IN THE SPOTLIGHT
FABIAN KOSS
Principal at KC Social Impact Lab
September, 2024
Photos by Pablo Roldan
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Your career spans the private sector, government, and international institutions. What drives your passion for creating social impact across these sectors?
My passion for creating social impact is ignited by the opportunity to collaborate with inspiring partners, leaders, and clients to address complex challenges through innovative solutions. Meaningful alliances are indispensable in today's interconnected world, as they foster collaboration, leverage diversity, and amplify collective impact. I believe that enduring partnerships, characterized by shared commitment, resource optimization, and mutual learning, are essential to achieving sustainable and transformative change.
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Can you share the inspiration behind founding the KC Social Impact Lab and its primary mission?
KC Social Impact was founded on the synergy between myself and my co-founder, Mario Cader-Frech, a pioneer in the CSR media space. Mario's award-winning campaigns for clients like UNICEF and the World Bank, launched on platforms such as MTV and Nickelodeon, are a testament to his innovative approach. Our previous collaboration at the IDB and MTV laid the groundwork for our partnership. We were fortunate to expand our team early on with Giulia D'Amico, a seasoned expert in social projects from the Italian government, LEGO, and MIT Media Lab's One Laptop Per Child program. Together, we formed KC Social Impact with a singular focus: providing strategic guidance to public, private, and government entities seeking to make substantial investments in addressing global challenges.
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How does your role as an adjunct professor at American University's Kogod School of Business influence your work in social responsibility and global sustainability?
My role as an adjunct professor provides a unique platform to influence both academic perspectives and practical applications of social responsibility and global sustainability, fostering a culture of ethical business practices among emerging professionals. Having the unique opportunity to engage with students and fellow faculty members allows me to stay informed about the latest trends and research in social responsibility and sustainability. This continuous learning enhances my professional practices and awareness in these areas.​​
​​Reflecting on your 25 years at the Inter-American Development Bank, what were some of the most impactful programs or partnerships you developed?
Throughout my career at the Inter-American Development Bank(IDB), I have developed various innovative and successful programs. A prime example is A Ganar, a groundbreaking sports-for-development initiative. Inspired by a meeting with football legend Pelé, who shared the vision of using sports as a pathway out of poverty, I spearheaded the program’s creation and expansion. Launched as a pilot in Brazil, Ecuador, and Uruguay, A Ganar has since scaled to 18 countries, impacting over 25,000 young people. By harnessing the power of sports, the program equips youth with life skills and workforce readiness, transforming lives and communities.
An other notable achievement was a partnership forged with MTV, supported by multiple governments, to amplify the positive impact of youth-led community change. By inviting thousands of youth from Latin America to share their stories, we created a powerful platform. Over 600 narratives were showcased on the MTV/IDB website, with 25 featured on MTV itself. This initiative evolved into a comprehensive program, encompassing television specials, a celebrity award, and youth empowerment toolkits, expanding its reach and impact.
The Many Hats Institute focuses on improving the conditions of children and youth worldwide. What are some of the key achievements of the institute since its founding in 1999?
The Many Hats Institute believes that children and youth around the world deserve the opportunity to experience joy, growth and success, and we strive to make that a reality by supporting a variety of projects throughout the year. Our inaugural event was a special concert in Washington, D.C. that Placido Domingo performed for the Many Hats Institute to support the young victims of the tragic earthquake in El Salvador.
Many Hats spearheaded the Polo for Kids initiative, led by professional polo player Charlie Muldoon. This endeavor brought together high-goal players from Argentina, Chile, Canada, Colombia, England, and Mexico. Through partnerships with Summerhill Polo, the Embassy of Argentina, and the District Cup Foundation, numerous fundraisers were organized to benefit children worldwide.
Many Hats partnered with Michael Davis, a former Hollywood agent turned world-class mountaineer, to develop the Reach Your Peak program. Geared towards 12- to 18-year-olds, the program fosters goal-setting, educational, fundraising, and community service skills. Through collaborations with Youth Service America, AOL, and Harvard Business School, the D.R.E.A.M. curriculum was developed, offering a structured roadmap for young people to become engaged community members.
How do you see the role of philanthropy evolving in the context of global development and social impact?
The role of philanthropy is evolving significantly in the context of global development and social impact due to several transformative trends: There is a shift from traditional charity tos strategic giving, Philanthropists are moving away from one-time donations and towards more strategic, long-term investments that focus on sustainable solutions. This involves identifying specific issues and trends that can be addressed effectively, and applying business principles to maximize impact. There is also more emphasis on measurement and accountability. There is a growing expectation for philanthropic organizations to demonstrate the effectiveness of their initiatives. Funders are increasingly interested in data-driven approaches to evaluate outcomes, impacts, and the return on investment of their contributions. Younger generations are also entering the field with fresh perspectives on philanthropy, often valuing transparency, activism, and direct engagement over traditional giving. This generational shift is influencing the priorities and methods of philanthropy, particularly in the context of social impact
In your experience, what are the biggest challenges and opportunities when working at the intersection of the private sector and government?
