Centers and Institutes

Nonprofit leaders often claim that their organizations do not engage in advocacy, yet many leaders report organizational activities that qualify as such. This discrepancy, which we call the “say/do” gap, suggests that nonprofit advocacy may be more widespread than commonly believed. Drawing on the first nationally representative survey of U.S. nonprofit advocacy in two decades, we explore explanations for this say/do gap and argue that many nonprofit leaders may be seeking to pursue the benefits of advocacy while limiting potential opposition through a strategy of decoupling. Heather MacIndoe is an Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director in the McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies at the University of Massachusetts Boston.  Her research applies sociological theory to the study of the nonprofit sector and philanthropy. Current projects include studies of nonprofit advocacy and social justice philanthropy. Dr. MacIndoe serves as an Associate Editor of the journal Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly. Hosted by The Center for Nonprofit Strategy and Management (CNSM) at the Marxe School.

The US budget for direct arts spending for the National Endowment for the Arts was $207 million in 2024. However, in 2024 the United States spent between $2 and $3.35 billion to support arts nonprofits through the charitable contribution deduction. Over 90% of those deductions came from people earning more than $200,000. Are there such important enough benefits from these Congressionally provided charitable tax benefits supporting arts-based nonprofits to justify this plutocratic approach to arts policy?

Join the Robert Zicklin Center for Corporate Integrity and Lawrence N. Field Center for Entrepreneurship on February 5th as we welcome Lew Frankfort, former CEO and Chairman Emeritus of Coach, to Baruch College. Frankfort will reflect on his remarkable professional journey, from his early career in New York City government to leading Coach for nearly three decades and transforming it from a six million dollar leather goods business into a five billion dollar global lifestyle brand. The fireside chat, moderated by Marlene Leekang, Executive Director of the Lawrence N. Field Center for Entrepreneurship, will draw from Frankfort’s memoir Bag Man, which chronicles how Coach pioneered the concept of accessible luxury and redefined an industry through relentless focus on the customer, bold strategic choices, and a willingness to challenge convention. Frankfort also explores the personal side of leadership, including how fear of failure can fuel success while demanding a personal toll. The fireside chat will be followed by a live question and answer session, offering students a unique opportunity to engage directly with one of the most respected business leaders of his generation.

Join the Robert Zicklin Center for Corporate Integrity for a timely and thought-provoking discussion on how some of the nation’s largest law firms navigated the legal and ethical challenges in the wake of the Trump Administration’s retaliatory actions against them. The program will feature Rebecca Roiphe, leading voice in criminal law and ethics; rights litigator; Christopher J. Clark, pre-eminent litigator; and Ankush Khardori, senior writer and columnist at Politico. They will explore how Big Law balanced client demands, public scrutiny, legal ethics and questions of professional responsibility during one of the most tumultuous political periods in recent history.

Jennifer Hadden and Sarah Bush’s book “Crowded Out: The Competitive Landscape of Contemporary International NGOs,” examines how global nonprofits are being squeezed by competition, specialization, and dispersion—even as global needs grow. This event will discuss the arguments of the book in light of recent developments in the international NGO sector, including global crackdowns on civil society and the dissolution of USAID. This is a hybrid event; livestream will be available. Hosted by the Center for Nonprofit Strategy and Management (CNSM) at the Marxe School.

What makes people give, and how can we inspire them to give more? Join us for a dynamic conversation on how to segment audiences—not by who they are on paper, but by why they care. Learn how mindset-based segmentation has helped changemakers connect with new audiences and motivate action across causes from higher education to climate to equity. This event will provide practical insights for nonprofit professionals as well as for students and faculty interested in nonprofit strategy, marketing, communications, and data analysis. Presenters: Paige Rice, Director, Research, Hattaway Communications ; Veronica Selzler, Managing Director, Strategy, Hattaway Communications

