Katharine Miszewski

Katharine Miszewksi "is the founder of an independent corporate social investment (CSI) consultancy and aims to work closely with business and the NGO sector to enhance performance within the CSI arena in South Africa.

"Prior to this initiative until 2007, Ms. Miszewski was the head of the Old Mutual Foundation. She also taught and lectured for a number of years in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.

"Ms. Miszewski has extensive experience in the conceptualization, development and implementation of socio-economic development initiatives throughout South Africa – this having been the main thrust of her work at the Old Mutual Foundation. This meant working closely with nongovernmental organizations, government and society in an attempt to alleviate poverty and to promote access for those previously excluded.

"Ms. Miszewski has been active in the development of a pilot CSI mapping project for South Africa. This project aims to gather information on corporate social investment via a global information system that measures spending by geographic region and by focus area. The aim of the project is to enhance decision-making around the allocation of funds, improve delivery and raise the professional status of the social investment industry.

"In 2007, Ms. Miszewski won the Chief Executive’s Award of Excellence as part of the Mail & Guardian’s Investing in the Future Awards. The Investing in the Future Awards are a Mail &Guardian initiative aimed at honoring companies and organizations that contribute to the well-being of society by investing in people. Kate was recognized for her passion for improving the quality of life in communities and for making a difference in the lives of people in rural areas. "

• Senior Fellow, Synergos Institute