The Lynn Social Impact Lab: Innovating the Power of Business for the Good of Others
By Dylan M. Klim
Copy Editor
The Lynn Social Impact Lab is a local and global learning space based on innovative business concepts.
Students at Lynn can take part in learning experiences locally or abroad, ultimately creating a positive impact in all communities.
It does not matter what the Lynn student’s area of study is. If the student wants to make a difference, the Social Impact Lab will find a way to make it work.
“Social Impact as a practice is a way to leverage your expertise to create positive change,” said Rigoberto Beltran, senior.
Within the Social Impact Lab, they have a program called the Ambassador Corps, which is a 10-week long summer internship explicitly made for Lynn students. The Ambassador Corps is an excellent way for individuals to gain work experience while also acquiring the building blocks for social impact.
Students are not limited to staying in South Florida either, as there are numerous locations they can go depending on the non-profit organization or social enterprise they are with. Within the Ambassador Corps, individuals will be able to identify their passions and gain experience in social impact with practical application.
Beltran participated in the Ambassador Corps last summer, as he was placed in Nicaragua with a coffee company called Vega Coffee.
“My experience working internationally for a startup company focused on making both a profit and a difference, was an incredibly valuable one for my professional development as well as my own personal growth,” said Beltran.
In addition to the Ambassador Corps, the Social Impact Lab is preparing for future growth. This past spring Lynn launched the Social Impact Fellowship which allows for undergraduate students to get involved with on and off campus community projects.
Also, the Social Impact Lab will be sent two fellow students to the Fair Trade USA conference in Washington, D.C. The ultimate end goal is to be established as a fair trade university.
“Becoming a Fair Trade certified campus to me is just a natural step for Lynn. It’s us simply upholding our commitment to social justice, but for this specifically through fair trade,” said Megan Selfridge, junior.
Selfridge started within the social media aspect of it all, but now is the co-head of the fair-trade campaign.
Like many, Social Impact Lab is something that Lynn students are very passionate about, having become an eye-opener for many.
“I’ve always been interested in Fair Trade and ethics, so finally getting to put my passion to work has been extremely rewarding,” said Selfridge.
Here at Lynn, a movement has begun, and the future looks promising for the Social Impact Lab as a whole. Beltran, Selfridge and all other members are striving to be “change-makers” after graduation.
If you are looking to get involved or inquire any more information, contact Erina McWilliam-Lopez at EMcWilliamLopez@lynn.edu or visit Lynn.edu/impact.
