success and immense potential to make a difference. For Weld, this now includes quantifying the economic impact of each person they employ and the community impact of their participants’ long-term success. By equipping ESEs with the means to articulate their impact, we are not just supporting them today but ensuring their sustainability and success in the future.
Challenges and Growth in a New Environment
Working in a new geography and sector has been a learning curve for me. I have had to adjust to a different work culture, work to understand the unique needs of the local community, and navigate the complexities of impact measurement.
However, working to overcome these challenges has been incredibly rewarding. Each obstacle was a chance to learn something new, and each lesson learned was a step towards greater personal and professional growth. Leveraging my past experiences to navigate these challenges has been fulfilling — and has reinforced my belief in the value of cross-sector and cross-geographical experiences.
Finding Inspiration and a Forward Vision in a Mission-Driven Community
One of the most rewarding aspects of my time at REDF has been the opportunity to work with a team of like-minded, mission-driven individuals. They have been a source of constant inspiration.
The enthusiasm, patience, and positivity that my fellow Farber fellows and Weld Seattle team members brought to the table were contagious. Every meeting and brainstorming session was filled with a shared commitment to excellence and a desire to drive real, lasting change. This collaborative spirit not only made the work enjoyable but also elevated the outcomes we could achieve together.
I am deeply grateful to the REDF Farber Fellow program for providing me with this opportunity. This experience has not only enriched my understanding of impact investing but has also clarified my career goals, strengthening my resolve to contribute meaningfully to this field.
I look forward to continuing my journey, using my skills and experiences to create a more inclusive and impactful world. As I move forward, I carry with me the lessons learned, the relationships built, and the commitment to communicate the profound value of social impact.
Together, we can make a difference that matters.
— Written by Ray Ren, MBA Candidate, The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
