By Justin Erickson '25 BSB
November 3, 2022

Interested in supporting social and environmental justice through a lens of business? You might be interested in Net Impact! The University of Minnesota undergraduate chapter is one of hundreds of chapters worldwide reimagining business as a force for good.

Net Impact covers a wide range of topics at their weekly meetings, including sustainability and ethical business practices.

Joelle Rittershaus ‘23 BSB is the president of Net Impact this year. She joined as a sophomore because she had a passion for sustainability and business.

“What makes us stand out is our focus on sustainability and business being fully integrated,” she said. “Our community also makes us stand out. I love the dedication that comes from everybody here. It’s a united passion around that similar interest of social justice and sustainability that really ignites people.”

Stephanie Bradt ‘25 BSB, a member of Net Impact, joined to participate in a community that shared similar interests to her.

“It’s not just a Carlson club, right?” said Bradt. “We all want to make an impact in the same way. Net Impact really gives me a place to feel at home.”

Net Impact also focuses on professional development for its members. The group often hosts events to promote leadership, career advancement, and other important skills.

“One of the biggest things at Net Impact are the connections, whether that's connections with like-minded peers, with companies we are bringing in, or with speakers we are bringing in,” Rittershaus said. “Personally, that’s how I found my internship.”

Rittershaus believes the knowledge she gains from Net Impact would be valuable to all students, especially if they feel uneducated on issues regarding social and environmental justice.

“It’s about education. It’s about finding people. It’s about learning and how sustainability is becoming incorporated into everything. So just come and check it out.”

Students are welcome to join Net Impact at any of their events in the year. Stay tuned to the BSB Weekly for upcoming events.

Net Impact will be hosting its annual Green Week, a week full of sustainability and environmental-justice related events featuring various student groups from November 7-11. Learn more and get involved through @greenweekumn on Instagram!