In this episode of More MPE, hosts Ray Horton and Sandi Wright speak with Kesha Cash ’10, founder and general partner of Impact America Fund.
Cash's journey from humble beginnings to becoming a trailblazer in impact investing is a testament to her resilience and vision. She was the first in her immediate family to attend a four-year college and her experiences growing up in a low-income household — witnessing the challenges faced by small business owners — shaped her perspective on economic disparities.
After graduating from UC Berkeley with a degree in applied mathematics, Cash worked on Wall Street as an M&A analyst. However, her desire to make a broader impact led her to pivot towards helping small businesses in underserved communities. This experience revealed the need for more substantial support and resources for these entrepreneurs, prompting Cash to pursue an MBA at Columbia Business School.
During her time at Columbia, Cash co-founded Jalia Ventures, focusing on mission-driven entrepreneurs of color. This laid the foundation for her to launch Impact America Fund in 2013. The fund invests in companies that create positive impact for low and moderate-income Americans, aiming to prove that it's possible to generate strong financial returns while doing good for communities.
Cash's investment approach is exemplified by Care Academy, a portfolio company that provides education and training for home care workers. This investment addresses the critical shortage of home care workers while aiming to improve their economic mobility and dignity. Cash's strategy involves identifying opportunities that combine financial potential with meaningful social impact.
Throughout her career, Cash has benefited from and emphasized the importance of mentorship. She attributes much of her success to the guidance and support she received from various mentors at crucial junctures in her journey. Now, she actively mentors others, particularly those interested in impact investing and social enterprise.
For aspiring social entrepreneurs, Cash advises ensuring personal financial stability before pursuing impact-focused work. She encourages focusing on one or two passionate areas rather than trying to solve all problems at once. Cash also emphasizes the importance of building and engaging with like-minded communities and balancing profit-making with social impact in a dual-mission approach.
Mentioned in this episode:
- Kesha Cash ’10
