Skip to content
The International Social Impact Institute | Inspire • Connect • Activate • Transform
  • About Us
    • Our Story
    • The ISII Services
    • Liz Ngonzi Transforms
    • Youth Giving
    • Team
  • Schedule
  • Resources
    • Thought Leadership
    • Media Kit
    • Collaborator Resources
  • Contact Us

Our Story -
About The International Social Impact Institute®

At The International Social Impact Institute® (The ISII), we have a rich and transformative story that spans decades. It all began with our founder’s education at The United Nations International School, Syracuse University iSchool, and Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, and her experiences in the tech marketing industry, where she worked with one of the leading computer manufacturers at the time. These formative experiences laid the foundation for our journey towards driving global social impact enabled by emerging technologies, with a commitment to service excellence.

Inspired by these experiences, our founder, Elizabeth (Liz) Ngonzi, became passionate about making a difference and addressing the challenges faced by marginalized leaders and organizations in the US and developing countries. Drawing upon her extensive experience in the social impact space, including running a consulting firm, serving as a turnaround CEO, and teaching nonprofits, Liz recognized the urgent need for accessible funding opportunities, educational resources, and essential networks for these organizations and leaders.

In 2020, Liz founded The International Social Impact Institute® (ISII) with a clear mission: to inspire, connect, activate, and transform institutions and individuals striving for a more equitable and sustainable world. Guided by our core values of Interconnectedness, Social Justice, Gratitude, Inclusivity, Integrity, Sustainability, and Service Excellence, ISII works to foster global ecosystems that magnify the impacts of these entities, enabling them to articulate and share their stories while forming powerful alliances that amplify their impact.

CONTACT US

Our Story — Decades in the Making

From our founder's education at The United Nations International School, Syracuse University iSchool, Cornell University School of Hotel Administration to working in tech marketing with the number two computer manufacturer at the time, to the announcement of our founding on LinkedIn Live and our integration of Generative AI, we have been at the forefront of global social impact enabled by emerging technology and service excellence.

1975

ISII Liz Ngonzi - 1974, United Nations School

Our founder – the daughter of Dr. John Ruganda (Uganda’s preeminent dramatist) and Hilda Rwabazaire Paqui (a diplomat who later became a senior communications official with the United Nations Development Programme) – moves from Uganda to New York City.

MORE INFO »

 
1975

1988

ISII Liz Ngonzi - 1988, University lecture

Our founder graduates from the United Nations International School, which she attended for 13 years and at which she developed the foundation of her social awareness and global orientation.

WATCH VIDEO »

 
1988

1992

ISII Liz Ngonzi - 1992, Digital Equipment Corporation
Our founder is recruited into Digital Equipment Corporation’s prestigious Marketing Development Program, after graduating from Syracuse University as part of the second group of students to complete its Information Studies undergraduate degree program.
 
1992

1994

ISII Liz Ngonzi - 1994, Digital Equipment Corporation

Our founder is recognized as the highest grossing first year salesperson in the history of MICROS Systems Inc., where she later becomes a top 10 salesperson on a companywide basis.

MORE INFO »

 
1994

1999

Our founder graduates from Cornell University with a hospitality focused  management master’s degree and joins Arthur Andersen, where she becomes a Business Consulting Manager overseeing merger integration and strategy development projects.

MORE INFO »

 
1999

2001

ISII Liz Ngonzi - 2001

Our founder launches Amazing Taste LLC as a catering and events consulting firm serving corporate and private clients.

MORE INFO »

 
2001

2003

ISII Liz Ngonzi - 2003, Response Flyer

Our founder begins teaching an Event Planning and Meeting Management course at Raritan Valley Community College in New Jersey.  As course instructor she doubles the course’s enrollment and later develops an emergency preparedness/ disaster management conference with a grant from the Department of Homeland Security.

MORE INFO »

 
2003

2004

ISII Liz Ngonzi - 2004, Save The Date Flyer

Our founder re-positions Amazing Taste LLC as a marketing and fundraising consulting firm focused on the nonprofit sector.  The firm develops its first event website and its first email marketing campaign for a fundraiser, launching two of its core offerings.

DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION »

 
2004

2007

ISII Liz Ngonzi - 2007, screenshot
Amazing Taste LLC repositions the “Pink Tie Ball” fundraising gala hosted by Susan G. Komen’s Northern New Jersey Affiliate as a “Green” gala for 1,100 guests. The event raises $1.1 million to provide underserved women with access to early breast cancer detection and treatment services.
 
MORE INFO »
 
2007

2009

ISII Liz Ngonzi - 2009, NYUSPS Excellence Award Thank You

Our founder begins teaching her online fundraising course at the NYU Heyman Center for Philanthropy & Fundraising (then under the leadership of Executive Director Naomi Levine).  A version of this course is still offered, and in 2021 our founder (i) received an NYU Distinguished Teaching Award for her work on the course, and (ii) developed a professional certificate program in Digital Fundraising that is centered around the course.

