by Dana Hork  on Wed 1 Dec - 2 Comments
Categories: SEC Featured Member of the Month, Start-up

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Dana Hork (HBS 2012)

Founder and CEO of Change for Change

Hometown: Hopkins, MN

Undergraduate College: University of Pennsylvania

Major: Economics, Communication

(note: Dana is on the far left at a Change for Change event with the Cornell Chapter)

What did you do before you started at HBS? 

I worked at a large financial services firm in New York City for eight years. Most recently, I was a VP in the Private Banking division. I also earned an MPA from Columbia University.

What is the social enterprise you started / worked for? 

I am the Founder and CEO of Change for Change, a national network of young adults who raise funds for community non-profits through the collection of loose change and larger donations. 

Young adults join Change for Change by forming local chapters in colleges, universities, workplaces, and communities. Chapters hold fundraising campaigns to benefit local non-profit organizations addressing important community challenges.

Change for Change fundraisers focus on small donations, demonstrating the collective power of small change to create big changes. Change for Change also empowers chapters to select their own local non-profit beneficiaries, helping to develop more informed and experienced young adult donors. 

Why did you decide to start Change for Change? 

I started Change for Change because I believed (and still do) that all of the loose change piled up in our couch cushions and desk drawers could be used to make a positive impact in our communities.

Following my freshman year at the University of Pennsylvania, I had accumulated a significant amount of loose change in my room. It was too heavy to carry home to Minnesota for the summer, but certainly too significant to discard. This was the moment I knew we could find a better way to use our change...for change.  

What characteristics do you think are most important for starting a social enterprise? On a day-to-day basis, what are the kinds of skills you use? 

First and foremost, you have to believe in your idea. Your passion will keep you motivated, and it will inspire others to get involved.

Beyond this, I think there are a few characteristics that are helpful for any entrepreneur in the early days of a start-up.  One quality is the ability to think strategically at a high level – while at the same time being focused on details. You have to be ready to sweat both the big stuff, and the small stuff.

I also think you have to be comfortable wearing many (really ALL) hats.  At the beginning, you (or your founding team) are responsible for the strategy and the execution of every aspect of your business – sales, marketing, fundraising, finance, legal, accounting, website, social marketing, etc. etc. etc.  Your most important title besides Founder is Chief Multitasking Officer.

What is your favorite success story from working in a social enterprise? 

While I have several, one example is a recent fundraising drive held by our Amherst College chapter.

Throughout the school year, Amherst students work closely with Not Bread Alone, a community soup kitchen in Amherst, MA.  The chapter learned that the non-profit had lost local funding due to city budget cutbacks, and subsequently selected Not Bread Alone as their fundraising campaign beneficiary. 

After collecting loose change contributions in campus dorms, students made a $1,000+ donation to Not Bread Alone to replace a broken freezer and purchase essential kitchen supplies.

This grant made a direct and immediate impact on Not Bread Alone’s ability to provide quality meals to the community’s most vulnerable citizens.  Furthermore, Amherst students gained valuable experience in charitable giving, helping them become more informed and experienced donors. I think this is a great example of the impact our chapters’ donations have on local non-profits nationwide.

What advice would you give someone that wants to make the switch into social enterprise? 

Go for it!  I think careers in social enterprise, whether in the private, public, or non-profit sector, are incredibly important.

In addition to professional opportunities, there are numerous other ways to improve our communities. Through Change for Change I’ve learned that no matter how big or small our contribution (whether in time, money, or other ways), even small change can result in big changes.

by Paul Luning on December 2, 2010 at 4:19pm

Awesome!

by Katie Harnish on December 3, 2010 at 9:02am

Congratulations, Dana! What a great organization and way to spend your life! Your passion is clear and I know it will bring you many successes!