A Letter from the Faculty: Professor Judy Chevalier

William S. Beinecke Professor of Finance and Economics and Faculty Director for the Program on Social Enterprise, Innovation, and Impact 

Every year, I find myself genuinely looking forward to the Yale Philanthropy Conference. It is one of the few gatherings where people working in different corners of the philanthropic world can step back from day-to-day demands and learn how peers are navigating the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

This student-run Conference brings together leaders from foundations, family offices, nonprofits, community foundations, and the public and private sectors for substantive conversations about philanthropy. The sessions are thoughtful, practical, and grounded in real experience — with discussions that span strategy, implementation, and emerging trends in the field. Participants consistently note that the panels and discussions help them surface new ideas, sharpen their thinking, and connect with colleagues whose work intersects with their own.

As faculty director of the Program for Social Enterprise, Innovation, and Impact, I am pleased to support this event and the students who organize it. I look forward to a day of useful insights and engaging conversation.