As part of Baruch College’s annual Ethics Week, the Robert Zicklin Center for Corporate Integrity is proud to welcome Stephanie Cuba for an event titled “Navigating Professional Growth and Workplace Best Practices.” This event will explore the intersection of professional development and workplace hygiene. Professional development refers to the continuous process of acquiring skills, knowledge, and experience to enhance one’s career growth and effectiveness in the workplace. This includes communication skills, leadership abilities, networking, and adapting to industry trends. Workplace hygiene involves the standards and behaviors that contribute to a professional, respectful, and efficient work environment. This encompasses everything from organizational skills and professional communication to ethical decision-making and workplace etiquette. While the primary focus of this talk will be on the best practices for professional growth and workplace conduct, the discussion will also touch on the ethical implications of these practices. By the end of the event, attendees will walk away with actionable strategies for navigating the challenges that arise in the pursuit of career excellence.

Join Professor Casandra Silva Sibilin (York College) and the Baruch Center for Teaching & Learning for a conversation on the impact of AI on our pedagogies. Students are going to be living and working in an increasingly AI-infused world. Our pedagogies should evolve to address this new reality. What does such a pedagogy look like? What current pedagogical practices should we re-evaluate, and which ones should we reinscribe? How can we rethink the teacher-student relationship, as well as our and students’ relationship to knowledge? All are welcome to join us in this timely discussion.

This event explores the research and practice of grassroots organizations that combine a public charity with a social welfare organization to engage in community organizing, policy change, and political action. We will share findings from a recent research study about the opportunities and challenges of grassroots multi-entity organizations and hear lessons from leaders of Down Home North Carolina, a grassroots organization that is building power with poor and working-class people in North Carolina’s small towns and rural communities.

Social workers and nonprofit practitioners face challenges when advocating for people living in poverty. Join us for this public event to learn about advocacy strategies developed in close collaboration with communities facing discrimination, racism, and poverty that can encourage policymakers to listen and act. Featuring Peter Raeymaeckers, Professor of Social Work and Sociology, the University of Antwerp.

Corporate leaders encounter significant challenges when addressing public debates on contentious topics. They must strike a balance between the pressures to speak out or remain silent while navigating the polarized nature of today’s discourse and the powerful, diverse interests of shareholders, employees, consumers, and civil society groups. Join the Robert Zicklin Center for a talk featuring Lawrence Cunningham, Director of the Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance at the University of Delaware. Mr. Cunningham will argue that corporate leaders should adopt a pragmatic approach rather than adhering to a fixed or ideological stance on whether to take public positions. He will emphasize evaluating the specific context and circumstances of each situation. By drawing on the history and law of corporate governance, as well as practical experience, Cunningham will demonstrate that the best strategy for each board and CEO will vary based on the unique characteristics of their corporation, its leadership, its shareholder base, its workforce, the markets it serves, and how these factors interact with public debates.

How can mission-driven organizations improve their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices? A non-profit C-suite executive and board leader will review a range of DEI-related problems, solutions, and ongoing challenges, followed by Q&A.

Join Baruch College’s Robert Zicklin Center for Corporate Integrity for an in-depth exploration of the benefits and drawbacks of the forthcoming implementation of congestion pricing in New York City. This program aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of congestion pricing’s potential impact on mobility, sustainability, pollution, social equity, and the urban economy.

How do you make the transition to a leadership role at a nonprofit? What skills are most needed to be an executive director, and what challenges should you expect working with boards and managing a staff? Join this insightful panel discussion, featuring three Baruch alumni and moderated by Barbara Paxton, director of BoardStrong, to tackle these topics and more.

"Join us on Thursday, November 16, for an engaging panel discussion at Baruch College that delves into the intriguing and multifaceted topic of “College Athletes as Employees.” This event promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of the college athlete rights movement, addressing both the monetary opportunities for young athletes and its implications for social justice. Our panel of esteemed experts and advocates will examine the evolving landscape of college athletics. The discussion will cover the following key areas: Monetary Opportunities: Explore the changing dynamics of college sports and the growing debate surrounding the compensation and financial benefits available to student-athletes. Social Justice: Delve into the broader implications of the college athlete rights movement and how it relates to issues of social justice, equity, and the intersection of sports and society."

