The 21st century has witnessed a remarkable surge in social entrepreneurship, where visionary individuals have harnessed the power of business to tackle pressing global challenges. These changemakers have redefined philanthropy, demonstrating that profit and purpose can coexist harmoniously.
Here are 30 social entrepreneurs who have made a lasting impact on the world through their innovative approaches to social change:
- Muhammad Yunus (Grameen Bank)
Yunus pioneered microfinance with the Grameen Bank, providing small loans to impoverished borrowers, primarily women, in Bangladesh. His model empowered millions to escape poverty, demonstrating the transformative power of financial inclusion.
- Bill Drayton (Ashoka)
Drayton founded Ashoka, a global network of leading social entrepreneurs. Ashoka identifies and supports individuals with innovative solutions to social problems, fostering a worldwide movement of changemakers.
- Jacqueline Novogratz (Acumen)
Novogratz co-founded Acumen, a non-profit global venture fund that invests in companies and leaders tackling poverty in developing countries. Acumen’s patient capital approach has supported sustainable solutions in areas like healthcare, energy, and agriculture.
- Wendy Kopp (Teach For All)
Kopp launched Teach For America, which recruits and trains college graduates to teach in under-resourced schools. The program has inspired a global network, Teach For All, expanding its impact to over 50 countries.
- Scott Harrison (charity: water)
Harrison’s non-profit, charity: water, revolutionized charitable giving by providing 100% transparency. Every donation goes directly to clean water projects, and donors receive updates on the impact of their contribution.
- Blake Mycoskie (TOMS)
Mycoskie’s TOMS pioneered the “One for One” model, where each purchase of a product results in a donation to a person in need. This model has been replicated by numerous companies, demonstrating the power of integrating social impact into business.
- Victoria Hale (OneWorld Health)
Hale founded OneWorld Health, the first non-profit pharmaceutical company dedicated to developing affordable medicines for neglected diseases. OneWorld Health’s work has saved countless lives in developing countries.
- J.B. Schramm (College Summit)
Schramm’s College Summit helped low-income students navigate the college application process and achieve their higher education goals. The organization’s data-driven approach and focus on personal coaching have significantly improved college enrollment rates for underserved youth.
- Indra Nooyi (PepsiCo)
As CEO of PepsiCo, Nooyi championed “Performance with Purpose,” a strategy that focused on environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and healthier products. This approach not only benefited society but also strengthened PepsiCo’s brand and bottom line.
- Jeffrey Hollender (Seventh Generation)
Hollender co-founded Seventh Generation, a company that produces eco-friendly household products. He advocated for corporate transparency and social responsibility, proving that businesses can be successful while prioritizing environmental and social concerns.
- Paul Polak (International Development Enterprises)
Polak dedicated his career to developing affordable technologies and solutions for small-holder farmers in developing countries. His innovations, like the treadle pump for irrigation, have improved the livelihoods of millions.
- Ann Cotton (Camfed)
Cotton founded Camfed, an organization that supports girls’ education in sub-Saharan Africa. Camfed’s holistic approach addresses the barriers girls face in accessing education, including poverty, early marriage, and gender discrimination.
- Kailash Satyarthi (Bachpan Bachao Andolan)
Satyarthi’s Bachpan Bachao Andolan (Save the Childhood Movement) has rescued thousands of children from forced labor and child trafficking in India. His tireless advocacy for children’s rights has earned him the Nobel Peace Prize.
- Dr. Raj Panjabi (Last Mile Health)
Panjabi’s Last Mile Health trains and equips community health workers to deliver essential healthcare services in remote areas of Liberia. The organization’s model has significantly improved access to healthcare and reduced mortality rates in underserved communities.
- Tristram Stuart (Feedback)
Stuart’s Feedback campaigns against food waste, advocating for policy changes and raising awareness about the environmental and social impact of discarded food.
- Charles Best (DonorsChoose)
Best founded DonorsChoose, an online platform that connects donors with public school classroom projects. DonorsChoose has funded millions of projects, providing students with essential resources and enriching their educational experiences.
- Dr. Vera Cordeiro (Dentistas do Bem)
Cordeiro founded Dentistas do Bem (Good Dentists), a Brazilian non-profit that provides free dental care to low-income children and adolescents. The organization’s model has been replicated in several countries, improving oral health and well-being for countless young people.
