Santa Clara University

Social Entrepreneurs

"Social Entrepreneurs signal new possibilities for addressing some of the most daunting and intractable challenges of our time. They present solutions to achieving a more just and equitable world for all." - Jim Koch GSBI™ Executive Director

Dipak Basu, Anudip '05, India

There is no single profile of a social entrepreneur. In fact, each GSBI™ class represents an astonishing array of heterogeneous needs, expectations, and challenges from around the world. Our alumni represent diverse socio-economic, geographic, and subject matter areas of expertise. They include former mayors and university presidents, recent graduates, seasoned executives, and professionals from the public, private, and independent sectors.

In our experience social entrepreneurs are:

• Values Centered - Have a desire to address fundamental human or societal concerns.
• Holistic - Address barriers to literacy, sanitation, safe drinking water, equitable access to global markets, and basic health care services in a systematic way.
• Innovative - Look at social problems and see opportunities for transformative change.
• Visionary Pragmatists - Fulfill their vision in a collaborative manner that builds the commitment of stakeholders and partners.

Meet Past GSBI™ Classes:

Class of 2008

Class of 2007

Class of 2006

Class of 2005

Class of 2004

Class of 2003