Aligning purpose and profit: Insights from a Youn Impact scholar

Meet Zareen Khan ’23 MBA,  a 2023 Youn Impact Scholar, who currently advises organizations on impact and sustainability strategy. Most recently, she managed a startup accelerator program focused on investing in and supporting early-stage climate technology companies. Prior to that, Zareen served in Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s administration as Chief of Staff to the Illinois First Lady, where she worked across agencies and sectors to advance policies and programs aimed to improve outcomes for communities.

Zareen attended this year’s biennial gathering where more than 60 Youn Impact Scholars convened to participate in engaging programming and networking. Here, she describes her experience at the two-day event including her gratitude for the community’s genuine support and the inspiration she gained from the network’s commitment to positive impact.

Being a Youn Impact Scholar

The idea of aligning purpose with profit may have once seemed overly idealistic, but today, it’s more relevant than ever. Injustices are deepening, political systems are destabilizing and climate change demands action. Considering impact means looking beyond monetary gain.  The Kellogg Youn Impact Scholars embody this philosophy, recognizing and uplifting individuals dedicated to driving positive change for people and the planet.

I came to Kellogg with the goal of understanding how disparate systems and sectors can work together to advance policies, programs and technologies that yield the greatest benefit for communities. Kellogg has equipped me with the tools, resources and perspectives needed to build on a career in impact that spans sectors. Being part of the Youn Impact community has further expanded my outlook and deepened my commitment to using business as a force for good.

A year after graduation, I find myself at an inflection point in my career. I continue to find overwhelming encouragement, support and inspiration from Professor Megan Kashner and the Youn Impact community. This network exemplifies a genuine community of people looking out for one another, all striving to have an impact in the world far greater than themselves. It’s a community like no other — one I am deeply grateful to be a part of.

Tackling complex societal challenges through an interdisciplinary approach

Since welcoming the first cohort of Youn Impact Scholars in 2014, Kellogg has fostered a community of 110 impact-focused leaders working across every sector. This year’s biennial reunion brought together folks from England to Indonesia and all over the United States.

Every Kellogg program was represented with graduation years spanning 1984 to 2024. United by a shared commitment to social and environmental impact, this diverse group demonstrates how impact can vary in tactic, depth, and range and how greater collaboration across stakeholder groups gives way to impact at scale. 

Validating, challenging and broadening viewpoints

The two-day gathering was full of honest conversations, growth opportunities and a wide range of perspectives and experiences. Our discussions on forward-looking topics, such as the impact of climate change on the future of work, emphasized the necessity for greater cross-sector engagement to tackle these unprecedented challenges. Conversations on current issues, like leading through global conflicts, underscored the importance of diverse representation in leadership. We all left with a more nuanced and empathetic outlook, demonstrating how open and honest conversations and connections make us better leaders.

Driving impact and meaningful change beyond the Youn Impact Community

A recurring theme throughout the gathering was the importance of extending impact and influence beyond the Youn Impact community. While impact is inherent to this group, there was an ongoing discussion around integrating impact throughout the broader Kellogg community. With an increasing focus on organizations’ environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, the economic benefits of prioritizing people and the planet are becoming more and more clear. 

Whether discussing climate resilient measures to leverage government incentives or economic opportunity to give way to thriving communities, the return on investment is both social and financial — this case was made time and again by folks leading impact across various industries and sectors. Equipping students with the ability to address the increasing societal and environmental demands will be critical to future success in any industry.

Adding and gaining unique value

The reunion epitomized the best of Kellogg — anchored in a sense of purpose, genuine support and cross collaboration. Everyone brought their authentic selves and embraced vulnerability, openly sharing career challenges and navigating professional success amid personal struggles. 

When given the opportunity to both offer and ask for help, people candidly shared their needs and requests while eagerly offering their counsel and access to their networks. With folks at all stages of their careers, these opportunities to connect highlighted the power of the Kellogg network and showcased the unique contributions every person has to offer.

We were reminded of what can be achieved through intentionality and collaboration. And we were reassured that a dedicated and supportive community will be there as we each carry out our unique purpose. Being in the company of such passionate, driven and like-minded individuals was energizing and deeply fulfilling. 

Photos: The 2024 Youn Impact Scholar gathering

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