- Xavier Helgesen, Christopher Himes, and Jeff Nelson (Better World Books)
This trio co-founded Better World Books, an online bookseller that donates a portion of its profits to literacy programs and libraries worldwide. Better World Books has also pioneered sustainable practices in the book industry.
- Sacha Romanovitch (Grant Thornton International)
As CEO of Grant Thornton International, Romanovitch championed shared leadership and employee well-being. Her innovative approach challenged traditional hierarchical structures and fostered a more inclusive and collaborative workplace culture.
- Roy Prosterman (Landesa)
Prosterman’s Landesa works to secure land rights for rural communities in developing countries. Landesa’s advocacy and legal support have empowered millions of farmers and families, improving their livelihoods and food security.
- Sejal Hathi (Girls Helping Girls. Period)
Hathi founded Girls Helping Girls. Period, a non-profit that provides menstrual products and education to girls in need. The organization’s work has improved girls’ health, school attendance, and overall well-being.
- Dr. Andrew Bastawrous (Peek Vision)
Bastawrous developed Peek Vision, a smartphone-based system for eye exams that can be used in remote areas without access to traditional eye care. Peek Vision has transformed eye care delivery in developing countries, preventing blindness and improving quality of life for millions.
- Thorkil Sonne (Specialisterne)
Sonne founded Specialisterne, a company that employs and trains individuals on the autism spectrum for jobs in technology and other fields. Specialisterne has demonstrated that neurodiversity can be a competitive advantage in the workplace.
- Leila Janah (Samasource and LXMI)
Janah founded Samasource, a social enterprise that provides digital work opportunities to people living in poverty. She also launched LXMI, a luxury skincare brand that sources ingredients from women’s cooperatives in East Africa.
- Premal Shah (Kiva)
Shah co-founded Kiva, a micro-lending platform that connects lenders with borrowers in developing countries. Kiva has facilitated millions of loans, empowering individuals to start businesses, go to school, and improve their lives.
- Matt Damon and Gary White (Water.org)
Damon and White co-founded Water.org, a non-profit that provides access to safe water and sanitation in developing countries. Water.org’s innovative financing models have helped millions of people gain access to clean water.
- Sal Khan (Khan Academy)
Khan created Khan Academy, a free online learning platform that provides educational resources to learners of all ages. Khan Academy’s videos and exercises have helped millions of students around the world.
- Dr. V. Mohan (Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre)
Dr. Mohan established Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre, a leading diabetes care provider in India. The center’s comprehensive approach to diabetes management, including prevention, education, and treatment, has improved the lives of countless patients.
- Zhang Xin (SOHO China)
Zhang co-founded SOHO China, a real estate development company known for its innovative and sustainable buildings. Zhang’s work has transformed the urban landscape in China and inspired a new generation of architects and developers.
- Richard Branson (Virgin Unite)
Branson’s non-profit foundation, Virgin Unite, focuses on social and environmental issues, including climate change, ocean conservation, and conflict resolution. Virgin Unite brings together entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and activists to tackle global challenges.
What Can You Learn From Them?
The stories of these social entrepreneurs offer valuable insights for aspiring changemakers:
- Purpose-Driven Innovation: These entrepreneurs identified pressing social or environmental problems and developed innovative solutions that address the root causes of these issues. Their businesses are driven by a clear purpose beyond profit
- Sustainability and Scalability: These entrepreneurs built sustainable business models that could be replicated and scaled to reach a wider audience. They demonstrated that social impact can be achieved through both non-profit and for-profit ventures.
- Collaboration and Partnership: Many of these entrepreneurs recognized the power of collaboration and formed partnerships with governments, NGOs, and other organizations to maximize their impact. They understood that collective action is often more effective than working alone.
- Measurement and Evaluation: These entrepreneurs tracked and measured their social impact, ensuring that their efforts were making a real difference in people’s lives. They used data to refine their strategies and demonstrate their effectiveness to stakeholders.
- Inspiring Leadership: These entrepreneurs are not just successful business leaders; they are also inspiring role models who demonstrate that it’s possible to create a positive impact on the world while achieving
Join our club and access more in-depth profiles and insights into these and other remarkable entrepreneurs!
