…B Corporation certification? Because consumers today don’t only care about the product, they also care about the company and the way it conducts business.

Speaker: Ruksana Azhu Valappil, Neev Health
Date: Thursday, 19 May 2022
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 PM PDT
Register: Click here, no charge
Host: IEEE SCV Young Professionals
Co-Sponsor: IEEE SCV Technology & Engineering Management Society

Abstract: C Corp. S Corp. These are some of the common ways a business can be incorporated in the U.S. For more than a decade now, however, the Benefit Corp is growing in popularity as the formal management structure of choice for a for-profit business. In this talk, we will discuss the requirements of forming a Benefit Corporation as well as how it affords the same protections as a regular corporation, with the added benefits of advancing public good and market differentiation. If you are a mission-driven business, or want to build environmentally or socially responsible practices into your company, this entity type might be the right fit for you. Build credibility and trust with all stakeholders – shareholders, customers, employees and suppliers. Increase brand value and attract investors. Learn about some of the famous brands and businesses, including publicly traded companies that are Benefit Corporations in manufacturing, health, weather, seismic, security, and other industries. We will also clarify the difference between a Benefit Corporation and B Corp Certification.

Speaker Bio: Ruksana Azhu Valappil is a healthcare AI, ethics and sustainability advisor, neuroscientist, social entrepreneur and a purpose driven leader. As the founder of NEEV Health, she loves to help digital health teams implement ethical and trustworthy AI solutions that mitigates bias, incorporates transparency and is regulatory compliant. As an advisor and consultant, she brings her passion for equitable healthcare, research rigor, analytical skills and a collaborative approach to help build ethical AI for digital health. She has led cross functional teams, organizations and serves on several board of directors. She is a founding member of WeTheChange, a not-for-profit coalition of 900+ mission driven women CEOs and allies aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. She served as the Director and co-lead the organization running operations, including governance, finance and partnerships. As an advocate for empowering women and a firm believer in integrating business with social responsibility, she runs her small business and social enterprise, NEEV Lifestyle, as a California Benefit Corporation and a Certified B Corp. A firm believer in public service, she is happy to serve on the Hospital Supplier Diversity Commission at California Department of Health Care Access and Information. Ruksana earned her PhD in Biomedical Engineering and holds a BS in Electrical & Electronics Engineering.