Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility

Welcome to CESR

The Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility (CESR) serves as a bridge between the Leeds School of Business and the vibrant impact business community in Colorado and around the world. CESR programs help future business leaders develop their purpose, grow their capabilities and build professional networks that prepare them to be generators of sustainable value for business and society at large.

We collaborate with business leaders from the natural products industry, the B Corp community, clean energy, corporate social responsibility and more, to pair professionals interested in mentoring with students, develop internships in impact business, and strengthen professional networks.

We support and share research by faculty working in our three focus areas: business solutions to environmental challenges, diversity and inclusion and ethical leadership. Student opportunities enable effective learning experiences for responsible leadership and include case competitions, Career Treks, networking events, workshops and collaborations with the many vibrant student organizations at Leeds. We also run an executive education program in Corporate Social Responsibility, and contribute to others focused on the food industry and diversity, equity and inclusion.

Executive portrait of Kathryn Wendell, dressed in a dark jacket.

For Center’s New Leader, Sustainability is Personal

CESR’s new executive director brings a passion for the environment, and a career in social responsibility, to Leeds. Kathryn Wendell brings a leadership career in sustainability to the Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility. Her experience includes assignments at the World Bank, Chevron, Stanford University and, most recently, the nonprofit...

Jennifer Forman brings JEDI focus, consulting and nonprofit experience to CCSR

Dr Stefanie Johnson and her book Inclusify

Build your innovation toolkit with a Certificate in Inclusive Leadership from the Leeds

SRE Certificate helps Leeds undergrad students prepare for careers in ethical business

Upcoming Events

Social Responsibility and Ethics Certificate

CESR offers the Certificate in Social Responsibility and Ethics (SRE) to undergraduate business students who seek to distinguish themselves in the field of socially responsible business, whether their unique interests lie in environmental sustainability, social entrepreneurship, business ethics or values-driven leadership.

Certificate in Corporate Social Responsibility

CESR has developed a Certificate in CSR (CCSR) program for working professionals seeking to further themselves and their companies in the practice of socially responsible business.

Natural & Organic Pathway

This pathway includes core classes and co-curricular programming offered by CESR, with additional programming through MENV, which introduce MBA students to industry specific skills and knowledge, preparing students to enter the workplace with vision and experience.

For Impact Businesses

At CESR, we serve as a bridge between the Leeds School of Business and the sustainable business community on the Front Range and worldwide. It's easy to get involved. Learn more about ways to partner with us and fill out our engagement survey.