The Ideas to Serve (I2S) program is an integral extension of Georgia Tech’s MGT 4189: Social Impact—Exploration and Design course. Using a community-based learning approach, I2S engages students in real-world problem discovery through experiential learning and direct dialogue with practitioners.
The focus areas for 2026 include:
- Mental Health — exploring the importance of social connections and third places;
- Sustainability as Post-growth — understanding the drivers and outcomes of overconsumption
- Independent Journalism — investigating what happens when the news is privatized and AI-driven.
A key component of the course is the I2S Panel Series, where community leaders and practitioners share real-world insight into these topics and engage directly with students.
Event Details
All I2S panels are held on Tuesdays from 5:00–7:45 PM in CoB 222 as part of the MGT 4189 Social Impact course. Sessions are open to all students and community partners interested in personal development, problem-discovery methods, and connecting with community leaders in Atlanta and beyond.
Independent Journalism — January 27
Speaker: Matt Scott, Atlanta Community Press Collective
Matt Scott from the Atlanta Community Press Collective (ACPC) helped students explore how independent journalism supports democracy and what shifts occur when media systems become increasingly privatized and technology-driven. ACPC works to empower Atlantans to participate in civic life and hold institutions accountable by strengthening community-centered journalism. The organization focuses on changing dominant narratives, centering marginalized voices, and expanding public engagement. Through community reporting and storytelling, ACPC highlights the work of people and groups striving toward a more equitable future.
Sustainability — February 3
Speakers: Emma Hugonnet, Food Well Alliance; Emma Dufresne, Live Thrive
Emma Hugonnet represents Food Well Alliance, a collaborative network that supports community gardens and urban farms across Atlanta. The organization provides resources, coordination, and technical support to local growers, working toward a vision of a city that is locally grown and community connected.
Emma Dufresne joins from Live Thrive, a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals, organizations, and businesses make environmentally responsible choices. Live Thrive operates the Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM), Atlanta’s first permanent drop-off facility for difficult-to-recycle and hazardous materials, helping reduce landfill waste and protect public and environmental health.
Together, speakers will help students examine overconsumption, material systems, and community-scale sustainability solutions.
Mental Health — February 10
Speakers: Kiyomi Rollins, The Ke’nekt Cooperative; zahra alabanza, Red, Bike and Green
The Mental Health panel focuses on social connection, community space, and collective well-being.
Kiyomi Rollins leads The Ke’nekt Cooperative, a Black liberated third space and mutual-aid hub where residents, legacy Black businesses, creatives, and micro-startups collaborate to exchange ideas and build community-driven solutions.
zahra alabanza represents Red, Bike and Green, a Black community-building collective that promotes physical, mental, economic, and environmental health through a culturally relevant and sustainable bike movement that strengthens community connection.
Save the Date: I2S Poster Showcase
Join us on April 21 for the I2S Poster Showcase, where students will present the results of their problem-discovery projects on their chosen topics. This event provides a platform for students to share their findings with practitioners, community leaders, faculty, and peers, fostering conversation around challenges and opportunities for improving the human condition.
The Institute for Leadership and Social Impact (ILSI) is an interdisciplinary institute at Georgia Tech dedicated to promoting servant leadership and advancing organizational practices that contribute to a more just, caring, and sustainable world. Through experiential learning, research, and community partnerships, we nurture leaders who drive meaningful social change—locally in Atlanta and globally. To learn more about our initiatives and programs, visit our website.