David Dey

In 1991, David Dey shifted careers from public accounting to social entrepreneurship. He spent the next fifteen years working and gaining community development experience. In 2001, as part of his master's thesis, David began developing the concept that led to the formation of the Institute for Social Entrepreneurship. In 2002, he secured a $280,000 research grant from the B. Thomas Golisano Foundation and launched of the Institute for Social Entrepreneurship at Roberts Wesleyan College. Three years later, he began the development of RISEGO, Inc. to create young Social Entrepreneurs and to establish unique programs that target at-risk youth. Since then, David has been focused on developing a center dedicated to creating the next generation of Social Entrepreneurs.

David believes in innovative and scalable solution that addresses a critical issue faced by communities. The Social Entpreneurship Center model serves as a catalyst for neighborhood economic development and provides viable sites for the youth to market and sell their products and services. David says, "I have devoted my time, talent and resources to develop an innovative solution to this pressing social need. Providing youth with an opportunity to be Social Entrepreneurs will reduce violence and negative behaviors among young men and solve their economic needs. I passionately want to see young people engage and improve their communities through Social Entrepreneurship." His project has been featured at WXXI, our local PBS station, and in several local and national publications.

David is currently President/CEO of RISEGO Inc. He lives in Rochester with his wife and four kids.