Introduction
Cecilia Harvey is one of the most inspiring and influential figures in the field of social entrepreneurship. A native of South Africa, and a graduate of the University of Cape Town, Cecilia has brought her unique vision, passion and energy to the global arena of social action. With over 15 years of practical experience in the social impact sector, she believes strongly in the power of the individual to make a positive difference in this world, and in the capacity of entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions to social, economic and environmental challenges. By creating impact initiatives that are sustainable, scalable and effective, Cecilia is breathing new life into the social entrepreneurship movement – offering people both inside and outside of the sector new ways to engage in the work of creating a better tomorrow.
Biography
Cecilia Harvey was born and raised in South Africa, where she attended the University of Cape Town to pursue her studies in Business Administration and Economics. After graduating with honors, she began her career in the private sector before eventually making the transition to the social enterprise sector. This move came about as a result of her desire to make a positive difference in her community by mobilizing entrepreneurs to create sustainable solutions for complex social, economic and environmental challenges.
To this end, she founded her first social enterprise, ARES, which provides tailor-made consultation services to people and businesses interested in creating social impact. She also founded and manages TwoTwelve, a social impact accelerator that promotes and supports meaningful collaboration between entrepreneurs, investors and impact organizations.
Over the years, Cecilia has been actively involved in a range of initiatives, including Global Entrepreneurship Week, Global Urban Leader Summit and others, in order to further her mission of developing innovative and effective social enterprise initiatives.
Impact
Cecilia’s dedication and passion for social entrepreneurship has had a profound impact on the lives of many, especially those living in South Africa’s most impoverished communities. Through her work with ARES, she has provided direct support to disadvantaged entrepreneurs, helping them to find and develop sustainable sources of livelihood. With TwoTwelve, she has focused on building a global network for social entrepreneurs and connecting them with powerful mentors, advisors and investors.
With her unwavering belief in the power of meaningful collaboration, Cecilia has inspired and enabled the growth of the social enterprise movement across the world. Her efforts have spanned numerous industries and have led to the creation and promotion of impactful ventures that tackle significant social, economic and environmental challenges.
In addition to her direct contributions to the sector, Cecilia has also been recognized for her tireless advocacy for social entrepreneurship. She has served on numerous boards and committees; advising numerous cities and countries on how to create and scale social impact ventures. She has also been invited to speak at high profile events, such as the World Economic Forum, and has been featured in major publications.
Cecilia Harvey is an inspiring example of the power of social entrepreneurship and the difference that an individual can make to the lives of others. Her vision, relentless passion and devotion to improving the world have resulted in meaningful, substantive and lasting change. With her pioneering spirit, she has opened up the field to entrepreneurs, investors and impact organizations alike – inspiring significant developments in the ecosystem of social innovation. She is a powerful reminder of the capacity of individuals to create a better future for all.
