2021 Fellow Focus: D'Seanté Parks + 1000 MORE
Communicator, political strategist, entrepreneur…2021 Fellow D'Seanté Parks of 1000 MORE shares more about her #RuthlessForGood journey.
What propelled you into the entrepreneurial space? And what do you enjoy most about being a founder?
I saw a solution for inefficiencies in the political market and I knew creating 1000 MORE was the best way to revolutionize the space. I love being a founder at this stage in my life because I've gone from being an individual living in an underserved, disenfranchised, and disengaged community to working in some of the most powerful political spaces in the country. I get to use all of that knowledge and experience to create something that will empower people from communities like the ones I'm from.
Tell me about an experience you had as an entrepreneur or in starting your company that exemplified one of Camelback's core values: "Belief in Mission + Vision"; "Unafraid of Failure"; "Constant Learner"; "Humble + Hungry"; and "Give First."
I have dedicated my life to working in civic engagement and I was never quite sure where my best and highest use was in the space. My mission has always been to empower people with knowledge and inspire them to action. The vision for the 1000 MORE app came to me in a dream. I saw it so clearly that I realized it was the right path for this mission of civic empowerment. I woke up from the dream in the middle of the night, purchased the domain, and began to pitch the idea within months.
As a BIPOC founder, Camelback understands that the struggle is constant, what motivates you to get up every day and keep on fighting?
I know this app will provide much needed transparency in the democratic process and empower people with the information and tools they need to participate in it more than every two to four years when their elected officials come up for re-election. This tool is going to shift the power dynamic, so I'm always motivated to put in the time, energy and/or money necessary to push it forward.
What's your favorite book or podcast that you draw entrepreneurial inspiration from?
Resilient by my sorority sister and 1000 MORE Board of Advisors Member Sevetri Wilson.
Why did you choose to embark on the Camelback Fellowship? And what do you hope to gain from this experience?
I had been incubating the app while getting my master's degree at Harvard and I wanted a community and structure to continue the work after graduation. I hope to continue to build and iterate the tool and grow the business.
You can learn more about ➡ D'Seanté Parks of 1000 More.
Get to know more of the 2021 Camelback Fellows👇🏽