#United States #Washington, D.C. #Impact Capital #Brian Trelstad #Cynthia Muller

2025 Impact Awards Gala: Honoring Leaders in Impact Investing

This week, the Impact Capital Managers (ICM) have proudly announced the recipients of their third annual Impact Awards, recognizing the exceptional achievements of three influential leaders in the impact investing sector. The ceremony is set to unfold at the grand ICM Impact Awards Gala, taking place on March 20, 2025, in the heart of Washington, D.C.

The honorees this year include Brian Trelstad, Kendall Bedford, and Cynthia Muller, each widely regarded for their invaluable contributions to advancing impact investing and creating a substantial effect on underserved communities through financial initiatives. Recognized by their peers, these individuals exemplify the spirit of innovation, integrity, and vision necessary to drive the industry forward.

Celebrating Leadership in Impact Investing

The 2025 Impact Awards aims to highlight not just remarkable financial achievements, but also individuals whose work holds vital significance for both investors and the communities they serve. Since its inception in 2022, the awards have focused on honoring excellence within market-rate private capital impact investing, a field that continues to grow in importance and influence.

ICM's Executive Director, Marieke Spence, spoke passionately about the award winners, stating, "Brian, Cynthia, and Kendall share a deep commitment to advancing impact investing. They are first-movers, visionaries, and leaders who have pushed the field forward in unique and powerful ways.”

2025 Impact Award Recipients

Brian Trelstad: Partner and Board Member at Bridges Fund Management

Brian Trelstad has played a pivotal role in impact investing since co-founding Bridges Fund Management, which has been influential in the United States since 2012 after its establishment in Europe in 2002. His dedication to building capacity in impact measurement and management is evident in his participation with the ICM Institute, where he serves as a founding board member. Besides his role in investment management, Trelstad is an accomplished academic, serving as a Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business School, where he helps cultivate a new generation of impact investors.

Cynthia Muller: Director, Mission Investment at W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Cynthia Muller oversees the W.K. Kellogg Foundation's rich mission-driven investments portfolio, targetting solutions for systemic challenges faced by marginalized groups. Under her strategic leadership, the foundation has provided over $340 million in investments that seek not just financial returns, but meaningful community impact. Muller’s prior experience with developing impact investing strategies further enriches her capacity to foster inclusivity and facilitate shared priorities in the sector.

Kendall Bedford: Associate at SustainVC

Kendall Bedford, originally trained as an ecologist, has transitioned her career towards impact investing, driven by a passion for inclusivity and sustainability. As an Associate at SustainVC, she is instrumental in sourcing and evaluating potential investments while also co-chairing the Impact Capital Managers Talent Diversity Working Group. Her innovative outlook on fostering discussions within the impact investing community ensures a broader spectrum of voices, particularly from historically excluded demographic groups.

The Future of Impact Investing

Impact Capital Managers serves as a vibrant network for over 140 fund managers collectively wielding more than $70 billion in capital geared towards impactful investments—each committed to making a difference while achieving superior financial returns. The organization is dedicated to promoting integrity and authenticity in private capital markets, underlining the importance of ethical impact investing practices as the sector continues to scale. The recognition of individuals like Trelstad, Muller, and Bedford at the ICM Impact Awards underscores the vital role of leadership in navigating and shaping the future of this essential financial domain.

As anticipation builds for the gala event in March, the collective efforts and achievements of these inspirational leaders will be celebrated, marking yet another milestone in the evolution of impact investing.

Conclusion

With burgeoning opportunities in impact investing, the 2025 ICM Awards not only honor remarkable achievements but also inspire the next generation of leaders, ensuring that the field grows with integrity and a commitment to authenticity.

For more information about the Impact Capital Managers and to learn about their initiatives, please visit impactcapitalmanagers.com.