By Debra Lam and Chad Nash, Partnership for Inclusive Innovation
Have you ever benefited from social capital?
Think about a time when someone helped expand your network, offered valuable insights, or opened doors to new opportunities that helped you grow professionally. Did it make a difference in your career? If so, you’re not alone. Social capital — the networks, relationships, and trust that facilitate cooperation — has a profound impact on professional success. Research shows individuals with access to strong social capital are more likely to earn higher wages, receive promotions, and feel satisfied in their jobs.
Historically, social capital was often built through apprenticeships. Young people learned not only practical skills but also gained access to their mentors’ networks and reputations, which were crucial for future success. As our economy evolved and formal education replaced hands-on apprenticeships, much of that social capital connection derived from working directly alongside an actively practicing professional was lost.
This loss has created a gap, so that today, building social capital is more critical than ever. Despite the clear benefits associated with activities that create access to social capital, such as mentorship, many professionals are missing out on these valuable connections. Indeed, data reveals that almost two-thirds of people today have never had a mentor. Barriers such as limited access, time constraints, and lack of awareness make it difficult for many to engage in mentorship and social capital building, especially across different geographies, races, genders, and socioeconomic statuses. With traditional pathways like apprenticeships and mentorships on the decline, how can we ensure that tomorrow’s leaders receive the social capital they need?
As it turns out, we may have a distinctly local solution — the Atlanta Way 2.0. This collective initiative is designed to address local challenges by leveraging personal networks and social capital. It connects people and organizations with opportunities they might otherwise miss, welcomes both established and emerging leaders into Atlanta’s community and encourages them to invest in its future. Since its launch this summer, more than 550 people have joined Atlanta Way 2.0 as activators, committed to connecting with one another, welcoming newcomers, and tackling local challenges together. By paying it forward, the Atlanta Way 2.0 ensures that future leaders continue this cycle of support and growth.
My own experience with Atlanta Way 2.0 began nearly eight years ago when I first moved to Atlanta. I was jobless, knew very few people, and was pregnant with my second child. Through a couple of referrals, my network quickly grew, leading to over 60 meetings with individuals who shared their insights and passion for Atlanta. While some may not remember me, I will never forget the kindness and guidance extended, which had a lasting impact on my journey. Thank you.
This spirit of connection and support inspired me to help found the Partnership for Inclusive Innovation (Partnership). Our mission is rooted in our commitment to catalyzing innovation and building access to both social and financial capital across Georgia and the South. We integrate social capital investment naturally into our work, offering early-career professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs, local government officials, and corporate leaders the opportunity to collaborate and innovate on solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Through these public-private partnerships, multidisciplinary applied research, experiential learning, and tech-based economic development, the Partnership is driving upward mobility and economic growth in communities large and small. By fostering these connections, we’re not just solving problems — we’re building a stronger, more inclusive future for everyone.
So, have you ever truly benefited from social capital?
If you’re one of the many who have not, consider this your invitation: This fall, to coincide with InnovATL and National Mentorship Day, the Partnership will host the inaugural Social Capital and Leadership Exchange (SCALE) for Innovation Summit. During this free, 2-hour virtual event, we will convene our network of innovators, from current college students to corporate and civic leaders, to build more social capital both individually and for the community.
SCALE will feature some incredibly accomplished and generous mentors and a dynamic fireside chat with Atlanta Way 2.0 Board Chair and daily activator Ann Cramer and Atlanta Influences Everything’s Bem Joiner, where they’ll be discussing the importance of social capital and the impact it’s had on each of their journeys. The event will also include AI-empowered breakout sessions where attendees will experience various forms of mentorship, taking turns as both mentors and mentees.
The SCALE for Innovation Summit is Oct. 11, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. Register today at pingeorgia.org/scale/.
Atlanta Way 2.0 offers a space in our column for community members and partner organizations to highlight efforts to strengthen the civic fabric of Atlanta. We hope to provide insight and opportunities for our readers. If you have questions or would like to contribute, please get in touch with Britton Edwards.
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