Propel Impact

What was your career path?

For Grace Williams, the journey into sustainable finance began with a desire to bridge business and environmental impact. While pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce at McGill University with a major in Sustainability, she was curious to learn how capital could drive meaningful change. “Propel Impact introduced me to the field of sustainable finance, which piqued my interest due to the intersection of business and sustainability. I was inspired to learn how capital flows can be directed towards sustainable causes and to make positive impacts in the local community by helping entrepreneurs address their financing and business development needs.”

How did Propel Impact help you grow?

Grace was an integral part of the Montreal Propel Impact Fund (MPIF) from 2021 to 2023, where she gained firsthand experience in impact investing. She has since continued her journey with Propel as a Project Advisor for the Analyst and Consulting programs, guiding new cohorts of aspiring impact professionals. During her time with Propel, Grace gained valuable experience in financial analysis, learning how to assess the profitability and financial viability of various social purpose organizations. She also learned how to integrate impact measurement into decision-making, balancing financial returns with the goal of creating social and environmental impact. “Most importantly, I developed key skills in impact investing that shaped my professional growth. In particular, I learned how to foster a strong relationship with our Investment Committee through effective communication and transparency as the lead of the investor relations team.” One of Grace’s most defining experiences with Propel was working on the Deal Team that invested in MPIF’s second portfolio company, Moozoom. The company is dedicated to addressing the youth mental health crisis by offering an engaging Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) program for students from kindergarten through high school. “This gave me the unique learning opportunity to conduct due diligence through an entire investment process, assess the organization's impact and financial viability, and, most importantly, support a company focused on promoting youth wellness and mental health.” Grace’s time with Propel not only provided her with technical knowledge but also positioned her for a career in impact investing. Today, she works as an Analyst on the Sustainable Infrastructure team at FinDev Canada, Canada’s Development Finance Institution. “Through the fellowship, I gained hands-on experience conducting due diligence on companies, assessing their investment potential, and evaluating their financial and social impact. These practical skills have been invaluable in my current role as an Analyst on the Sustainable Infrastructure team at FinDev Canada. The Propel program not only helped me develop a deep understanding of the impact investing landscape, but also positioned me to land my dream job in the field of sustainable finance.”

What issue do you most want to tackle in the world?

Looking ahead, Grace is committed to addressing the challenges posed by climate change, particularly in emerging markets and developing economies that are most vulnerable to its effects. “I am most passionate about the clean energy transition and the implementation of renewable energy projects. I aim to contribute to solutions that not only address the immediate challenges of climate change but also create long-term, sustainable growth.”