Komi Sugimoto: Myth Busted: Shifting Perspectives about Social Impact and Business
If I had to pick one misconception that is most commonly voiced regarding social impact work and business it would be the following: they do not align in values. My journey through navigating Cristo Rey High School’s Corporate Work Study Program and its intersection with my business education at Santa Clara University allows me to not only understand in theory but practice how conventional business skills can be adapted to uplift underserved communities. Through my time in this fellowship, I've gained a fresh perspective on how a business background can support non-profit, government, and community endeavors.
One fundamental shift in perspective lies in recognizing that profitability isn't the sole measure of success. In the context of Cristo Rey's mission, business skills are wielded not just to generate revenue but to empower students from underserved backgrounds with opportunities for higher education. Through gaining adult-level corporate experiences through internships and leadership opportunities, the Corporate Work Study Program supports each student in their path to higher education and post-college success.
Moreover, navigating through nonprofits and community work has highlighted the importance of adaptability and empathy in business practices. Unlike traditional corporate settings, where bottom-line concerns can often dominate, working with Cristo Rey has highlighted the significance of adopting a more human-centric approach. By understanding the unique challenges and aspirations of each student they serve, they can tailor the school’s academic and professional experiences to their individual needs and paths.
In this environment, certain skills and strengths have emerged as particularly valuable. For example, Communication goes beyond its conventional role as a tool for business relationships; it becomes a channel for building trust and fostering relationships within the Silicon Valley community. Oftentimes, these are in line with flexibility and resourcefulness, which given the nature of the challenges they face and the limited resources at their disposal, goes beyond a simple task of solving for what is most efficient.
Overall, my opportunity to delve into both a business education at Santa Clara, alongside social impact work at Cristo Rey has shown me how business skills go beyond impacting an organization but instead focus on the influence it can have in helping others. It's not just about working toward the greatest outcome–but it's about using what we know and adapting it in our environments to make real changes in the world around us, for people and communities.