Walden University’s 2009 Social Change Conference to Focus on Social Entrepreneurship

Minneapolis—September 28, 2009—The social entrepreneurial spirit has become established in recent years, with individuals crossing traditional boundaries in the government, corporate, education and nonprofit sectors to address pressing needs. Walden University’s fifth annual Social Change Conference, Social Entrepreneurship: Taking Action, Leading Change, will focus on the success stories of social innovators and the new partnerships springing up to lead change in our country and around the world.

The conference will take place on Wednesday, September 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., and will be webcast live at 9 a.m. Eastern, and again at 2 p.m. Eastern.

Noted speakers at the conference will include:

• Michele Jolin, Senior Advisor for Social Innovation for the Domestic Policy Council, The White House, presenting Government’s Role in Partnering with Social Entrepreneurs
• Dr. Cheryl Dorsey, President, Echoing Green, presenting Be a Social Change Agent Through Cross-Sector Collaboration

In an interactive panel discussion, Perspectives from the Front Lines of Social Entrepreneurship, social innovators and experts will share ways to identify social needs and strategies for launching successful organizations. The panel, moderated by Peter Kannam, Executive Director, New Leaders for New Schools, Maryland, will feature:

• David Bornstein, author, How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas
• Anthony Jewett, founder, Bardoli Global, a non-profit organization that promotes study abroad for minority students
• Dr. Kathia Laszlo and Dr. John Nirenberg, Walden faculty members

“Making a positive social impact has never been more important than it is today,” said Jonathan Kaplan, president of Walden University. “We are confident that the leading social entrepreneurs speaking at this year’s Social Change Conference will inspire many more to create new organizations that bring about change.”

The Social Change Conference will set the stage as Walden University puts its mission into action during its Global Day of Service on October 3, 2009, when nearly 2,000 students, alumni, faculty and staff join together in 40 service projects in 22 U.S. and 14 international communities.

About Walden University
Since 1970, Walden University has supported working professionals in achieving their academic goals and making a greater impact in their professions and their communities. Today, more than 33,000 students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries are pursuing their bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees at Walden. The university provides students with an engaging educational experience that connects them with expert faculty and peers around the world. Walden is the flagship online university in the Laureate International Universities network—a global network of 45 online and campus-based universities in 20 countries.

Walden offers more than 36 degree programs with more than 140 specializations and concentrations. Areas of study include health sciences, counseling, human services, management, psychology, education, public health, nursing, public administration, technology and engineering. For more information, visit www.WaldenU.edu. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.hlcommission.org.