# Center for Sustainable Business Hosts Panel Discussion on Impact Investing in the Creative Economy

*![From left to right: Sophie Rifkin, Sam Marks, Laura Callanan, Ward Wolff, Anna-Marie Wascher and Brian Murray](http://www.stern.nyu.edu/sites/default/files/assets/images/CSB-CreativeEconomy-Body.jpg)
From left to right: Sophie Rifkin, Sam Marks, Laura Callanan, Ward Wolff, Anna-Marie Wascher and Brian Murray*

On Wednesday, Nov. 28, NYU Stern’s [Center for Sustainable Business](http://www.stern.nyu.edu/experience-stern/about/departments-centers-initiatives/centers-of-research/center-sustainable-business) hosted a panel discussion entitled, “Impact Investing in the Creative Economy.” Moderated by Stern alumnus Ward Wolff (MBA '17), senior associate, Upstart Co-Lab, the panel featured several industry experts, including: - Laura Callanan, founding partner, Upstart Co-Lab
- Sam Marks, executive director, New York City Office of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation
- Brian Murray, co-founder, Shift Capital
- Anna-Marie Wascher, founder and CEO, Flat World Partners

> Great to have [@NYUStern](https://twitter.com/NYUStern?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) alum Ward Wolff from [@UpstartCoLab](https://twitter.com/UpstartCoLab?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) back to campus to moderate a conversation on impact investing in the creative economy! [pic.twitter.com/nl6jZ0Z2up](https://t.co/nl6jZ0Z2up)
>
> — NYUSternCSB (@NYUSternCSB) [November 28, 2018](https://twitter.com/NYUSternCSB/status/1067926351200555010?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

The panelists explored the intersection of impact investing and the creative economy, with a focus on how a thriving creative economy can offer an on-ramp to economic opportunity and quality jobs in low-income communities in New York City and Philadelphia. They underscored the value and opportunities that the creative economy presents: - $12 trillion of assets under management in the US – 25% of all investable assets – are aligned to be socially responsible and to drive impact.
- 85% of millennial investors are focused on doing well financially while doing good in the world.
- Increasingly millennial investors – like other impact investors – seek to advance diversity, equity and inclusion through their investments.The creative economy is driving jobs and economic growth across the US.
- Media, entertainment, fashion & apparel, design, food and more already contribute $763 billion to the nation’s economy representing 4.2% of US GDP.

> Excited to kick off tonight’s “Impact Investing in the Creative Economy” event, hosted by [@NYUSternCSB](https://twitter.com/NYUSternCSB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)! [pic.twitter.com/4eQ1v3Ys5V](https://t.co/4eQ1v3Ys5V)
>
> — NYU Stern (@NYUStern) [November 28, 2018](https://twitter.com/NYUStern/status/1067925542882684929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Following the discussion, the panelists took questions from the audience.

For more information, please visit the [Center's website](http://www.stern.nyu.edu/experience-stern/about/departments-centers-initiatives/centers-of-research/center-sustainable-business).

Research Center Events

— 11/28/2018

![](/sites/default/files/styles/480w/public/assets/images/kmc-flags-close.jpg?itok=JVd0fApq)## Learn more

- [NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business](http://www.stern.nyu.edu/experience-stern/about/departments-centers-initiatives/centers-of-research/center-sustainable-business)