This is the third year Chevron is funding “Advancing Climate Resilience Solutions in the Asia Region” in partnership with Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship. We spoke with Zamira Kanapyanova, Chevron’s General Manager, Eurasia-Pacific, about the company’s social investment strategy, their commitment to the communities where they operate, and how social entrepreneurship and their partnership with Miller Center help advance that commitment.
Miller Center: What is Chevron’s social investment strategy?
Zamira: At Chevron, we believe our business thrives when our people and communities succeed. Our aim is simple. We strive to empower people around the world to improve their lives, achieve their ambitions, and, in doing so, meet their full potential. This is why it is so important that our social investment strategy focuses on the key themes that are relevant to the communities where we operate.
Miller Center: How does Miller Center fit into that strategy?
Zamira: Chevron understands that achieving large-scale change requires partnership and collaboration throughout the energy system. We fund accelerator programs like Miller Center to help reduce poverty, drive economic and social opportunity, and develop the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Through these programs, we have seen that investing in high-quality, proven accelerators is an effective way to increase the impact of our contributions.
As part of the Chevron-funded project, Miller Center is building a portfolio of 30 to 45 social enterprises selected for their potential to grow and scale their social and economic impact. The initiative provides a suite of customized services ranging from capacity and leadership development to mentoring and investment readiness and facilitation. We are incredibly proud of the project and the way in which our focused support helps position social enterprises to break through the obstacles to scale, improve financial sustainability, and secure the capital necessary to grow their impact.
Miller Center: How have social enterprises in the region benefited from Chevron’s relationship with Miller Center?
Zamira: Over the last four years, Chevron’s $1 million gift has supported and helped Asian social enterprises that benefit the environment, local economies, and communities. They’re doing so by providing access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy; ensuring clean water availability; and improving agricultural practices. Additionally, our contribution funds research and training to overcome biases that women and minorities face in raising capital.
The great work being done by the social enterprises across Asia is really impressive. Kisangas, as an example, is an organization in India that converts cattle waste into biogas and biofertilizers for farmers. It is a sustainable organic waste management solution that makes farmers self-reliant on fuel. Since its inception, Gravity Water has helped more than 71,000 students in over 100 communities secure access to safe drinking water. It is turning rainwater into drinking water for Vietnam, Indonesia, and Nepal schools to help kids stay hydrated safely. Another example is Yayasan Rumah Energi (YRE), a nonprofit based in Indonesia, that has helped more than 160,000 people through renewable energy, food security, water conservation, and social programs. This list of outstanding programs is long, and the impact is significant. I can’t praise the efforts, entrepreneurial spirit and drive for change enough.
Miller Center: In your view, why is social entrepreneurship important?
Zamira: When thinking about social entrepreneurship I’m reminded of the quote, “The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty”. For me, social entrepreneurs, with their local knowledge, and ability to identify and address pressing societal challenges are critical. They leverage market mechanisms to generate revenue, which is then reinvested to create lasting, measurable, and scalable social change. Through innovative solutions, they bring tangible benefits such as job creation and help improve the overall well-being of communities.
Social entrepreneurship is such a powerful tool for creating positive change. There are social entrepreneurs around the globe who are striving to make the world a better place and we are incredibly proud to be working with many of them through our shared commitment to drive positive societal impact.
