B Corporations

Jun 21, 2020

BSC Director Jessica Yinka Thomas Interviewed on WUNC’s The State of Things

BSC Director, Jessica Yinka Thomas, joined Frank Stasio, the host of WUNC's The State of Things for an in-depth interview about her experience growing up in the US and West Africa, her career path from designing educational toys to teaching business sustainability and her passion for writing social justice novels. 

Jun 11, 2020

In an Economy Ravaged By COVID-19, B Corps Open a Door for Change

As the world struggles to emerge from the COVID-19 crisis, B Corporations may offer the reeling economy a way forward. Jessica Yinka Thomas, director of the Business Sustainability Collaborative (BSC) explains how these businesses are better positioned than many other companies to withstand economic downturns. 

May 23, 2020

Luxury Meets Sustainability

From the start, Stucko wanted Prota Fiori to become B Corporation certified. To her, the certification is simply an additional step of accountability for the sustainable practices she felt called to pursue. After learning about Poole College of Management’s B Corp Clinic, she jumped at the opportunity to participate. Not only does the college provide expertise in sustainability and supply chain management, but it’s Global Luxury and Management (GLAM) program provides a unique understanding of the luxury market. 

May 17, 2020

Winners Announced for the Social and Environmental Impact Category of NC State’s 2020 Lulu eGames

The Lulu eGames, NC State’s largest annual startup competition, draws the attention of student and faculty entrepreneurs from across campus. This year 130+ entrepreneurs entered the competition to battle for over $100,000 in award money. A group of volunteer judges hand-picked 19 finalist teams to advance to the second round of our highly competitive startup competition. For the first time since its inception in 2009, ten final round winners were announced virtually via a Facebook Live video stream on April 8, 2020. Student teams walked away with anywhere from $2,000 to $15,000.  

May 17, 2020

The B Corp Clinic Featured in B the Change

B the Change media recently featured an article, titled “The B Corp Clinic: How North Carolina Students are Bringing Impact-Minded Business to Life,” written by Mirah Alix about the NC State Poole College B Corp Clinic, its origin, impact and spring 2020 projects. 

May 17, 2020

BSC Director Wins 2020 Fuqua Leader of Consequence Award

BSC Director, Jessica Yinka Thomas, recently received the 2020 Fuqua Leader of Consequence Award. The award, established in 2012, recognizes alumni from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business whose exemplary professional accomplishments are matched by the significant positive social or environmental change they have created. Recipients embody Fuqua's concept of a "Leader of Consequence" by using their degree to make a difference both inside and outside of the boardroom. Thomas was recognized for her work teaching business as a force for good and leading the global B Academic network. 

Apr 13, 2020

Sustainable Business and Social Impact Conference: Patience as a Key to Impact Investing

On February 12th, I had the opportunity to attend the annual Sustainable Business and Social Impact Conference (SBSI) hosted by the Net Impact Chapter at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. 

Feb 11, 2020

Jessica Yinka Thomas Featured As World-Changing Woman in Business

Thomas was recognized as part of a Conscious Company series recognizing 13 women who are leading the “fourth wave of social enterprise” for her efforts in the Business Sustainability Collaborative at NC State and B Academics by working to advance the state of academic study into business as a force for good. 

Dec 3, 2019

Why Do B Corps Matter?

Poole’s Jessica Thomas, lecturer and director of the Business Sustainability Collaborative, breaks down what a B Corp is and how they are changing the future of business. 

Oct 27, 2019

Measuring the Impact of Ventures Led by Women and People of Color

A new series of studies, funded by the Ford Foundation and led by Poole College faculty, examines the social and environmental impact of investment in ventures led by women and people of color. The project is a collaboration between the Business Sustainability Collaborative and LIFT Economy, an impact consulting firm, worker-owned cooperative, and Certified B Corporation.