Making the World Better, One Company at a Time

Entrepreneurism for Social Change: A public lecture at Stetson University

Patrick Davis
Patrick Davis

Stetson University will present “Entrepreneurism for Social Change: Making the World Better, One Company at a Time,” a lecture by Patrick Davis, CEO of Davis Brand Capital and Co-Founder of StandUp Foundation, at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 18, in the Stetson Room, second floor or the Carlton Union Building (CUB). The public is invited, at no charge. The CUB is located at 131 E. Minnesota Ave. on the DeLand campus. Davis will speak again on this topic on Thursday, Feb. 19, at noon in the Great Hall, Stetson University College of Law, Gulfport, Fla.

This lecture is another in Stetson’s Social Justice Lecture Series, focusing on social justice to explore issues central to the university’s mission and values – those that speak to human freedom, personal and social responsibility, the connections we have with each other, and the obligations that flow from our shared humanity.

Davis, a Stetson graduate, class of 1988, has advised several consumer-favorite brands, including Panera, Chipotle, Nike, Progressive, plus a growing list of entrepreneurial disruptors from snack foods to beauty. Brands that demonstrate the power of the private sector to help drive social change.

Davis believes the future is being shaped by “socially-minded capitalists” – business and community leaders who answer new generational priorities and shifting market needs with brands that are based on a purposeful blend of entrepreneurism and social justice. Whether focused on animal and human welfare practices, safe-ingredient standards, safe-ingredient standards, or inclusion and anti-bullying policies, the businesses Davis works with and invests in realize the value of the triple bottom line – making social entrepreneurism a daring and critical driver for significant change.

Since the Social Justice Lecture Series (SJLS) was established at Stetson University in fall 2013, guest lecturers have included: Peter Edelman (October 2013); Susan Rankin (February 2014); Kevin Quashie (October 2014).

Stetson’s SJLS Committee members include: Robert Bickel, professor of Law; Amy Gipson, assistant vice president for Development Strategy & Communications; Joshua Rust, assistant professor of Philosophy; Yolany Gonell, director of Diversity and Inclusion; and student Alicja Duda.

For more information about the Feb. 18 lecture, contact Yolany Gonell at 386-822-7402, or visit Social Justice Lecture Series at Stetson University.