Innovative Solutions Across the Impact Venture Sector: A Conversation with the Founders

Lee Wallace is the owner and Queen Bean of Peace Coffee, a company on a mission to craft a delicious coffee experience with communities around the globe. A rare CEO whose area of expertise resides in, in her words, “that intersection between mission and money,” she is a sought-after writer and speaker as well as a recognized leader and expert in multiple fields: social enterprise businesses, fair trade enterprises, and specialty coffee importers. Lee sits on the Research Advisory Council for the Specialty Coffee Association, and holds active leadership roles in the Climate Collaborative, and the B Corps movement. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling to new places, puttering around in her garden and hanging out with her dogs Ruby and Felix.

Bella Lam is the Founder and CEO of Coconut Whisk, a Community Health Education Graduate from MSU-Mankato, a 2020 #AerieReal Changemaker, 2021 Star Tribune Connect Grant Recipient, Finnovation Fellowship Finalist, LunarStartup and ImpactSKU Member. She's dedicated to using her unique experiences as an immigrant, first-generation college student and community educator to inspire others to dream big and take action

Tom has held a variety of roles across the fresh produce supply chain over his career. From starting his career with C.H. Robinson working with brands such as Welches and Tropicana to spending time on the retail side of the equation at Target Corp. His experience in field and greenhouse grown products give him broad perspective on the transition to controlled environment agriculture as one of the owners of Revol Greens.

Sarah Pritzker is the founder and CEO of the Pritzker Strategy Group-a boutique consultancy that advises sustainable businesses on growth and marketing. Previous to PSG, Sarah founded Atlas Provisions. Atlas Provisions worked with smallholder farmers to introduce new food products to consumers in the US while providing new economic opportunities to farmers across the globe. Atlas Provisions was unfortunately unable to continue operations due to complications from COVID19. Sarah holds an MBA from the Carlson School of Management and has experience working with businesses of all types from farmers market startups to Fortune 500 companies.

Sue Marshall has spent to majority of her professional career as an entrepreneur and currently the founder and CEO of NETZRO, SBC. NETZRO is a benefit corporation that provides integrated solutions to enhance the food supply chain by transforming unused food byproducts and reharvesting nutrients into new upcycled food ingredients. Sue has entered NETZRO into numerous entrepreneurial contests, accelerators and incubators. She uses her proud range of business experience and education to assist other entrepreneurs with start-ups that desire a focus on socially responsible business models and funding. Sue holds a B.S. in marketing from St. Cloud State University and a Masters degree from University of St. Thomas. She proudly lives and works in Minneapolis, MN—claiming more beach front than its neighboring twin, St. Paul. Sue is partnering with Mother Nature to correct the mistakes of her generation and generations past. She spends her days collaborating with others that share her passion for economic & environmental justice & sustainability while creating socially responsible initiatives. She spends her free time traveling the world in dedication to her role as a world-class mother and wife.