This online event provides a forum to discuss about virtual or hybrid team leaderships for nonprofit organizations in order to increase team trust, bonding, cohesion, and conflict management. Including in the panel are presenters and experts from non-profit sectors, Tosca Bruno-van Vijfeiiken, Principal Consultant of Five Oaks Consulting and Ahmed Hachelaf, Peace & Conflict Education Specialist of Generations For Peace. The program is introduced by George Mitchell. 

This presentation explores the role of transnational advocacy and international organizations in international relation.  The lecture is presented by Nina Hall and based on her volume: Transnational advocacy in the Digital Era.   The program is introduced by George Mitchell.

This presentation discusses the dimensions of a new paradigm for management of nonprofit organizations based on building resilience and navigating crises to ensure future viability and effectiveness.  Presenters Dennis R. Young and Elizabeth A.M. Searing offer talks based on their book: Resilience and The Management of Nonprofit Organizations.   The program is introduced by George Mitchell. 

The main theme of this Zoom event is to provide joint conversations with Baruch alumni nonprofit leaders which include the following speakers: Donna Frisby-Greenwood (MPA’96), Ciara Ginyard (MPA’12), Jenny Lai (MPA ’17), Steven Raga (MPA ’16), and Pinky Vincent. The moderator of today’s program is Barbara Paxton.     This program starts with brief introduction by Janet Rossbach, Director of Alumni Relations, as well as brief talk by Dean Sherry Ryan from Marxe School, and George Mitchell.

This online event provides a forum to be engaged with audiences on revisiting and updating the knowledge of how NGOs conduct advocacy on international issues. Presenters Christopher A. Pallas and Elizabeth A. Bloodgood focus on issues related to NGO draw on their recently published volume entitled:  Beyond the Boomerang: From Transnational Advocacy Networks to Transcalar Advocacy in International Politics. The program starts with brief introduction provided by George Mitchell.

This online event provides a forum to discuss about international nongovernmental organizations. Including in the panel are presenters from non-profit sectors and NGO, Ido Lotan and Matthew Aubry. The program is introduced by the co-hosts George Mitchell and Barbara Paxton with Barbara Paxton from BoardStrong to provide nonprofit board training, consultation, and educational resources.

This online event provides a forum to examine the rise of new actors in the international development world: volunteer-driven grassroots international nongovernmental organizations. Presenter Allison Schnable focuses on issues related to NGO drawn from her book entitled:  Amateurs without Borders: The Aspirations and Limits of Global Compassion The program is introduced by George Mitchell and a Q&A session follows the lecture. 

Moderated by David Rosenberg, Professor from the Center for Corporate Integrity at Zicklin School of Baruch College, this lecture focuses on the new OpenAI’s  ChatGPT. Last November 2022, OpenAI unleashed ChatGPT, a free chatbot that creates text using AI technology. ChatGPT demonstrates remarkable abilities, such as passing exams from law, business, and medical schools and its text-generation capabilities have also been used for simpler tasks such as to writing Shakespearean sonnets, discussing complicated topics, and composing heartfelt love songs. As the hype around ChatGPT continues to grow, new ethical concerns are emerging about the development and use of AI tools. In the chat, Professor Yafit Lev-Aretz and Professor Nizan Packin discuss the current state of ethics in artificial intelligence and machine learning, and the importance of responsible AI in today’s society. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in the discussion, ask questions, and share their own experiences and perspectives on the ethical considerations of ChatGPT.

