Stanford Award for the Advancement of the Common Good, Honoring Jacqueline Novogratz, MBA '91

Join us as we honor Jacqueline Novogratz, MBA '91, with the Stanford Award for the Advancement of the Common Good.

As founder and CEO of the global impact investment organization Acumen, Novogratz advanced the model of “patient capital,” investing in social enterprises and developing ethical leaders to build markets that provide essential services to communities worldwide. She has transformed how institutions address poverty, insisting that dignity, agency, and long-term sustainability be at the center of development. As of Summer 2026, Acumen has impacted nearly 800 million people by investing $364 million in 241 companies serving low-income communities across Africa, Latin America, South Asia, and the United States.

In keeping with Stanford’s founding grant “to be of greater service to the public,” this award honors alumni who use their education, experience, and leadership to address society’s most urgent challenges—creating positive impact. From nonprofit and government to academia and business, these alumni bring purpose to action. They expand opportunity, address pressing challenges, and create lasting change through innovation and dedication.  See award announcement in the Stanford Report.

The award will be presented by Sarah Soule, Dean of the Stanford Graduate School of Business. The award presentation will be followed by a fireside chat with Novogratz led by Katherine Casey, the RoAnn Costin Professor of Political Economy and Faculty Director, King Center on Global Development.