Amanda Lonsdale

LinkedIn Profile

Class year of Graduation:        2006
Major(s):              MBA (SAIS/Wharton)

Vision
What I love about DC is that it is both a global city—home to embassies, the World Bank, and other international institutions—and a city rich with neighborhoods, culture, and grassroots entrepreneurship and advocacy. Through my own work, as well as through my work with Net Impact, I have developed a rich network across this spectrum, and would aim to create ways for the Alumni Community to engage with the people and organizations that make DC such a vibrant city.


Special Skills, Qualifications & Previous Board Experience

I am someone who is committed to helping people and the planet through my work—but I firmly believe that the most catalytic way to do this is by showing that “doing good” is good for business. Since leaving Wharton, this has been the common thread in my work and volunteer activities. Some key highlights:

  • Led the DC Professional Chapter of Net Impact, an organization dedicated to using business rigor to promote sustainability. During my tenure (2009-2013), we were selected as Chapter of the Year from amongst 400 chapters. I led the overall organization, and was the director of events for 2 years.
  • Developed successful consulting business (Magnitude) focused on innovative financing to advance the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Clients include World Wildlife Fund, Asian Development Bank, and USAID. My work frequently takes me to emerging markets in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
  • Led the development and financing of renewable energy projects for a private equity fund.
  • Advisory board member for Green Compass, a DC-based company working with property owners to retrofit facilities to reduce carbon emissions and costs.

On a personal note, I am a very slow runner, a former college soccer player, a craft beer aficionado, and was voted “Most Likely to Become a Stand-up Comic” by my high school class. That never materialized, but I can definitely make you laugh!