My career has spanned diverse roles and team sizes, from leading teams of twenty to managing intimate units of four. Throughout this journey, I've cultivated a deep appreciation for the power of diverse perspectives. I've consistently prioritized active listening, recognizing its often overlooked significance in fostering collaboration. The IDB's global footprint has provided a rich tapestry of cultures and experiences. Navigating these varied viewpoints to achieve optimal outcomes has been both challenging and rewarding. I believe in approaching conversations with curiosity, harnessing our differences to drive innovation and collective success.
What are some innovative strategies or projects that KC Social Impact Lab is currently working on?
Media is a potent force in shaping our perception of social issues. When harnessed effectively, it can enlighten, mobilize, and catalyze meaningful policy change. KC Social Impact Lab is dedicated to helping clients address pressing global challenges through compelling and impactful storytelling. Our approach emphasizes sustainable, scalable, and measurable outcomes.
KC Social Impact Lab is currently engaged in several impactful projects. One such initiative supports the Information Equity Initiative (IEI) in its global mission to provide accessible, quality digital learning resources. The digital divide remains a pressing issue, with nearly a quarter of American students and half the world's population lacking reliable internet access. IEI's innovative approach, combining advanced cloud and software technology with broadcast spectrum, offers a cost-effective solution to bridge this gap. By rapidly deploying this infrastructure, IEI can deliver educational resources to underserved communities worldwide, with a particular focus on women in developing countries.
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How do you measure the success and impact of the initiatives led by KC Social Impact Lab and the Many Hats Institute?
At KC Social Impact Lab and Many Hats Institute, we measure success through a robust evaluation process that combines quantitative and qualitative data. While numerical metrics like participant numbers and environmental indicators are essential, we also prioritize capturing the human experience through personal stories and community feedback. By collecting unbiased data that reflects stakeholder outcomes, we generate profound insights to inform our clients' strategies. Our evaluations assess milestone achievement, program delivery, and the attainment of intended outcomes, attributing changes directly to program activities.
What advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to make a difference in the fields of social responsibility and global sustainability?
.I encourage young students and leaders aspiring to careers in social impact to pinpoint their passions. Understanding which issues resonate deeply will guide their path. Practical experience is invaluable, so I recommend volunteering or interning at nonprofits. Continuous learning is essential in this field; staying informed about the latest trends and research is crucial. Lastly, developing a global perspective is indispensable, as it fosters a comprehensive understanding of interconnected global challenges.
Can you share a particularly memorable or transformative experience from your career that had a significant impact on your approach to social responsibility?
My career has afforded me numerous enriching experiences, but few compare to my involvement in the creation of the Inter-American Working Group on Youth Development (IAWGYD). This consortium of international organizations and high-profile donors, including the UN, OAS, US Peace Corps, Kellogg Foundation, International Youth Foundation, Inter-American Foundation, Trust for the Americas, and Ashoka, was instrumental in developing innovative approaches to youth development. I am proud of the team's success in securing millions of dollars to support impactful projects across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Looking ahead, what are your goals and vision for the future of KC Social Impact Lab and the Many Hats Institute?
Looking ahead at my goals and vision for KC Social Impact Lab, I would like us to continue providing cutting edge and personalized services to our clients who we consider our partners. We will continue our work by shaping social-impact storytelling by changing the way audiences engage around social issues. KC Social Impact Lab strives to enhance and support our deep bench of talented team members. To understand our accomplishments, it's important to understand our leadership style, after all, the successes of these high impact initiatives have “taken a village” to achieve. I continue to learn a great deal about effective management and leadership. As the legendary NBA Coach, Phil Jackson has said, “The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.” This has truly become my mantra.
What inspired your passion for philanthropy and social impact work? Was there a particular moment or experience that set you on this path?
My passion for philanthropy and social impact has been cultivated by a confluence of influences. Family values instilled in me a strong sense of service, while the privilege of working alongside inspiring leaders and mentors ignited my career aspirations. Two individuals stand out as particularly influential: my father, a cardiologist whose dedication to underserved communities was exemplary, and Enrique Iglesias, former President of the Inter-American Development Bank, whose lifelong commitment to Latin America has been an enduring inspiration.
Outside of your professional work, what activities or hobbies do you enjoy that help you maintain a balanced and fulfilling life?
Outside of work, I cherish spending time with family and friends. My passions include traveling, horseback riding and immersing myself in the tranquility of the countryside. As a lifelong enthusiast of polo, I am fortunate to combine my love for the sport with philanthropic endeavors.​​​​
