Individual Bios

Justin Conway, Manager of Investment Partnerships

Justin Conway is the Manager of Investment Partnerships at Calvert Foundation, a national nonprofit managing over $400 million in community development, microfinance, and social enterprise investments.  He is responsible for business and industry development, and works closely with the investors and financial advisors that are at the forefront of using investment capital for social impact.  Prior to Calvert Foundation, Justin managed the Community Investment Program of the Social Investment Forum and Green America, where he was instrumental in growing the overall demand for sustainable and impact investing among financial professionals.  Before the last 10 years in financial services, he worked on human rights issues in both Asia and Central America.  Justin serves on numerous boards and committees related to sustainable investing, moonlights as an economist, and lives in Washington DC with his much cooler wife that keeps him happily traveling and outdoors.

What inspired you to become involved with social justice?

My parents named me after justice (Justin) and were my first inspiration with their involvement – my Mom as a teacher, my Dad as a lawyer, both as church and community leaders. In addition to them, my early inspiration came from hip-hop. I learned a lot from analyzing hip-hop lyrics and culture, which ultimately turned me into an activist on community and global issues.

What is your favorite book?

Ishmael by Daniel Quinn. I rarely make time for fiction, but I read this in high school, in college, and again in grad school. Each time, I learned to think a little differently about the massive challenges facing the world.

If you had to start all over again and choose a different career path, what would it be?

It would be in the music industry - not as a performer, but as a producer or manager that is more behind the scenes helping to make talented artists sound “better.”  The closest I can see now, is if I ever retire, to make it to a beach where I can pick-up gigs singing and playing my guitar.

Twitter: @justjbo