Moderated by David Rosenberg, Professor from the Center for Corporate Integrity at Zicklin School of Baruch College, this lecture focuses on the environmental, social and governance (ESG) elements on corporate finance.  The concept of ESG has been embraced widely by corporate investors and financial professionals as a way of more closely aligning capital markets with human values. In the lecture, Aswath Damodaran, Professor of Finance at NYU Stern School of Business, speaks about corporate finance in relation to the climate change and its ethical implications of portfolio choices. 

Moderated by David Rosenberg, Professor from the Center for Corporate Integrity in Zicklin School, Baruch College, this lecture provides an overview of free-market principles and economic liberalization and invites two expert speakers reflecting and introducing the contemporary economic environment and development in China and Africa.  Siyuan Song, Professor at Northwest University, Xi’an, China, presents the topic: Conflict between economic development & environment protection of China from 1973 to today and Elias T. Ayuk, Independent Researcher and Consultant on environmental issues in Africa, presents the topic: From a social science to operate to a sustainable development license to operate: the imperative for environmental stewardship. 

Moderated by Bonnie Mann Falk, Quality Control Partner in Berdon, the part of this Conference includes experts in corporate cost and quality management. They include Ahava Goldman, Associate Director of AICPA, Jeff Rapaglia, Partner of FORVIS and member of ASB, and Wendy Stevens, Partner in Mazars USA and Board Member of IAASB.

Moderated by Brandon Lock, Baruch Assistant Professor in Accounting, the panel includes accounting experts in data analytics and advanced auditing techniques. They include Helen Brown-Liburd from Rutgers University, Mary Grace Davenport, Partner of PWC, and Ian Wildenborg, Partner of KPMG.

Moderated by Susan Jones, Accounting Professor at Baruch College and Director of Global Services Center on Audit Methodology & Implementation in KPMG, the program covers accounting experts discussing about the Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) of the international accounting standards. The speakers are Ami Beers, Senior Director of AICPA, Nigel James from U.S. SEC, Natalie Klonaridis, Director of IAAS Board, Alyssa Rade, Chief Sustainability Officer from Sustain Life, and Amy Steele, Partner of Deloitte.

Moderated by David Rosenberg from the Robert Zicklin Center for Corporate Integrity, the program starts with Professor Rosenberg introducing David Gelles, author of the book:  The Man who Broke Capitalism: How Jack Welch Gutted the Heartland and Crushed the Soul of Corporate America and How to Undo His Legacy. Gelles speaks about Jack Welch, the man who made impact on corporate America and how to teach students the lessons drawn from Jack relating businesses and stakeholders affected by his conduct, and eventually develops a new approach about American capitalism.

It has long been clear that the successful distribution of effective vaccines worldwide is our best hope for ending the Covid-19 pandemic. The extremely effective vaccines were mostly developed through the collaboration of for-profit pharmaceutical companies and the governments of several rich nations. By now, most well-off industrialized states have inoculated substantial percentages of their populations, but dozens of poorer countries have woefully inadequate supplies of vaccines and, without some kind of outside assistance, cannot come close to reaching the kind of numbers that will put an end to the disease. In the meantime, the pandemic is out of control in much of the world and, as a result, persists in even the most affluent countries as well. While the US and other governments have donated over 1 billion doses to countries in crisis, billions more are still needed. Many organizations advocating for fairer distribution of health care have argued for the waiver of patent rights to the vaccines so that poor countries could begin to manufacture them on their own. Nonetheless, adhering to a long-standing tradition that protects the intellectual property rights of companies that develop new medical technologies, the US and other nations have so far been reluctant to share the scientific know-how to make this possible. Further, even if the patent rights were waived, poorer countries would likely need additional assistance in building the manufacturing infrastructure to satisfy the demand. The Robert Zicklin Center for Corporate Integrity at Baruch College is pleased to host an online conversation with Dr. Arthur Caplan, one of the world’s leading medical ethicists, to discuss how the rich countries of the world should respond to the vaccine shortfall around the world from both an ethical and practical point of view. Dr. Caplan will be interviewed by Baruch College Management Professor Alex Mills who will bring his expertise in operations and supply chains into the discussion as well.

