SocialOffset
In this live-streamed episode of the Association Chat Podcast, host KiKi L’Italien sits down with Elena Gerstmann, co-founder and President of SocialOffset, to talk about SocialOffset.
About Elena:
Dr. Elena Gerstmann, Ph.D., FASAE, CAE, is a distinguished leader in the realm of professional associations, particularly within the science and engineering sectors. Since July 27, 2020, she has served as the Executive Director of INFORMS, the largest international association for operations research and analytics professionals.
Before her tenure at INFORMS, Dr. Gerstmann held significant roles at the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), where she contributed to strategy, planning, and international relations.
In addition to her executive roles, Dr. Gerstmann co-founded SocialOffset, an innovative platform that enables conference attendees to offset the economic impact of destination boycotts by donating to local charities, thereby aligning event participation with personal values.
Dr. Gerstmann’s leadership extends to her election as Secretary/Treasurer of the Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives (CESSE) for the 2024-2025 term, reflecting her commitment to fostering excellence in STEM organizations.
Her academic background in social psychology complements her extensive experience, enabling her to effectively lead and innovate within technical professional societies.
SocialOffset with Elena Gerstmann
With political tensions high in Washington, D.C., this March, associations and nonprofits face tough choices about where and how they host events. Enter SocialOffset, a groundbreaking initiative co-founded by Dr. Elena Gerstmann that empowers conference attendees to offset the economic impact of destination boycotts—without sacrificing meaningful participation.
In this timely episode of Association Chat, host KiKi L’Italien sits down with Dr. Gerstmann, Executive Director of INFORMS, to explore how SocialOffset is changing the conversation around ethical event planning. With a distinguished career in professional associations—spanning ASME, IEEE, and now INFORMS—Dr. Gerstmann brings unparalleled insight into the intersection of social responsibility, association leadership, and strategic decision-making.
Tune in on Tuesday, March 26, 2025, at 4 PM ET for a conversation that will challenge conventional wisdom and offer practical solutions for mission-driven organizations navigating today’s complex landscape.
When: Tuesday, March 26, 2025, at 4:00 pm ET
Watch Live: LinkedIn link
Stay tuned for strategies that will inspire your next campaign!
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