“The power of transformative partnerships lies in their ability to amplify impact far beyond what any single organization could achieve alone. By listening actively, responding thoughtfully, transcending traditional funding models, and building intentional communities, we can create a robust ecosystem of support for social impact entrepreneurs of color and women.”
Read More"I want a world where education is an equalizer. Schools in low-income neighborhoods have just as many resources as schools in upper income neighborhoods. Where every child has an opportunity pathway available to them that leads to a sustainable future."
Read More"My vision is that our students experience safety and belongingness. I want my students to have voice and to be able to use what they are learning to influence their community while they are in school, not after they graduate. I also hope that Sledge Institute is a center for professional learning. I love to have fun and enjoy myself while at work. I want the educators and partners in my school as well as the family members to also feel like they are getting something out of the school. They are learning alongside the students, and they are also able to connect their passions to their professional learning. I don't want anyone, students or adults, to feel that they have to "endure" their time at Sledge Institute. I want them to see our school as a place of education, purpose-aligned work, and joy."
Read More"You shouldn't have to force yourself or your venture fit into any particular box that doesn't seem authentic to you or the mission. Be open and receptive to feedback, but be discerning. Especially in the early days, the right people will get it and will support both you and the venture to grow in a way that is true to your strengths and values as well as the venture's."
Read MoreWhat sets the Camelback Ventures Fellowship apart isn't just what we do, but how we do it. We create a space of psychological safety, joy, and wellness, all while pushing our Fellows to excel in their ventures. We pour into our Fellows, encouraging them to pour into each other. The result is a vibrant, supportive, engaging community that makes our program truly unique.
Read More“It's important to know your why and what you are willing to give up for that. I don't believe in overnight success stories. When you're trying to do something hard, it requires a lot out of you. So, the more clarity you have about your why, the easier it is to have an honest conversation about what sacrifices are needed.”
Read MoreEntrepreneurship has become increasingly ubiquitous, with individuals harnessing their talents and passions to launch new ventures. It’s often glamorized, with a strong emphasis on success stories and the allure of being one's own boss. However, this idealized image frequently overshadows the significant toll entrepreneurship takes on the wellness of founders. Camelback Ventures shares what wellness supports it is leaning into in support of diverse founders as well as lessons learned.
Read MoreCamelback Ventures’ The Well Founded Retreat was a prime example of communal care in action. This initiative aimed to support the growth and sustainability of founders of color by providing a space for rest, connection, and reflection. The retreat included activities such as group fitness classes, yoga, meditation, and reflective workshops. We share some key takeways and call for other funders to invest in the wellness of diverse founders.
Read More“My commitment to the work we’re doing today and the possibilities for tomorrow are higher than ever. We are focused on continuing to evolve as an organization and social impact movement centered on equity in venture funding for entrepreneurs of color and women, and it’s exciting.”
Read More'“Entrepreneurship comes with a burden of responsibility, a burden that easily founders of color take on, because we've seen the repercussions if no action is taken in our communities. We've seen that it can lead to no health care, a lack of insured folks in our family, a lack of equitable education, lack of affordable housing, lack of education opportunity. We have taken on this extra role that, sadly, we did not create our problems, yet we're taking them on, and that's a lot.”
Read More“My vision for the world through my venture is to lay down the foundation for accessible and ultimately free healthcare for every American… By removing barriers to healthcare access and addressing systemic inequalities, we can create a society where everyone has the opportunity to live a fulfilling and healthy life.”
Read More“Since our team set out about 18 months ago to begin learning about systems change in funding governance, our idea that governance structures need to shift has only been affirmed. AND, the difficulty of reaching the top decision makers in order to truly make changes has become apparent. While Camelback Ventures’ work is all grounded in working in community, we have learned that in order to do this systems change work, collaboration with others seeking to make change is absolutely essential.“
Read MoreIntroducing the 13th cohort of the Camelback Fellowship of education and conscious tech innovators!
Read MoreIn this insightful episode of “It’s Not Your Money,” Stephanie Brobbey from Good Ancestor Movement dives deep into her experience disrupting the private wealth industry through a reparative approach and explores strategies for moving wealthy folks towards racial justice learning and wealth redistribution.
Read More“baseline is completely built around Mission and Vision. For-profit mental health services, especially those for pre-crisis help, aren’t at all aligned with their user’s best interests - and trust me, it shows. As a non-profit, we’re forging a new path in this space by putting intersectionally disadvantaged users at the forefront, instead of creating a service that puts our profits first.”
Read More“Being a founder has given me a sense of purpose. It has given me an opportunity to take all of my past experiences, whether good, bad and/or tragic, and utilize those experiences to now create a mission that creates change for the better and even saves lives.”
Read More“I am creating an ecosystem of creative haymakers - a crew of genius, rogue, boss organizers and activists that are interested in telling a new story based on the joys, pains, hopes, and ambitions of all of us across the world. A new story based on the possibilities of a world we have devised in 10-15 hour improv sessions, art making, quilting, storytelling, music, and dance!”
Read More“The most gratifying aspect of being a founder is the realization that I am actively pursuing my purpose of creating transformative and educational content that empowers numerous lives.”
Read MoreIn this dynamic episode of "It's Not Your Money," Efraín Gutierrez delves deep into “the patriarchy,” how it has shaped philanthropy, and what a different way of doing and being might look like.
Read More“As an entrepreneur, I am driven by the desire to innovate and the autonomy to implement solutions that align with my vision of a more inclusive and supportive world. Each venture I undertake is a step towards breaking down barriers and empowering communities, particularly those who are often marginalized.”
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