Meet the 2019 Acumen NYC Marathon Runners

Acumen is in it for the long run. For nearly two decades, we’ve driven the most innovative approaches to tackling poverty and we couldn’t have done this work without an amazing community of supporters like you. 

This fall, we’ll be cheering on several supporters at the world’s largest marathon, the New York City Marathon. On November 3, our team of extraordinary runners will be taking on the challenge of 26.2 miles and raising funds and awareness for Acumen along the way.

These inspirational individuals make up Acumen staff, partners, advisors, investees and community members: 

Two of our runners, Emily Dean and Chaney Detmer-Lilliard are UVa alumni who first found out about Acumen after reading The Blue Sweater, Acumen founder and CEO Jacqueline Novogratz’s book. Emily is running on behalf of the NY+Acumen Impact Circle, a growing community of professionals in NYC that hosts educational events and raises funds for Acumen. 

Erica Borum, on the Board of The Metta Giving Foundation, began running over a year ago, inspired by a NYC runner whom she donated bone marrow to. She is now taking on her first marathon this year with Acumen. 

This year’s runners also showcase the community that makes Acumen’s pioneering work in energy access possible. Jesse Clarke, long-time Acumen Energy Partner & Advisor, is running alongside Jacob Lewandowski, the Director of Platform at Acumen’s very first energy investment, d.light. They’re joined by Acumen staff members Leslie Labruto, Associate Director of Global Energy, and Maureen Klein, Special Assistant to the CEO. 

At Acumen, we’re pursuing a world based on dignity, where every human has the opportunity to thrive. These runners are chasing that vision with us on November 3, 2019 at the NYC Marathon. 

In the lead up to the marathon, follow us on Instagram to learn more about our team of runners and donate to their individual fundraising campaigns here. 

Learn more about the runners and what inspires them to fundraise for Acumen:

Chaney Detmer-Lilliard
Acumen Supporter
“I am a strong believer in the promise of local, entrepreneurial solutions and patient capital in tackling poverty.”

Emily Dean
NY Acumen Impact Circle Member
“Acumen inspired me to pursue a career in social impact. By raising money and awareness for Acumen, I hope to help others find that inspiration too.”

Erica Borum
Acumen Partner
“I am really inspired by the capacity building aspect of Acumen as well as the focus on social change.”

Jacob Lewandowski
Director of Platform, d.light
“I work at d.light, one of Acumen’s portfolio companies. We couldn’t have gotten to the point we are now without patient capital investors like Acumen.”

Jesse Clarke
Acumen Partner & Advisor
“I love how Acumen operates by the model of ‘just start and let the work teach you.’”

Leslie Labruto
Associate Director of Global Energy, Acumen
“It’s incredible to work with such brilliant colleagues, be supported by the best partners anyone could ask for, and meet entrepreneurs who are changing the world.’”

Maureen Klein
Special Assistant to the CEO, Acumen
“Acumen is changing the way the world tackles poverty. I’m in it for the long run!”