South Africa has one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the world, largely due to a system that fails to provide the basic skills and career guidance necessary for young people to enter the labor market successfully. Additionally, structural inequalities from apartheid-era policies still impact many young people today. Challenges like labor market rigidity, economic growth constraints, informal sector dominance, and youth population dynamics further complicate the situation.
The Wharton Coalition for Equity and Opportunity (CEO) is partnering with Afrika Tikkun to host a panel discussion on African entrepreneurship and sustainability. Afrika Tikkun has been tackling these challenges for 30 years through its “Cradle to Career” youth development programs, which support children from age 3 and guide them through education, skills training, and employment opportunities. This panel will kick off the Wharton CEO Global Speaker Series and align with Wharton CEO's mission to equip current and future leaders with the skills to build equitable organizations, create positive business outcomes, and grow wealth creation opportunities.
Join our panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Fareeda Griffith, Managing Director of Wharton CEO, to explore how various sectors can collaborate to tackle the complex challenges South Africa faces through:
➡️ Youth Empowerment and Education
➡️ Innovative Solutions for Community Development
➡️ Sustainable Impact through Partnerships
➡️ Focusing on Health and Well-being
➡️ Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship
Refreshments will be served.
If you’re unable to join us in person, please join us virtually via this link: https://upenn.zoom.us/j/96895200988?pwd=LWqaBHqQSkWQZfMKbKpUqHLQrbmZrj.1
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Meet The Panelists:
Claudio Lucarelli, PhD is an Associate Professor of Healthcare Management at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. His research focuses on the industrial organization of health care markets, with a focus on the health insurance and pharmaceutical industries. He has been recognized for his work on Medicare Part D, a federal program delivered through the private sector, showing in a series of papers that Medicare beneficiaries are able to navigate a complex array of choices and to learn over time. He is the recipient of the 19th National Institute for Health Care Management Research Award and Honorable Mention in its 22nd version.
Marc Lubner, Executive Chairman of Afrika Tikkun, lives by the adage made famous by Winston Churchill, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Recognized as one of South Africa’s leading NGOs, Afrika Tikkun supports the development of over 40,000 children a year from early infancy until the time they find careers and jobs. It has a non-profit development entity, an enterprise & placement business unit, and a private equity investment holding company, and all net revenue flows toward funding the non-profit. As a leader who is passionate about service to others, Marc’s daily activities include his responsibilities as past CEO of Afrika Tikkun, Executive Chairman of SMILE foundation, Executive Chairman of SAICC (South African Israeli Chamber of Commerce), and advisor of his family’s global investment portfolio. Marc sits on a number of Boards, including more recently the Presidential Initiative focused on solutions for Youth Unemployment. Marc originates from a business background, having completed his MBA at Kellogg School of Management. Thereafter following a successful commercial career until determining that applying a business acumen to the philanthropic / social impact sector would offer greater rewards.
Takara Lubner is a third-generation philanthropist with deep roots in Afrika Tikkun, an organization founded by her late grandfather, Bertie Lubner, and led by her father, Marc Lubner, for 18 years. This intergenerational legacy of giving and social impact shapes Takara’s approach to philanthropy, as she carries forward her family’s commitment to empowering South African youth through education and socio-economic development opportunities. Takara is also the founder of Philanthrostrat, a consultancy that amplifies vetted African organizations on the global stage. Committed to mobilizing the next generation in sustainable giving, Takara’s work through Philanthrostrat focuses on bridging the gap between global investors and high-impact African NGOs. As the vetting officer for the Lubner Family Foundation, she also leads initiatives prioritizing disability inclusion and socio-economic support for children, women and youth.
Tukufu Zuberi is the Lasry Family Professor of Race Relations at the University of Pennsylvania, the founder of the TZ Production Company, and the writer, producer, and director of African Independence. Dr. Zuberi is dedicated to bringing a fresh view of culture and society to the public through various platforms such as guest lecturing at universities, television programs, and interactive social media and exhibitions. Currently, he works on human rights initiatives by participating in public speaking engagements, international collaborations with transnational organizations, and individuals dedicated to human equality. For more information on his current and past projects, please check out www.sas.upenn.edu/tukufu-zuberi.