Andrew Ericksen (Questrom MBA’ 24) Founder of Impact Investing Club is Committed to Giving Back
November 26, 2024
By Jyotirmaya Patro (JP) (Questrom’25)
Andrew Ericksen (Questrom MBA ’24) exemplifies the fusion of creativity, leadership, and social impact. His career began in entertainment, where he transformed the digital landscape as the first employee and COO of Famous Birthdays, a platform widely regarded as the IMDb for social influencers. He also made his mark as a filmmaker, directing Toxicity, a feature film now available on Amazon. But as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, Andrew’s focus shifted.
“During the pandemic, I started investing for the first time and saw the stark contrast between the booming stock market and the deepening wealth gap in the U.S.,” he recalls. This realization led him to impact investing, an innovative approach combining financial returns with social good. “The more I learned about it, the more obsessed I became. I knew I needed to find a way into the field.”
This passion brought Andrew to Boston University’s Questrom School of Business, where the Social Impact MBA program offered the perfect platform to pivot his career toward purpose-driven impact.
Andrew’s time at Questrom was transformative. “The Ethical Leadership course with Professor Evan Apfelbaum was a game-changer,” he says. “It helped me dig into my core values—helping society, embracing humor, and tackling challenging problems. This clarity guides every decision I make.”
His journey was further shaped by the core Social Impact course led by Professors David Stolow and Rodrigo Canales, where he developed his personal Theory of Change. “We dissected case studies, analyzing why some succeeded and others failed. The IA3 framework for multi-stakeholder analysis continues to influence my work,” he adds.
A global immersion course in Peru marked another pivotal moment. Collaborating with the nonprofit Uniendo Sonrisas, Andrew and his team strategized a market expansion for Pukaray, a brand providing employment opportunities for women with disabilities. “It was my first business project outside the U.S. and solidified my vision for an internationally focused career,” he shares.
At Questrom, Andrew’s leadership extended beyond academics. As co-founder of the Impact Investing Club, he built a community of like-minded students and hosted the club’s first industry event, attracting experts from local organizations. He also co-chaired Link Day 2024, organizing pro bono consulting for 15 mission-driven organizations with the help of 80 MBA students. In May of 2024, Andrew won the MBA Student Impact Award, an award given to students who exemplify a commitment to DE&I, learning orientation, leadership, teamwork, and/or service to the school community.
“These experiences honed my leadership skills and allowed me to make a tangible difference,” Andrew reflects. His achievements in case competitions, including placing third globally in the Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC), further underscore his drive for excellence.
His achievements in case competitions, including placing third globally in the Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC), further underscore his drive for excellence.
“These experiences honed my leadership skills and allowed me to make a tangible difference,” Andrew reflects.
As a loan officer at BlueHub Capital, one of his most fulfilling projects was underwriting a $1M predevelopment loan to convert an unused VA hospital building in Augusta, Georgia, into 77 affordable housing units for veterans who have experienced homelessness. “Knowing that our work will directly improve lives is incredibly rewarding,” he says.
In his role, Andrew analyzes the financial and social impact of projects aimed at supporting low-income communities. “I aim to dispel the myth that economic prosperity and social impact are mutually exclusive,” he asserts. “If you build a brand that’s good to its employees, the environment, and its beneficiaries, you’ll find success.”
Behind Andrew’s professional achievements is a commitment to personal balance, supported by his wife, Rachel, and their two cats, Miko and Mimi. “Rachel has been my biggest supporter, and Miko and Mimi remind me to slow down and take life in stride,” he says.
His advice to students and aspiring professionals?
“Take time to reflect. Clarify your goals and focus on what truly matters. Social impact can happen in any industry—you just need to find your unique way to make a difference.”
Andrew’s long-term goal is to continue working in impact investing, taking on high-impact roles that drive meaningful change. As he builds his career, he remains committed to giving back, staying involved with the Questrom community through alumni events and mentorship.
From filmmaker to impact investor, Andrew Ericksen’s story is a testament to the transformative power of aligning passion with purpose. His journey serves as an inspiration to anyone who believes that business can—and should—be a force for good.
