Creative Capitalist

GAMBIER, Ohio (October 14, 2010)

The global entrepreneurial activist Tamsin Smith '88 returns to Kenyon on Tuesday, October 19, to share her thoughts on bringing ideas to life.

Smith is the founder and president of SlipStream Strategy of San Francisco. The business collaborates with clients on project design and execution, branding and communication, and advocacy and alliance building. Smith will discuss "Slipstreaming 101" at 11:10 a.m. in the Olin Library Auditorium. Her appearance is part of the Burton D. Morgan Foundation Lectureship Series.

Before launching SlipStream Strategy, Smith was president of (RED), which works with global brands to create unique products and shares profits with the Global Fund to invest in HIV and AIDS programs in Africa. Smith was recruited in 2006 to (RED) by founders Bono and Bobby Shriver to launch the program internationally. Corporate partnerships with Converse, Gap, Motorola, Emporio Armani, Apple, Hallmark, Dell, Microsoft, and Starbucks helped generate about $120 million by the time Smith left (RED) after three years. Smith has appeared at the International AIDS Conference, Cause Marketing Forum, New York Green Fashion Festival, Harvard Business School and at events sponsored by the Harvard Business Review, the World Economic Forum, and Self magazine, among others.

As described by Slipstream Strategy, "Creative capitalism embraces, exemplifies, and redefines humanitarianism. And activists make companies stronger, smarter, more relevant, and more appealing. Together is smart."

Smith previously worked for Gap, creating and leading the company's government affairs department and steering public-policy strategy. Smith has also worked as a senior legislative assistant to two members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Smith earned a master's in law and diplomacy at Tufts University.

The Burton D. Morgan Foundation is based in Hudson, Ohio, and is dedicated to encouraging the free enterprise system. The foundation is the generous supporter of a series of lectures on the Kenyon campus during the academic year. This event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.