MORE INFO »

 
2009

2011

ISII Liz Ngonzi - 2011, Shine With The Brightest

Amazing Taste LLC is selected by the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration as strategic marketing and events consultant for the Cornell Hospitality Icon and Innovator Awards, the School’s premier event at which it recognizes industry leaders while raising funds for scholarships.

MORE INFO »

 
2011

2012

ISII Liz Ngonzi - 2012, SXSW Africa

Our founder co-develops a panel at SXSW titled “Africa, Tech and Women: The New Faces of Development”.  The panel focuses on African women’s application of technology in ways that advance Africa’s development – and it directly confronts persistent negative stereotypes associated with African women and their place in the economy and in society.

MORE INFO »

 
2012

2014

Our founder is selected by Vital Voices Global Partnerships to develop fundraising and marketing training for its African Businesswomen’s Network and 200+ VVGROW fellows from around the world.

MORE INFO »

 
2014

2014 - 2018

Our founder joins South Africa-based youth development organization Afrika Tikkun as CEO of its North America representative, Afrika Tikkun USA. She begins transforming the US entity into an in-demand nonprofit, developing partnerships with AmerisourceBergen, Delta Airlines, Facebook and McCann Worldgroup, among others.

MORE INFO »

 
2014 - 2018

2018 - 2019

Gaining clarity on purpose and distilation part 22

In this video, Liz Ngonzi, our founder, shares how her sabbatical in 2018 provided her with an opportunity to realign with her personal values and purpose. This introspective period led to the creation of Liz Ngonzi Transforms and The International Social Impact Institute, organizations dedicated to driving transformative change and empowering individuals and institutions to make a lasting global impact.

WATCH VIDEO

 
2018 - 2019

2020

Lunching-the-Institute cover image

Liz Ngonzi officially launched The International Social Impact Institute (ISII) on LinkedIn and YouTube Live, signifying the beginning of our journey in leveraging technology platforms for global impact. This milestone event allowed us to reach a wide audience and establish our presence as a catalyst for positive change on a global scale. Since then, we have continued to harness the power of technology to connect with diverse stakeholders, deliver impactful programs and services, and operate effectively with a geographically dispersed team and network of partners.

WATCH VIDEO

 
2020

2021

The International Social Impact Institute logo new

In 2021, we unveiled a new logo for The International Social Impact Institute (ISII) that beautifully encapsulates our mission. The logo features three spirals, each composed of interconnected dots and spirals, symbolizing individuals coming together to create a ripple effect of impact. This design reflects our belief in the transformative power of individual actions, which can inspire and activate change within institutions and society as a whole. Our logo represents our commitment to fostering a more sustainable and equitable world through collective effort.

2021

2022

Youth Giving Summit logo

On International Youth Day (August 12, 2022), we took on the stewardship of the Youth Giving platform, previously established by our partner Candid. To mark this significant milestone, we organized a groundbreaking virtual event known as the Youth Giving Summit. This summit served as a platform to inspire, connect, and activate young individuals, empowering them to become agents of transformative change within their communities. 

LEARN MORE »

2022

2023 -

Visual representation of Generative AI with its elements: image icon, text icon, sound icon, video icon and code icon

Starting in 2023, the ISII has harnessed the power of generative AI to transform storytelling, communication, and problem-solving. Seamlessly integrated into our programs and services, this technology empowers our clients to craft compelling narratives, engage stakeholders, and drive social impact.

LEARN MORE »

2023 -
Schedule an Exploratory Call
Explore Our Milestones

Our Story –
HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR FOUNDING IN 2020

Our New Logo

The Institute’s new logo embodies our mission to inspire, connect, and activate individuals and organizations towards making the world more sustainable and equitable. The three spirals, each containing dots with spirals representing individuals, symbolize our belief in the ripple effect of individual impact that can lead to transformation in institutions and society at large.

The ISII Team

Our team

The Institute is backed by a dedicated core team and partner consultants who share the organization’s core values and bring together diverse backgrounds and experiences to advise and train clients from various public and social sector areas, including arts and culture, associations, government, public health, education, human rights, impact and traditional investing, philanthropy, social justice, and youth development.

Learn more
Join us in co-creating the future of Cover image with title "Youth Giving and help shape a better world"

Youth Giving

The global ecosystem powered by The International Social Impact Institute® – Empowering youth to create global impact.

Learn more
Inspire, Connect, Activate and Transform with with The International Social Impact Institute

NY NOW® interview

With our founder / CEO, Liz Ngonzi, about the origins and purpose of The International Social Impact Institute®.

Learn more

Virtual Personal Brand Story Development Workshop for Nonprofit Fundraisers

Development and Delivery of a virtual workshop for members of the National Capital Gift Planning Council (NCGPC) and the Washington DC Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP-DC) on how develop a compelling personal brand story to increase supporter engagement and fundraising support.

Learn more

Sustainable Leadership, Fundraising and Digital Engagement Coaching and Training Program

Development and Delivery of the Sustainable Leadership, Financial Management/Funding and Digital Engagement Coaching, Peer-to-peer Learning, and Training Program for the 2021-2022 cohort of the CIVICUS Global Alliance Youth Action Lab.

