At Walden University, we believe that knowledge is most valuable when put to use for the greater good. All of us are deeply committed to improving the human and social condition by creating ideas—and then applying them—to advance society as a whole. For 40 years, the heart of our mission has centered around three words: positive social change.
The great anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Today, we are privileged to be joined by someone who has, along with a small group of colleagues, changed the world.
Dr. Cheryl Dorsey’s career has focused on driving positive social change through social entrepreneurship and public policy. In 1992, while studying to be a pediatrician at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Dorsey launched the Family Van, a community-based mobile health unit providing basic healthcare and outreach services in inner city Boston. The program served more than 1,200 residents in its first year and has grown to support more than 7,000 residents annually, particularly at-risk populations.
A decade after launching the Family Van, Dr. Dorsey became the first Echoing Green Fellow to lead the global nonprofit. She describes this organization as a cadre of committed social change agents who are leading a quiet revolution to end such afflictions as poverty, homelessness, and educational inequity. That quiet revolution can be heard around the world, from Tanzania to Israel to India and right here in Minnesota.
Since its inception, Echoing Green has awarded more than $28 million in start-up capital to more than 470 social entrepreneurs. This year’s fellows are working to prevent anemia-related infant deaths, promoting socially responsible food enterprises, and providing services to Iraqi refugees, to name just a few of their bold initiatives.
Dr. Dorsey, who was named one of America’s Best Leaders by U.S. News & World Report last year, is also a public policy innovator. Prior to her leadership role with Echoing Green, she served as a White House Fellow advising the Clinton administration on healthcare, family-friendly workplace policies, and other issues. She would later serve as special assistant to the director of the Women’s Bureau of the U.S. Labor Department, where she spearheaded the labor secretary’s pay equity initiative.
For her commitment to public service, she has received a number of prestigious awards including the John C. Whitehead Social Enterprise Award, Pfizer Roerig History of Medicine Award, the Robert Kennedy Distinguished Public Service Award, and the Manuel C. Carballo Memorial Prize. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Science from Harvard-Radcliffe Colleges, a Medical Doctorate from the Harvard Medical School, and a Master of Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government.
I am told one of the mantras of Echoing Green is that “social change starts here.” I would say that Dr. Dorsey clearly embodies this sentiment, having committed herself to promoting positive change throughout her career.
Dr. Dorsey, in honor of your dedication to driving change and providing opportunities through public policy and social entrepreneurship and your extraordinary impact on our nation, Walden University proudly presents to you the Presidential Award for Leadership in Social Change.
We are so honored to have you join us on this special occasion and may your words inspire many of our graduates today and for years to come. Please join me in thanking and welcoming Dr. Cheryl Dorsey.