By Adam Jeske

In Business for Good

While a student at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, Dave Blanchard realized that there was more to life than getting the best-paying, highest-potential position possible after graduating. Contrary to the messages he received at one of the nation’s best graduate schools for business, Dave’s vision for business was transformed into service for others as a result of his time spent in the Kellogg Christian Fellowship InterVarsity Chapter.

 

With his new perspective on business, Dave spent three years working for IDEO, a global design consultancy that is “people-centered” and consistent with his faith and values.   It was during his time with IDEO that Dave attended the Q Conference, where he met a fellow Kellogg InterVarsity alumnus, Josh Kwan. As they talked, they realized they shared a common vision—to start a social entrepreneurship accelerator to build up Christian leaders of innovative organizations seeking to have a positive social impact.

 

 

After the Q Conference, the pair began talking to a number of peers and mentors who could help sharpen their ideas and plans. Dave says, “We believe there’s a momentum behind social entrepreneurship right now. There’s lots of innovation happening that will have an impact in this world, on systems that are broken, and people that are in need. Christians are under-supported in the marketplace, and we are to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world.”  

 

 

One year later, Dave and Josh officially launched Praxis, the program they had dreamed about while at  the Q Conference. Some of the major social issues that Praxis participants will focus on include unemployment, orphan care, education reform, and media efforts serving the marginalized.

 

 

While there are many Christian mentoring programs available today, Praxis is different as it aims to serve organizations poised for impact and growth, not just individuals. Praxis is taking applications until July 15 for Fellows, who will spend a year refining the vision of their organizations, studying the fundamentals and practicalities of leadership, meeting with mentors and each other, and preparing for a future of growth. Within five weeks of launching, Praxis received 125 applications for the 12 slots available.

 

 

In the midst of launching Praxis, Dave reflected on how God worked in his life through InterVarsity: “It was one of the busier times of my life, and it was really great to have a community of Christians around you every week to talk about being a Christian in the business world. Through InterVarsity and other opportunities, God kept me from drifting away from faith during a season where that’s common. And the presence of that community forced me to consider what I was going to do with the education I was receiving.”

 

 

Dave is stepping out in faith to encourage Christian entrepreneurs to fulfill their calling, seeking the benefit of others versus themselves. And thousands of people around the world will profit from the work of Dave and the Praxis Fellows.