Bill Drayton

Bill Drayton is a pioneering American social entrepreneur and the founder of Ashoka: Innovators for the Public, an organization dedicated to identifying and supporting leading social entrepreneurs worldwide. Born in 1943 in New York City, Drayton graduated from Harvard University, Balliol College at Oxford, and Yale Law School. He began his career at McKinsey & Company and later served as Assistant Administrator at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency during the Carter administration. In 1980, he founded Ashoka to promote social entrepreneurship as a force for systemic social change .

Drayton is credited with coining the term "social entrepreneur" and has been instrumental in building a global network of over 3,800 fellows across more than 90 countries. His vision is encapsulated in the concept of "Everyone a Changemaker," advocating for a society where all individuals have the ability and opportunity to drive positive change. Under his leadership, Ashoka has become the world's largest network of social entrepreneurs, supporting innovative solutions to pressing social issues .

Some of Drayton's notable quotes include:

"Social entrepreneurs are not content just to give a fish or teach how to fish. They will not rest until they have revolutionized the fishing industry."

"The one single factor that determines society’s success is the percentage of change-makers within it."

"Changemaking is the new literacy."

These reflections underscore his commitment to fostering a culture of empathy, innovation, and collective action to address global challenges.