History
2015
Vanderbilt's Turner Family Center is established
In 2015, continuing a long-standing partnership with Vanderbilt University, the Cal Turner Family Foundation committed $1.2M over a 5-year period to establish the Turner Family Center for Social Ventures (TFC) and to help it grow as a leading, student-led organization that uses market-based solutions to alleviate poverty.
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The TFC was created as a hub to provide resources, fellowship, collaboration, and partnership—across multiple graduate schools— for students, further promoting responsible business practices and shaping future leaders of our domestic and international communities.
2015 - 2021
Programming is developed and staffing is built out
Cal Turner Jr., the former CEO, chairman, and president of Dollar General Corporation, spearheaded the gift and actively supports many Vanderbilt University programs, including the Cal Turner Program for Moral Leadership in the Professions. Dr. Bart Victor, Owen Graduate School of Management faculty and Cal Turner Professor of Moral Leadership served as the TFC Faculty Director from its founding in 2015 through the Spring of 2021, in addition to teaching Project Pyramid for sixteen years.
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Shortly after the center was established, Mario Avila, an Owen Graduate School of Management alumnus, Cal Turner fellow, and former Project Pyramid participant—whose own socially responsible corporation was developed and funded by Owen startup competition funding—was hired as the Director. His passion for promoting social impact and helping students identify their potential as leaders for change is palpable, and has already propelled the TFC into global recognition
2024
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Name change and rebranding
In 2024, the Turner Family Center for Social Ventures underwent a significant transformation, being renamed to the Center for Social Ventures. This change marks a new chapter in the center’s storied history, continuing its legacy of fostering social innovation and entrepreneurial solutions to complex societal challenges. This rebranding was made possible through the generous support of Cal Turner, whose philanthropic gift ensures the continuation of the center’s vital programming. As we honor this transition, we are actively seeking additional donors to further expand the center’s impact, building on the foundation laid by the Turner family’s unwavering commitment to social progress.
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2025
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Continuing to broaden reach and impact
​​Today, the Center for Social Ventures maintains its position as a resource and programmatical hub for students interested in social impact ventures, broadening in 2026 to include the first ever Undergraduate Student Board to continue to expand reach and impact across Vanderbilt.
Mario continues to run the Center for Social Ventures as Faculty Director along with Sierra Kline, Program Manager, and Brooke Timberlake, Program Coordinator.