Institute for Nonprofits Announces New Social Entrepreneur-in-Residence

The Institute for Nonprofits is delighted to announce Aly Khalifa as the Institute’s new Social Entrepreneur-in-Residence for the upcoming two years. Khalifa is a design entrepreneur and NC State University alum who specializes in invention development. Aly has pioneered several products and community efforts that have helped foster an inventive culture in Raleigh  including Designbox, SPARKcon, Gamila (which was recently acquired by Seventh Generation), and Aly’s latest effort Lyf Shoes, which offers a sustainable and custom footwear option built with 3D printing technology. The shoes are made of single source infinitely recyclable materials and are created and assembled without the use of toxic glues or mass production.

Khalifa is deeply involved in the greater Raleigh community and beyond, offering talents in both engineering and design. He is currently a member of Raleigh’s Convention and Performing Arts Complex Commission and was recently named to the Dorothea Dix Park Master Plan Advisory Committee. He is President of the NC Chapter of the Eisenhower Fellows.

As Social Entrepreneur-in-Residence Aly will help lead a team of campus and community stakeholders in creating and executing the Institute’s Social Innovation Fellows program, a new initiative to support students working on inventions and ventures that are seeking to create social impact. He will also provide workshops and mentoring to NC State students from both STEM and Humanities. Institute Program Manager Elizabeth Benefield states, “With Aly’s creativity and leadership, we will develop a program that deepens students’ understanding of new content in social impact, product design and entrepreneurship, adding value to what students are learning in the classroom. Mentoring by local entrepreneurs will be great opportunity for our students.”

With degrees from both the College of Design and College of Engineering, Khalifa focuses on integrating disciplines to create breakthrough products. “Over the past few years, many faculty have been helping me connect back with students. The Social Innovation Fellows program allows a lot bigger vision to take hold. I’m really looking forward to helping build a sustainable model which integrates innovation, mentorship, and all the other great social entrepreneurship programs in the area.”