A year ago, Catalyst:Ed embarked on a new chapter: expanding beyond education to support cradle-to-career place-based partnerships. Today, we are embracing that evolution with a new name: Catalyst Exchange.
Our new name reflects our commitment to driving impact across the mission-driven sector more broadly. I founded this organization with the goal of ensuring every leader and educator can access expertise and hands-on support when they need it most, to strengthen their organization and improve outcomes for children and communities. But the education sector isn’t the only one with capacity constraints that limit its ability to deliver on ambitious goals. Across the mission-driven sector, we have a tendency to invest in ideas without investing in the people and systems that are needed for them to work.
Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of supporting thousands of leaders in classrooms, community organizations, local and state governments, and national intermediaries. Along the way, we’ve learned that the toughest challenges rarely fit neatly into boxes. Education intersects with early childhood, health, housing, youth services, workforce development, and more. Our work increasingly acknowledges and strengthens the intersections between organizations working in a variety of ways to improve outcomes for children, youth, and communities, and connects them to broader ecosystems of resources and support.
Catalyst Exchange also reflects our commitment to advancing capacity-building as a critical driver of change, by making sure it is visible, valued, effective, and accessible. We know that transformational progress happens through connection and exchange — when people share ideas, collaborate on solutions, and learn from one another. Our goal is to shine a light on what’s working through data and stories, grow a vibrant and diverse community of providers, and inspire more investment in the people and systems that power social impact.
From the very beginning, our role has been to act as a catalyst — sparking ideas, relationships, and change. With Catalyst Exchange, we are doubling down on that purpose and creating a connected, purpose-driven ecosystem where leaders, practitioners, providers, and funders can exchange insights, co-create solutions, and accelerate impact together.
We invite you to join us in this next chapter, bringing your voice, expertise, and energy to a collective effort that strengthens organizations and builds resilient communities.