Zoombombing, Cambridge Analytica, AI bias, misinformation, hate speech…when tech companies and researchers come under fire, people wonder: why are they not thinking about potential harms? Unintended consequences of technology are a significant social issue, and when we “move fast and break things” it’s ethical considerations that often get pushed to the side. Like technical debt, the implied cost of future bug fixes when we rush to release technology, ethical debt is what we accumulate when we don’t consider ethical and social implications during the design process. How can we help technologists speculate about the future? Also how might we understand real impacts of technological harms on everyone, and give everyone the knowledge and tools to be more critical of technology? Join the Robert Zicklin Center for Corporate Integrity on March 1, 2022 as we welcome Casey Fiesler for a moderated discussion with Professor Yafit Lev-Aretz, Director of the Robert Zicklin Center’s Program on Tech Ethics.

The federal legislation known as The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) outlawed sports betting throughout the United States except in Nevada, Oregon, Delaware and Montana. In 2018, after years of frustration among other states that wanted to legalize sports gambling within their borders, the US Supreme Court overturned PASPA – holding that the PASPA violated the anti-commandeering doctrine of the 10th Amendment. This decision opened the doors for many other states to begin licensing sports gambling operators. Last month, New York became the latest state to legalize online sports gambling – a decision that has been praised by libertarians and sports gambling operators alike, meanwhile criticized by certain other groups. Join the Robert Zicklin Center for Corporate Integrity on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at 12:30 PM as Baruch College law professor Marc Edelman – our Director of Sports Business Ethics – leads a discussion with Professor Alicia Jessop of Pepperdine University, Professor John Holden of Oklahoma State University, Professor Keith Miller of Drake University and Jim Maney, Executive Director of the New York Council on Problem Gambling, on the law and ethics of legal sports gambling in New York.

"Through an astonishingly successful collaboration between private industry and government, for nearly a year we have had several safe and effective vaccines that provide significant protection against severe illness or death from covid-19 for those who receive the jab. Yet because of vaccine hesitancy, the virus continues to spread, hospitalizing and killing thousands and preventing a return to normalcy in communities throughout the country. At this stage, the single most compelling public health policy question is how to make everyday human interactions safe while millions continue to reject or avoid inoculation. One obvious answer, of course, is vaccine mandates. This panel will address whether governments may mandate vaccines and whether private businesses and other entities may legally and ethically require proof of vaccination for those with whom they interact. The panel’s focus will be on recent rules and legislation that promulgate or prohibit vaccine mandates and court cases interpreting the civil liberty and legal implications of such measures. We will also discuss various strategies government and employers can use – short of mandates – to “nudge” their citizens and employees to get vaccinated. "

As of July 1, 2021, 130 countries have agreed to a proposed Global Minimum Corporate Tax (GMCT). Successful implementation of such a standard will close loopholes that have allowed large multinational companies to avoid paying taxes even in countries in which they do substantial business. According to some estimates, a GMCT would help governments recover between 100-240 billion dollars annually in taxes that companies have avoided paying through complicated tax avoidance schemes. While a final practical set of rules is still under negotiation, the framework of an agreement is in place. Join the Robert Zicklin Center for Corporate Integrity virtually on September 2nd as we welcome a panel of experts who will discuss the recent progress that has been made toward a GMCT, the prospects for its success and the implications it will have on economies worldwide.

