Ted Gonder is a social entrepreneur on a mission to even the odds for future generations by building organizations, bringing people together, and speaking up.
He serves as founding Executive Director for the non-profit organization Moneythink, which is the only and largest movement of young people working to restore the economic health of America through financial education. Recognized by President Obama as one of the most promising social innovations, Moneythink provides economic opportunity mentoring for teenagers from low-wealth backgrounds in over 30 communities across the U.S.
Prior to Moneythink, Ted served as Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the Department of Homeland Security, advising the Obama administration on immigration policy for foreign entrepreneurs. He worked with the Kauffman Foundation and the Chilean government on transnational entrepreneurship initiatives, and published research on the topic through MIT Press and McKinsey. Previously, Ted led a number of climate-change-related initiatives, most notably being appointed and serving as the student advisor to The Climate Project, an organization founded by Al Gore.
Ted plays an active role as a convener, believing that we are better together. He serves as the founding curator of the World Economic Forum’s Chicago Global Shapers Hub.
Ted has spoken at the White House, UN, US Senate, NYSE, and TEDx; he has also spoken at top companies such as PwC, Dell, and Allstate. His work has been featured in the Chicago Tribune, MTV, WSJ, Forbes and more.
Besides work, Ted enjoys practicing martial arts, admiring wild animals, and writing on his blog.
