| Thought Leaders |
|
Judith Cone Judith Cone is vice president of emerging strategies for the Kauffman Foundation, where she leads efforts to explore new program opportunities to advance entrepreneurship and education. Prior to her current role, Cone was vice president of entrepreneurship and led a number of the Foundation's signature entrepreneurship initiatives for youth and adults, including one of its largest programs - the Kauffman Campuses Initiative, which aims to transform culture on university campuses by making entrepreneurship education accessible to students and faculty across all fields of study. Cone joined the Foundation in 1993 and was responsible for the development of innovative entrepreneurial learning programs, including FastTrac and an award-winning Web portal for entrepreneurs. She also developed Kauffman's knowledge management practice and played an instrumental role during a restructuring of the Foundation's strategic focus. Prior to entering philanthropy, Popovich served as senior staff to a state senator, governor, and congressman as well as the National Governors' Association, Council of Governors' Policy Advisors, and the National Academy for Public Administration. His experience and publications extend across the fields of energy, environment, economic development, agriculture, education, workforce development, and governmental reform. Prior to joining the Foundation, Cone cofounded two management consulting firms with clients such as General Motors, AT&T, and global pharmaceutical firms. Her first career was as a learning disabilities teacher working with disadvantaged children, where she experienced first-hand the pervasive and devastating effects of poverty on children and families. Cone lectures nationally and internationally on entrepreneurship topics. She has a bachelor of arts degree from William Jewell College with areas of concentration in education and psychology, and a master of science degree with honors from the University of Kansas. She is on the board of the Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program, serves as an advisor to several nonprofit boards, and works closely with the National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurship to advance entrepreneurship education in the United Kingdom. About the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation of Kansas City is a private, nonpartisan foundation that works with partners to advance entrepreneurship in America and improve the education of children and youth. The Kauffman Foundation was established in the mid-1960s by the late entrepreneur and philanthropist Ewing Marion Kauffman. Information about the Kauffman Foundation is available at www.kauffman.org.
|