Shilpa Alva
• – • Catalyst Ranch
About the speaker
Shilpa Alva is the Founder and Executive Director of Surge for Water, a Chicago based nonprofit organization that has provided safe water and sanitation solutions to 1 million people in 11 countries. The spark that led Shilpa to the founding of Surge, started when she was just 7 years old, while visiting extended family in India. However, after graduating from Johns Hopkins University with a degree in Chemical Engineering, she joined the Corporate world. From here, she enjoyed rapid early career success, earned her MBA, and continued up the Corporate ladder.
Eventually, Shilpa came to the hard realization that she was not living in true alignment with her purpose. This led to Surge’s eventual founding and to her leaving a successful career and secure lifestyle. This leap of faith has lead to great things, both through the joy she experiences in her daily purpose-driven life and through the communities who benefit from Surge’s work every single day. In addition to her passion for safe water and global development, Shilpa loves to travel to new countries, read, practice yoga, meditate, and dance offbeat.
Local partners
Catalyst Ranch is Chicago’s most unconventional meeting & event space. The antidote to generic corporate or hotel meeting rooms, the colorful and eclectic environment provides absolute inspiration for any off-site meeting or special event. Their historic loft venue is located in the West Loop, steps away from hotels, dining, and entertainment. Follow them on Twitter @catalystranch
Open Water is bottled water with a green conscience. That’s right: 16 ounces of purified water in 100% recyclable aluminum bottles. Aluminum is recycled more than twice as often as plastic and is also infinitely recyclable. Reusable bottles are always the best, but when you’re away from the tap, think beyond plastic. Follow them on Twitter @drinkopenwater
Dark Matter Coffee adheres to a philosophy where quality coffees are sourced based on traceability, innovation and social responsibility. In a world driven by technology and science, they are the gravitational resistance rooted in skill and philosophy. They are an innovative culinary family fueled by community and passion for delivering the most intellectually honest coffee you will experience. Follow them on Instagram @darkmattercoffee
TagPrints specializes in creating photo experiences that engage and captivate audiences across the country. We integrate data capture and social sharing with outputs like photos, animations, GIFs, Green Screens, and fully customizable hardware. Amplify your next event with a unique photo activation. Follow them on Twitter @TagPrints
Founded by Creative Producer, Edwin R. Ruiz, Mondo Machine is a film and digital media hub for Chicago artists, filmmakers, writers, organizations and patrons of the arts to facilitate work that resonates with audiences worldwide. We specialize in narrative storytelling, documentary, live performance archives, and innovative event experiences. Follow them on Twitter @MondoMachine
Barrel Maker is a vibrant, approachable, and hard-working community of people based in Logan Square and Buffalo Grove since 2009. We are a full-service screen printing, finishing, fulfillment, and live printing event team providing custom swag for clients all over the nation. Follow them on Twitter @Barrel_Maker
Location
Hosted at
Catalyst Ranch
656 W. Randolph, Suite 3W
Chicago, Illinois United States 60661
When
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Photographer Rogelio Gamez
Videographer Chris Mendoza
Videographer Edwin R. Ruiz
Videographer Nammy Park
