EXCITED to announce Steve Higginbotham and Smile America Partners as Entrepreneur of the Year!!
Much more to come for the organization as it continues to serve underserved children across America with the dental care they need.
Scott Kalniz
I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the amazing Smile America Partners organization! This EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® award is further validation and recognition of our school-based clinical-dental delivery model, the impact our teams have on vulnerable patients challenged by social determinants, and most importantly…the sacrifice and dedication of our clinicians who refuse to settle for the status quo!
I strongly encourage everyone interested in creating real access to dental care, eliminating barriers and changing the trajectory of oral healthcare amongst the vulnerable population to partner with us and our mission “to bring smiles and good oral health where they are needed!”
Thank you EY and all the presenting sponsors PNC, Cresa, Marsh, SAP and KAUFMAN FOUNDATION for recognizing our team’s positive impact on the lives of millions of children. A “Smile” is priceless! 😁
"🌱 Exciting Panel Alert!
🚀Introducing our stellar lineup for Startupedia'24 Panel Discussion on 'Fostering Sustainable Growth: Bridging Policy Advocacy and Social Entrepreneurship.' 🌍🌱
Join moderator Charu Dhyani and esteemed panelists Viiveck Verma, Brig. J. Kameswara VSM, Bharti Chhatre Krishnan, and Brig. P. Ganesham as they explore the intersection of policy advocacy and social entrepreneurship!
🤝✨ Get ready for an insightful conversation shaping the future of sustainable growth. 🌐💡
#Startupedia24#PanelDiscussion#SustainableGrowth#SocialEntrepreneurship"
Move over Barbeinheimer, I made some ven diagrams!
I just posted a new piece from my Substack, Organize the Rich.
It's about this question I've been thinking about, are we seeing an unprecedented movement of the rich towards justice? In the midst of so much discouraging news about the rich burning down this place we call home, is there another story to tell?
And what could it all mean for movements to transform our economy and society towards health and collective well-being? What could it mean for multiracial working class power building? For creating cross-class progressive coalitions that win the material changes we want and need?
I'd love your help, checking my thinking, and offering your perspective.
Diana Villegas is an entrepreneur who owns and partners in five businesses, including Nova Driving School, which was founded by her parents in 2003. Diana's entrepreneurial spirit is marked by perseverance, innovation, and a strong commitment to giving back. Nova Driving School has grown to include a fleet of 60 vehicles equipped with the latest technology, including GPS and video monitoring for driving behavior correction.
Nova's hands-on approach and dedication to quality and safety set it apart in the industry. The business isn’t just about profit; it’s about making a positive impact on the community. Nova’s goal of becoming a socially responsible organization is deeply rooted in Diana’s values as an immigrant entrepreneur herself, and as the daughter of immigrant entrepreneurs.
One of Nova’s key differentiators is its commitment to working with underprivileged communities. The driving school actively engages with federal organizations, serving troubled teenagers, high schools, and juvenile justice programs. Nova believes that driver’s education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or past mistakes. By focusing on this mission, Nova has seen a significant increase in demand for its services, with a 20-50% growth rate.
To learn more about this six-time Inner City 100 award winner visit https://lnkd.in/eESqnY3S#InnerCity100#IC100awards#ICICOrg#ICIC#WomanOwnedBusiness#BIPOCBusiness#CommunityImpact#MinorityOwnedBusinesses
Join me in reimagining the world through innovation and social justice!
As we honor MLK's legacy, let's redefine innovation as a mindset challenging the status quo, breaking free from self-imposed limits. Together, we can innovate for impact and turn justice and equality into lived realities.
Read my latest Innovation to the Rescue newsletter, Innovate for Impact: Building a Movement for Social Justice. Follow the link in the comments to read on.
#innovationToTheRescue#InnovateForJustice#SocialJusticeInAction#ChangeMakersUnite#innovation#socialJustice
Founder and CEO, Luminary | Former Banking Executive | Inc. Female Founder 100 | Business Leader | High Performance Team Builder | Authentic Storyteller | Board Director
Today in our weekly Luminary newsletter, I shared a note about the assault on the Fearless Fund and their fight to keep their grant program for black women-owned businesses, many of whom are part of the Luminary community.
Whether you’re on an entrepreneurial path or not, it’s crucial to recognize and support initiatives that aim to dismantle systemic barriers faced by underrepresented founders. As we celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth, we must equally shine a light on the continued challenges faced, including the current litigation against our friends at Fearless Fund. The outcome of this court case could not only jeopardize their ability to continue to do its important work for underrepresented women founders, but it could also impact any organization with DEI at its core, like Luminary.
The Fearless Fund, founded by Ayana Parsons and Arian Simone, is a venture capital fund dedicated to investing in women of color-led businesses. Their mission is not just about financial investment, but also about providing mentorship, resources, and a supportive network to help these entrepreneurs thrive. The Fearless Foundation, an associated organization, extends this mission by focusing on advocacy, education, and empowerment. Through various programs and initiatives, they aim to address the systemic issues that hinder the progress of underrepresented entrepreneurs.
Several news articles and interviews have been published recently, shedding light on this court case's details and challenges. I've included one below from early February with Arian Simone and a few more links in the comments. I urge you to take a moment to watch and to understand the gravity of the situation and the potential impact it could have collectively on our efforts.
Further I ask you to share and spread awareness about this case (and there are others including with our friends at Hello Alice with Carolyn Rodz and Elizabeth Gore). Together, we can create a future where entrepreneurship is truly accessible to all, regardless of race, gender, or background. Let's stand fearlessly in support of equity and justice in entrepreneurship. We stand with you, Fearless Fund.
#racialequity#diversityequityinclusion#equityandinclusion#blackwomeninbusiness#community#fearlessfund#blackentrepreneurship #
https://lnkd.in/eRGYNyi4
Chief Executive Officer
4wI am beyond grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the amazing Smile America Partners organization! This EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® award is further validation and recognition of our school-based clinical-dental delivery model, the impact our teams have on vulnerable patients challenged by social determinants, and most importantly…the sacrifice and dedication of our clinicians who refuse to settle for the status quo! I strongly encourage everyone interested in creating real access to dental care, eliminating barriers and changing the trajectory of oral healthcare amongst the vulnerable population to partner with us and our mission “to bring smiles and good oral health where they are needed!” Thank you EY and all the presenting sponsors PNC, Cresa, Marsh, SAP and KAUFMAN FOUNDATION for recognizing our team’s positive impact on the lives of millions of children. A “Smile” is priceless! 😁