Learn more
Why Learning How to Tell Your Story Can Help You Align Your Purpose and Your Paycheck cover image

eCornell Keynotes Personal Branding Webinar and Workshop

Development, marketing and delivery of the eCornell Keynote webinar and workshop – Telling Your Story: How to Align Your Purpose with Your Paycheck – for 2,000+ purpose-driven leaders and professionals.

Learn more

Fundraising Webinar Series for African Nonprofit Organizations

Development, Marketing and Delivery of the African Resource Mobilisation Webinar Series in close collaboration with King Baudouin Foundation US (and other valued partners) for 2,000 nonprofit leaders and professionals in Africa and across the globe.

Learn more

Virtual Executive Education Program for Nelson Mandela University

Development and Delivery of the Nelson Mandela University “Global Resource Mobilisation and Branding Executive Education Programme” for the university’s senior leadership in South Africa.

Learn more

What our partners say about us

"Liz's captivating presentation on harnessing the power of generative AI to drive social impact and fundraising was truly eye-opening. Her passion for leveraging technology, specifically AI, for the greater good ignited a sense of possibility within each of us and sparked lively discussions on the endless opportunities that lie ahead."
Maurice OmondiChairperson of the BoardChairperson of the Board Kenya Association of Fundraising Professionals
"Another round of applause for an absolutely INCREDIBLE session yesterday - we are still on a complete high from the interactive, thought-provoking insight you provided our cohort in Fundraising! Thank you for sharing your incredible gift of storytelling and knowledge sharing with us this year, it has kicked off our programmatic year in a very big way.”
Leah HoffmanDeputy Director for Global Programs / Africa Program Lead, Obama Foundation
“Inspired by the amazing work you are doing Elizabeth (Liz) Ngonzi, CFRE and super proud of USAID's Engendering Industries program for making The Women in African Power Network Sustainability Training and Coaching Programme and so many more AWESOME women-led offerings possible.”
Clarisse Ndjungu, Ph.D.Director of Operations, Tetra Tech
"The capacitation programme with The International Social Impact Institute is important to us to help position our university…The best contribution we can make as Mandela University is to marshal ourselves to be the scholarly articulation of his social and political contribution to the improvement of humanity; to put together institutional arrangements to expand our national, continental and global footprint of scholarly outputs promoting social justice and equality.”
Professor Sibongile Muthwa
Professor Sibongile MuthwaVice-Chancellor, Nelson Mandela University (South Africa)
“We partnered with The International Social Impact Institute to deliver a fascinating interview with Tom Higley, who talked about solving the world's biggest problems through entrepreneurial methods. Liz was instrumental in securing Tom as a speaker and did such a brilliant and engaging job of moderating the conversation with him. The whole event really helped to expand Resource Alliance's offerings and audiences, at a time when the sector needs to think about new ways of solving the world's biggest challenges. It was fascinating, timely and vitally important to learn how social entrepreneurship and other new revenue models can help with this. We can't thank Liz enough! :)”
Ruby ChadwickHead of Global Engagement and Events, The Resource Alliance UK
"We were very happy to have Liz present at our Wilmington Trust Philanthropic Speaker Series Virtual Coffee Chat (session #84) on Wednesday, June 30, 2021. Her topic, “Digital Strategies for Funders" was very helpful to Wilmington Trust’s endowment, foundation and nonprofit clients and their trustees. She did an excellent job describing the Digital Storytelling Ecosystem. This is very important to all nonprofits as they pivot back to the new world. She also provided key insights on how to maximize LinkedIn to tell your story. She is a top notch teacher and coach and we were very lucky to have her at our session!"
Walter J. Dillingham, Jr., CFAManaging Director, Wealth Advisory and Endowments & Foundations, Wilmington Trust, N.A.
Thanks again for your help with this successful event and also for sharing on social media. You are a rockstar! I honestly look forward to having more opportunities to collaborate in the future. 🌺
Yessenia SotoCommunity Engagement Officer on Civil Society Resourcing, CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation

Stay Connected Today!

Stay connected with us and never miss out on valuable resources, event announcements, and course offerings. You can follow us on social media or sign up for our mailing list to be the first to know about our latest insights and updates. By staying connected, you’ll have access to opportunities that can help you reach your goals. Join us today and let’s stay connected.

Information
  • Home
  • Our Story
  • The ISII Services
  • Liz Ngonzi Transforms
  • Youth Giving
  • Team
  • Schedule
  • Contact Us
  • Call us
Resources
  • Thought Leadership
  • Media Kit
  • Collaborator Resources
Small Print
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
© 2023 The International Social Impact Institute®

Visit our sister site

  • About Us
    • Our Story
    • The ISII Services
    • Liz Ngonzi Transforms
    • Youth Giving
    • Team
    • Back
  • Schedule
  • Resources
    • Thought Leadership
    • Media Kit
    • Collaborator Resources
    • Back
  • Contact Us