Haas MBA 2009 Gap Scholars

The Gap Inc. CSR Scholars for the Haas School of Business MBA Class of 2008 are:

Kevin Casey

Kevin Casey built a small apparel manufacturer named 3rdborn Clothing into a global apparel brand. He entered the apparel business during 2000 while researching economic development and entrepreneurism as a Fulbright Scholar in Indonesia. After returning to New York City, Kevin founded his own company, Kevin Casey & Associates LLC with the goal of connecting designers and manufacturers from Asia to the distribution and capital needed to build a sustainable business. 3rdborn Clothing currently sells to over 300 clients across Japan, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Socially and environmentally responsible practices are founding principles for his business. Profits are shared with manufacturing partners. Also, as 3rdborn Clothing is a member of One Percent for the Planet, one percent of all revenues are donated to environmental organizations. Kevin has a B.A. from Fordham University and plans to launch a new branded venture while at Haas.

Silvia Lacayo

For five years, Silvia Lacayo worked at natural food companies dedicated to quality organic foods. While at Howler Products, Silvia coordinated efforts to prepare the organic desserts manufacturer for emerging co-packing opportunities. She saw both growth and sustainability reflected in dozens of new jobs for local residents. Later, while at WholeSoy & Co., Silvia observed how the elimination of plastic lids from single-serving yogurt containers not only reduced environmental impact but also made the soy company an industry leader. She has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Mass Communications from UC Berkeley. Silvia seeks to continue to offer quality natural products while engaging in sustainable practices.

Megan Ryskamp

Megan Ryskamp worked in the Strategic Partnerships group of Cisco Systems Corporate Affairs to grow and support the Cisco Networking Academy – an online technology education program – in emerging economies and least developed countries. While at Cisco, she developed public-private partnerships with agencies of the the United Nations, US government, educational institutions, and NGOs. For two years she managed the program’s Africa operations, and more recently focused on building partnerships in the Latin America region. Prior to her work experience, Megan graduated from Stanford University with a BA in International Relations and Spanish. While at Haas, she plans to pursue her interests in technology, entrepreneurship, social responsibility, and international business. Ultimately Megan hopes to help companies design sustainable, strategic corporate social responsibility initiatives that demonstrate return on investment and have a positive impact on the community.