North American sports teams are rife with Native American themed nicknames, mascots and logos. Many Americans don’t think twice about this fact. For many others, these team names and associated imagery are an added insult in the cruel history and present struggles of our continent’s indigenous people. On September 16, 2016, The Robert Zicklin Center for Corporate Integrity hosted a group of experts for a program entitled “Native American Imagery in North American Sports: Fair or Foul?” to examine this very topic. Opinion was divided as to what – if any – changes should be made. Fast forward nearly four years and there appears to be a strong sentiment toward a complete reexamining the use of Native American culture in sports. What accounts for the apparent shift in opinion in recent weeks? What changes are in the works for pro-sports? What work remains to be done? How can Native Americans impact the future use of their cultural heritage going forward? On Wednesday, August 12, 2020, we will reconvene several members of our expert panel in a search for answers to these and other related questions. If you are interested civil rights, freedom of expression or the role of sports in current political activism, please consider joining us.

Using Influencers has become one of the hottest trends in marketing. In 2018, 81% of marketers reported that using influencers as part of their marketing plan was an effective strategy. But there are all sorts of ethical issues associated with this trend that must be understood and carefully addressed. For example, there is the issue of inauthentic partnerships and content, as influencers do not always use or even like the products they endorse on social media. Similarly, influencers do not always disclose if a certain recommendation is a sponsored endorsement or not (a 2018 survey of influencers done by Marketer demonstrated that less than half of the respondents labeled their endorsements with the FTC-mandated hashtags when they are specifically asked, and 7% never did so at all). This Ethics of Influencers event will cover these, as well as other issues, and include a general discussion on the ethical implication of digital marketing technologies.

Dr. Gentile will share a ground-breaking new approach to preparing business managers and leaders for values-driven decision making. Drawing on both the actual experience of business practitioners as well as cutting edge research, GIVING VOICE TO VALUES (GVV) fills a long-standing and critical gap in our understanding of how to enable ethical practice. Rather than a focus on ethical analysis, GVV focuses on ethical implementation and asks the question: “What if I were going to act on my values? What would I say and do? How could I be most effective?”

On Friday October 16, 2009, Raj Rajaratnam was arrested by the FBI and accused of conspiring with others in insider trading in several publicly traded companies. U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara put the total profits in the scheme at over $60 million, telling a news conference it was the largest hedge fund insider trading case in United States history. The Robert Zicklin Center for Corporate Integrity welcomes writer Anita Raghavan, author of “The Billionaire’s Apprentice: The Rise of the Indian-American Elite and the Fall of the Galleon Hedge Fund.” Fund founder Raj Rajaratnam and others were convicted for their role in one of the biggest insider-trading schemes in American history. Ms. Raghavan will discuss the book and the many issues it raises regarding business ethics, white collar crime and the dynamics of a successful immigrant community in the US financial world.

Businesses are enthusiastically capitalizing on the benefits of artificial intelligence [AI] technology. From streamlining processes and economizing on operation costs to developing smarter products and producing valuable insights – everybody wants a slice of the AI pie. Some businesses are applying the latest in artificial intelligence technologies to promote socially beneficial ends in areas such as environmental, agriculture, and health. This event is dedicated to exploring the concept of AI-for-Good from practical and academic perspectives. On the practical front, the event features three AI-for-Good startups: EverCompliant, which deploys AI technology to detect money laundering, fraud and various cyber risks; TrialJectory, which has developed advanced AI algorithms of clinical trials to match cancer patients with suitable clinical trials; and OrCam, whose AI-based technology sees, reads, and identifies objects for blind and visually impaired individuals. An academic perspective complements these inspiring initiatives by pointing to some perils of the AI-for-Good movement as well as ways to mitigate them.

