Hello! I’m Bonita and I’m a business woman with a heart.
What does that mean? I whole-heartily believe traditional business disciplines that generate profit can also solve social and environmental issues. However, the “cause” that social enterprises do so well needs to be bridged with the “commerce” of private corporations in order to effectively achieve that critical mass to address societal issues. As my fellow FMS’rs say, “it’s all about the social impact!”
Instead of “seeking alpha” in the finance industry, wherever possible, I am now “advocating for triple bottom line – people, planet, and profit.”
So, what made me get to this point?
If I had an dime (or in my current case, an Indian Rupee) for every time that someone asked me this question, it could probably pay for a ten-course meal at a Michelin star restaurant or fund my “round-the-world tour!”
I “got angry with the way corporations were irresponsibly conducting their business all for the sake of profit generation.” In my previous life as an auditor, I led high-profile reviews of monetary policy during the 2008 to 2010 U.S. Recession while working at the Federal Reserve. During the course of my work, it made me question my core values as a business woman, particularly as I was directly exposed to many of the Wall Street firms that caused this mess in the first place. This critical decision point was whether I would make anything out of it or just collect my paycheck. Obviously, where I am now as I am writing this blog demonstrates that I wanted to do something about it.
Since then, I made a career change through the course of my MBA studies and currently in India to understand supply chain operations from a social enterprise.
For details my professional background, refer to my LinkedIn.
Why is this blog named “Cause & Commerce”?
During my first week with SABRAS, I was inspired by Rajeshbhai’s life-long quest to bridge two polarities, or what he coined as “Cause and Commerce.” I’d like to thank him for giving me the inspiration for this blog and opportunity to work with such a unique organization. Also, in my own quest in the next stage of my career, I’ll be able to build upon his work from across the world.
In the meantime, here is my contact info (Ahmedabad, India is roughly a 13.5 hour difference):
- G-mail/GTalk/Google Hangout: Bonita.yip@gmail.com
- Mobile (India): 00-91-9898444737
- Skype: Bonita.yip
- Twitter: Bonitayip
Mailing address (for those that want to mail me goodies! Please include items that I share with my co-workers too! Please keep in mind, Gujarat is a vegetarian, no-alcoholic state. )
Vikas (Attn: Ms. Bonita Yip)
ISHAVASYAM, Opp. Lajpatnagar,
Eeshita Towers Road, Navrangpura, Navjeevan
Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380 014 (India)
