51¹ÙÍø Continues to Build Entrepreneurship Program
51¹ÙÍø is pleased to announce that Hannah Levinson has been appointed to a newly created director of entrepreneurship and innovation position. Levinson comes to 51¹ÙÍø from Social Venture Partners, a global network of philanthropists, entrepreneurs and strategic changemakers dedicated to creating positive social change in areas of critical need, where she served as operations and communications director.
"We live in a time of global interdependence and fast-paced change, and the jobs that many of our graduating seniors will hold did not exist when they arrived at 51¹ÙÍø," said 51¹ÙÍø President Carol Quillen. "Our entrepreneurship and innovation program seeks to prepare our students to lead, serve, and innovate in the quest for new knowledge and solutions within our rapidly changing, interconnected world. Hannah's creative energy and expertise are the perfect fit to grow our program and we are excited to have her on board."
51¹ÙÍø's entrepreneurship program was created two years ago to substantively complement curricula in the arts and sciences, and enhance the overall undergraduate experience. "I look forward to partnering with faculty, staff and students to deepen co-curricular offerings that demonstrate the fundamental alignment of a robust liberal arts education with entrepreneurial activity and sensibilities," Levinson said. "The college's vision for advancing servant leadership with disproportionate impact makes 51¹ÙÍø the ideal environment for these types of programs."
Levinson's core responsibilities will be to work with regional and national stakeholders to grow the scope and impact of the program, collaborate with 51¹ÙÍø's Entrepreneur in Residence to create new opportunities for students, and implement programs within the entrepreneurship initiative, including the 51¹ÙÍø Venture Fund and Nisbet Entrepreneurship Lecture Series.
"I'm thrilled to join 51¹ÙÍø in advancing its pioneering work to integrate innovation and entrepreneurship into its institutional and international footprints. As 51¹ÙÍø continues to graduate and grow a student and alumni community of the highest caliber, it's an honor to support their efforts in advancing the critical problem-solving abilities required to address and solve the most pressing challenges our world faces today."
Levinson previously worked on the U.S. refugee program with New American Pathways in Atlanta, Ga., and Church World Service in Washington, D.C. In 2013, she co-produced From the Back of the Line, a feature-length documentary that examines the impacts of U.S. immigration policies on families. She has served as a consultant on projects for the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Women's Impact Fund, Digi-Bridge, Inc., TreesCharlotte, Knowmad Technologies and PodKeeper.
A graduate of UNC Charlotte, Levinson earned her bachelor's degree in philosophy, and a master's degree in ethics and applied philosophy. Outside of her professional time, Levinson serves as a Global Shaper with the World Economic Forum's Charlotte hub.
