Katherine Boas - Co-Chair, Social Investment Council

Tell us about yourself! Where are you from and what do you do for a living?

I was born in New York City and grew up in Connecticut. I've lived a bunch of places near and far since then and now work around the corner from where I was born, as a consultant for McKinsey. In my so-called spare time, I support the Barefoot MBA (www.barefootmba.org), an adaptable tool I created to teach basic business skills to microloan recipients and other undereducated entrepreneurs anywhere.

How has your experience on the Social Investment Council informed your work at McKinsey?

The Social Investment Council has broadened my networks of peers and organizations. Echoing Green and McKinsey set high bars, and I'm proud (and flattered!) to be part of each.

What area in social change are you most passionate about?

Education as a means to opportunity and realizing potential, but not just through formal schools. I've learned through experience that the best education can happen outside the classroom and that those who benefit most might not ever see one. For example, the Barefoot MBA has given some of the world's poorest entrepreneurs, many of whom lack formal schooling, knowledge and concepts to empower them to make better business decisions -- and ultimately better lives for themselves, their families and their communities. I like to think I've helped make incremental progress in schools, but I know I've improved opportunities leaps and bounds through the Barefoot MBA and related efforts.

What advice would you give to young professionals who are interested in both business and social change?

It doesn't need to be an either-or. The line between business and social enterprise isn't as thick as it can seem, and opportunities to straddle it abound. Do what you love, even if with only some of your time.

What’s your hidden talent or interest?

I'm amassing a collection of subway maps from around the world. I'm planning to wallpaper my bathroom.

When you were a little kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Sometimes I think I'm still a little kid, and I'm certainly not done growing up!