"Regional food systems are a powerful lever for sustainable economic development, healthier lifestyles, and more environmentally sound systems of production and consumption – from field to fork and beyond. As in other parts of the country and world, in New York City and State there is growing interest and engagement in developing more robust urban-rural bonds through cooperative public, private and NGO-driven initiatives. A key question: How can such innovative collaborations be sustainable, resilient and advance climate adaptation efforts in urban and rural communities over the long run? Developing conducive and supportive business and economic dynamics is a key dimension of such initiatives, which also can profoundly improve communication and collaboration among disparate parties, helping rural and urban populations better understand that each fundamentally depends on the other. By ‘following the money,’ from farm to table and back, we may better infer the working dynamics of building viable, resilient regional food and agriculture enterprises to support cohesive urban-rural relationships and advance human and environmental sustainability and well-being. As New York City and State continue to put forward strategies in support of more robust linkages between upstate farmers and downstate consumers, including public institutions, this public forum will explore what economic aspects should be considered and how future initiatives and policies can reflect them. It will also explore the growing interest of companies, even those in sectors beyond food, in agricultural well-being. On November 19, 2019 join the Robert Zicklin Center for Corporate Integrity (RZCCI), the CUNY Urban Food Policy Institute, the CUNY Advanced Science Research Center and invited experts to explore these and other key questions for our local and regional food economy."

Mitsui Lunch-Time Forum No. CXLVI

The recently passed Climate Mobilization Act will have a profound and lasting impact on the NYC real estate market, for both sales and acquisitions for existing buildings, as well as new development projects. Part of OneNYC’s long range goal to cut carbon emissions by 80% in 2050, the first milestone is a 40% emissions reduction by 2030 for most buildings over 25,000sf. The legislation sets carbon emissions limits for 2024 – 2029 by space classification with fines and penalties for non-compliance. Carbon emissions limits for 2030 – 2034 are also currently published but not officially ratified. These emissions limits are considerably more stringent than the 2024 caps in keeping with the longer term 2050 goals. The new standards require a greater emphasis on energy analysis and performance, and the integration of strategies and technologies that align and adapt to the opportunities and risks inherent to these new market conditions. NYC real estate leaders gather to discuss their plans to address this new legislation; reduce risk and maximize profitably, today and for the future. This program is part of Climate Week NYC 2019, and is co-sponsored by the Sustainability Practice Network.

Fireside chat at the Third Annual Real Estate Lenders Association - Baruch Joint Conference

Panel discussion at the Third Annual Real Estate Lenders Association - Baruch Joint Conference

What does it take to build a great company when you start with nothing? Seth Besmertnik didn’t have resources, connections, money, or experience when he decided to become an entrepreneur right out of undergrad. But by focusing on his growth as a human being and opening himself to change (and more stuff which he’ll share), he built a technology company that today has 400 employees and was just acquired for nine figures by the multi-billion dollar global business WeWork. He’s returning to his alma mater Baruch to share the lessons he’s learned about finding your purpose and growing in business and life.

The use of learning algorithms has grown dramatically in recent years and businesses have been quick to realize the monetization potential of big data analysis and automation. Algorithms are used in crucial decision-making points, such as to sway hiring and admission decisions, set insurance premium rates, and even inform judicial rulings. In a data-driven world, a lot can go wrong: Algorithmic decision-making could result in errors, bias, manipulation, and the risk of perpetuating social injustices. This brave new world also means changes in human behavior and adjustments of currently entrenched social norms. Comprised of leading scholars in the field of law and technology, this panel is dedicated to unpacking the reciprocal influence of humans and algorithms and the importance of ethics in this ongoing relationship.

The February 5th Marxe Issues program, co-sponsored by the Robert Zicklin Center for Corporate Integrity at the Zicklin School of Busienss, will focus on why universities and colleges must carefully monitor their donor base to avoid politically or ideologically driven philanthropy from seeking unethical influence on college campuses. The panelists will address this issue sighting recent cases and the steps taken to introduce new policies and philanthropic strategies. This panel of experts includes two officials from George Mason University, the institution exposed in national press headlines for being influenced by politically motivated donors.

Discussion with three entrepreneurs and designers who are using innovative materials, technology, and design to turn linear challenges into circular solutions. Design professionals in architecture, fashion, and packaging will share their solutions to reduce construction waste through design innovation; track clothing throughout its lifecycle through technological advances, and prevent plastic pollution of our oceans through edible single-use packaging.