· Subha Karthik · 3 min read
Where Impact Meets Momentum: EcoPal at Flywheel Impact Catalyst Midwest
Subha and Sathish joined Flywheel's Impact Catalyst Midwest in Cincinnati-an inspiring day of keynotes, panels, and connection with fellow social enterprises. A highlight: Subha receiving a signed copy of Jenna Nicholas's Enlightened Bottom Line.
On June 23, 2026, EcoPal team members Subha and Sathish spent the day at Flywheel Impact Catalyst Midwest - where funders, founders, investors, and community leaders came together to turn purpose into action across the Midwest.
Leadership that set the tone
The day was anchored by Donna Zaring, Executive Director of Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub - a dynamic leader dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and innovators who make the world a better place. From welcome remarks to a fireside chat with Suzanne Smith and closing remarks, Donna’s presence threaded the whole agenda together.
Her path spans economic development, corporate innovation, and entrepreneurship - including leadership roles at Cintrifuse, Fifth Third Bank, and Burke Inc., plus founding her own marketing and PR firm. Named to the Business Courier 40 Under 40 and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Woman of the Year, she brings that same energy to Flywheel’s mission: 15 years of supporting social enterprises across our region.
A keynote that stayed with us
The morning opened with an unforgettable keynote by Jenna Nicholas - CEO of Lightpost Capital, Co-Founder & CEO of Impact Experience, and Forbes 30 Under 30 Social Entrepreneur. Drawing from her book Enlightened Bottom Line, she challenged the room to rethink how capital can drive systems change when it aligns with community priorities.
A personal highlight for our team: Subha got to meet Jenna and receive an author-signed copy of Enlightened Bottom Line. Moments like that remind us why we show up - learning from leaders who have walked the path of purpose-driven work, and bringing that energy back into EcoPal.
Panels, ideas, and Midwest momentum
Throughout the day, powerful panel discussions brought national insight home to Cincinnati - from regional priorities and impact investing to corporations driving a double bottom line and social enterprises reshaping our region. Every session reinforced the same truth: collective action is how lasting change happens.
Connecting with fellow social enterprises
Just as meaningful as the stage moments was the hallway energy - conversations with other social enterprises in and around Cincinnati, shared stories, and new relationships that feel like the start of something bigger. For EcoPal, this is the community we’re building with: founders who believe capital and enterprise can drive lasting change.
We’re grateful to Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub for hosting a day that lived up to its promise - where impact meets momentum.
Collective action. Lasting change. We’re still buzzing - and more committed than ever.
