Major: Political Science and International Studies

Favorite thing about working at CSVP: I am thoroughly enjoying the great real-world experience managing projects and events, meeting with partners, donors, and Investees and working with outcomes measurement and evaluation. 

What CSVP project are you most excited about?: I will be developing two case studies on past investments and working on creating frameworks to ease data collection for future case studies.

Future plans: I am looking for employment either in management consulting or in a management training program in any industry (commercial insurance, manufacturing, transportation, etc). I plan on getting an MBA after I have a few years of experience. 

*As a side note, every employer I've talked to has been very interested in the venture philanthropy concept (I founded the venture philanthropy club at Denison) and it continues to provide very useful, business-minded experience.  

 Ellie Thompson

Major: Sociology/Anthropology and International Studies

Favorite thing about working at CSVP: I get to be closely involved on myriad projects. Over the past few weeks I have been involved in drafting grant proposals, planning events, meeting with partners, and creating the newsletter. I love that each day there are so many different projects to work on!

What CSVP project are you most excited about?: The bigBANG! conference on October 28th. So far, participating in planning bigBANG! has been an interesting experience. I am excited about what the committee has planned and I am enthusiastic about its potential to spark socially innovative thinking in greater Cleveland community. 

Future plans: In September, I will be joining the Peace Corps in Peru! 

Our work with our newest investee is taking off to a running start. "We’ve seen great progress already,” Dick Cahoon says of SVP’s partnership with MedWish International. With an overall assessment just finished, Lead Partner Dick Cahoon is collaborating with Executive Director Tish Dalby to further strengthen MedWish.

Started in 1993, MedWish recovers and recycles donated medical supplies that would otherwise go to the landfill. MedWish ships these supplies to the developing world – and even one shipment can provide over 1,000 different items to a community in need. In 2010 alone, MedWish saved 886,000 pounds of medical supplies from disposal, keeping this valuable solid waste out of our landfills.

As much of that work of sorting and shipping is handled by volunteers, SVP is focusing efforts on the volunteer experience, to create a more efficient and streamlined system. To further capture the organization’s strengths, SVP will be researching populist organizational structures, helping each employee be fully engaged.

On June 4th, CSVP offers the chance for partners to participate with a volunteer day at MedWish International. On June 4th, partners can get an on-the-ground view of how the organization redistributes thousands of pounds of medical supplies where they are most needed. To RSVP, please click This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .