PR 2 NC
Help Rebuild Puerto Rico One Woman at a Time! Fund a team of female innovators to come to Raleigh for training
Project Description
Puerto Ricans are struggling to rebuild after Hurricane Maria. Here in Raleigh, NC the entrepreneurial community is ready to support Puerto Rican innovators to create high impact, long-lasting solutions! Do you want to join us?
Here's how: PR 2 NC brings female entrepreneurs from Puerto Rico to Raleigh, North Carolina for four weeks in January 2018 to work with an international team of female innovators on rebuilding projects for Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rican Entrepreneurs will return to Puerto Rico to implement the projects and create a new PR 2 NC sister city collaboration between San Juan and Raleigh to cultivate additional projects. The innovators are provided with:
- The Basics: Housing, reliable technology, workspace at HQ Raleigh, and living stipend
- Essential Kăt’ l īz’ ers: Training/skill building, mentoring, and advising
- Womenpower: Project support from advisors and student team from US, China, Argentina, Australia & Mexico in Leadership exCHANGE’s Women & Innovation (Kăt’ l īz’ er)
- Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Establishment of PR 2 NC partnership between HQ Raleigh and San Juan’s co-working space Parallel18 to establish on-going platform for additional partnerships
End result: This project galvanizes female innovators from multiple countries to help rebuild Puerto Rico One Woman at a Time! AND, the female innovators will be ready to compete in April forParallel18's Pre-18 Accelerator that provides 20k in grant funds with an opportunity to go on to compete for another 40k in grants. Let's catalyze these women!
Funding Provides
- Airfare for 2-4 Female Innovators from Puerto Rico
- Housing for Puerto Rican Innovators
- Programming/Training for innovators
- Membership and conference room space at HQ Raleigh for Puerto Rican Innovators
Could we exceed our initial funding request? The more funding, the more innovators and project team members we can bring!!!!
WHY? A COMMUNITY IN NEED! On September 16, 2017 the Category 5 Hurricane Maria devastated the island of Puerto Rico, affecting 3.4 US Citizens.
- Fatalities nearing 500 people
- 50% of the island still without power
- There's not enough water or food on the island
- Most hospitals are running on generators with limited fuel
- Alternative energy solutions, access to drinking water, food supplies logistics, agriculture, connectivity are in need of significant improvement on the island
“Make no mistake — this is a humanitarian disaster involving 3.4 million US citizens.” Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Ross
WHAT CAN BE DONE? The Dedication of Social Innovators and Entrepreneurs
"I'm exhausted and managing burnout symptoms but I can't stop to take a break." Christine Nieves, social entrepreneur.
After Maria, with its electrical power and communication infrastructure compromised, the local entrepreneurial community struggles to work on innovative solutions to the devastating impact of the hurricane. Early stage startups in the island are determined to keep going, but they are vulnerable, with little access to cash flow. To mitigate this, we need to come up with new ways to help them weather the -literal- storm. It is both an urgent challenge but also a potential tremendous opportunity to disrupt the status quo and create new innovative and long-lasting solutions.
"Entrepreneurs in Puerto Rico are already stepping up to the plate after Maria, and taking matters into their own hands for the benefit of their companies and their island. Life after the hurricane in Puerto Rico is not comfortable, but here’s what I keep telling myself, the Parallel18 team, and the local startup community: now, more than ever, let’s not only be hopeful but also work hard towards a future where the world can benefit from impactful solutions developed in Puerto Rico." Sebastian Vidal, Executive Director Parallel18, leading co-working space for innovators in the capital city San Juan.
WHY Bring Female Innovators to Raleigh?
Did you know Raleigh/Durham is home to a thriving ecosystem of female innovators from multiple industries? One of the fastest growing cities in the US, Raleigh is a melting pot of people and ideas! Most important, Raleigh is full of innovators who are passionate about creating collaborate communities for high impact! When we see a fellow innovator in need, we help! The host of the program, Leadership exCHANGE, has 19 years of experience catalyzing the skills and talents of change agents, including running women & innovation programs in Panama, Prague, and Raleigh. Our co-partner for the project, HQ Raleigh, is the largest co-working space for startups and social entrepreneurs in Raleigh, making it the perfect home for these innovators to work on their projects. We also have ThinkHouse, a renovated boarding house walking distance to HQ Raleigh, that is perfect to house innovators and project team members. We have a personal connection to Puerto Rico. Christine Nieves, Puerto Rican social entrepreneur featured in our video, is an instructor for Leadership exCHANGE's Leadership & Innovation Program. We have been in contact with Christine since the hurricane and have been consulting with Christine and fellow innovators at Propell18 San Juan about what type of project would be most useful to innovators in this time of need.
In Sum: Raleigh happens to be a community of some pretty kickass female innovators! And we'd like to empower our fellow women innovators in Puerto Rico. We're passionate, collaborative, and ready utilize our infrastructure and womenpower!
Q: ARE YOU READY TO HELP US REBUILD PUERTO RICO ONE WOMAN AT A TIME??
The Team
Magdalyn Duffie: Founder, This Ole Thing Design (love our amazing logo? Mags designed this!)
Lucila Dotto: Department of State Fellow (Young Leaders of the America Initiative), Co-Founder of AGC Consultora Argentina
Heather McDougall, Ph.D.: Founder, Leadership exCHANGE, Co-Founder e51
Liz Tracy: Executive Director, HQ Raleigh
Key Partners
Leadership exCHANGE is a social enterprise founded in 1999 with the mission to train the next generation of leaders, global citizens, and change agents.
HQ Raleigh : The largest co-working space in Raleigh (400+ companies and 4 buildings) focused on developing a community of high-impact and high-grossing startups and social enterprises. Certified B-Corp.
Updates
The Campaign FAQs
The Project FAQs
Where is the space? HQ Raleigh is located at 310 S. Harrington St., in the warehouse district of downtown Raleigh. ThinkHouse is located in Boylan Heights, walking distance to HQ Raleigh.
How are Puerto Rican Innovators Selected? Innovators complete an application detailing their proposed project, how coming to Raleigh will be beneficial to their personal and project development, and how they will implement the project upon return to Puerto Rico. The applications are judged by a four-person panel. We are working with Propell18 San Juan and local social innovators to spread the word and identify great candidates.
What is required of the innovators during the program and are they required to return to Puerto Rico after the program? All fellows are expected to be in Raleigh the full duration of the program, to attend organized meetings/events, and fully contribute to the program's goals to catalyze a community partnership between Puerto Rico and Raleigh innovators. All fellows are expected to return to Puerto Rico upon completion of the program for a minimum of 6 months to implement projects and to submit monthly project implementation update reports.
Are there age requirements? Innovators must be at least 18 years old.
What are the main components of the fellowship?
1. Housing and workspace to focus on project ideas
2. Connections, advising, and mentorship from female innovators in the Raleigh/Durham area
3. Community building between Raleigh and Puerto Rico for future program partnerships
4. Outreach to the Leadership exCHANGE, HQ Raleigh, and Raleigh/Durham community of innovators
Who are the main partners? This project is in partnership with Leadership exCHANGE (a social enterprise dedicated to training the next generation of leaders, global citizens, and change agents) and HQ Raleigh (the largest co-working space in Raleigh focused on developing a community of high-impact and high-grossing startups and social enterprises).
Who are the student support team members? The fellowship will overlap with Leadership exCHANGE’s Women & Innovation (Kăt’ l īz’ er) that brings female university students to Raleigh to study women and leadership and develop key knowledge and skills for an entrepreneurial mindset. Students will be placed with one of the innovators to work on business plan development and public outreach campaigns to foster further support for the projects. Currently, students from USA, Mexico, China, and Australia will serving on the teams. Students will return to their campuses and help to spread awareness of the projects and gather additional support.
How do Innovators interact with the Raleigh community? Fellows will interact with students in the program, the HQ community, and outreach to local high schools.
What if I am a local school/university and want to get involved? Sign-up at the GalvanizHER level and have a private panel session with the innovators and up to 2o of your students!
Are we looking for speakers or mentors? Absolutely! If you want to get further involved by giving workshops or 'mentor' sessions, contact us! [email protected]
Can I or my company be a sponsor of the project? Yes! If you or your company would like to be a "sponsor" for the project, pledge at the $2000 or higher amount to be considered a Kăt' l īz' HER Sponsor or TransformHER Sponsor.
Is this project just in January? Hopefully not! We hope this is just the pilot and that we can bring another group back to Raleigh in the summer for follow-up training and to bring additional fellows and student work teams.
Is there research on the benefit of funding women innovators? YES!!!! We could fill-up this entire page with it, but we'll give you just a few highlights:
- “Women are also more likely to save and contribute to broader livelihood improvements in their community, creating better opportunities for future generations.” HERproject.org.
- “Women across all age cohorts show overwhelming interest in socially responsible and impact investing as compared to men. Study after study affirm this finding (70-79% of women show interest vs. 28-62% of men, depending on the study) 4 , and opinion leaders credit this interest in part to women’s more holistic, values-based attitudes towards money, be it as a way to care for their families or to improve society.” Women Leading the Way in Impact Investing Report, The Philanthropic Initiative
What are the restrictions/ other important information about the prizes?
- BridgeHER: please bring your own yoga mat.
- EnergizHER 1-hour dance party: bring up to two children. Adult required to be in attendance. Light snacks provided.
- InnovaTOUR Argentina: Flat is a one-bedroom with a pull-out sofa in the living room in a beautiful area of Buenos Aires. Best for 2 or 3 people. Flat has access to a swimming pool. Buenos Aires is an AMAZING city for food, art, WINE, and culture--a MUST SEE! You will also receive Lucila's tips for "Best places to visit" in Buenos Aires. Airfare to/from Buenos Aires is NOT included.
- InnovaTOUR Prague: Available May 1-7, May 8-15, May 16-23, Or May 24-31 (dates allocated in order donations are received). Prague flat is a one-bedroom flat with a beautiful and large balcony (rare in Prague) facing the Vltava river!! Separate kitchen and living room. You are minutes from wonderful cafes, shops, and all of the major sites. The flat is best for 2 people but you can have up to 3 people. Bedroom has a queen bed and small single bed. You will also receive Heather's "Must Do/See" tips for Prague including recommended gallery and design boutique walks--Prague has an AMAZING art and local design scene that is very affordable. Airfare to/from Prague is NOT included.
Attend a special yoga session with Megan Hanna of HEAT with fellow PR 2 NC contributors. Date TBA. Looking for a GREAT Christmas gift? Why not purchase some of these for your friends??
Bring your sons or daughters to a special 1-hour Latin Dance party at HQ Raleigh with the innovators. Snacks provided. Ticket includes adult and up to 2 children. Saturday January 13th from 10-11.30 am @HQ Raleigh.'
Ticket for you and one guest to the thank you gathering at HQ Raleigh. Light refreshments provided.
Be recognized at the final gathering as a champion of female innovators. Living outside of Raleigh? No problem, we'll still give you a shout out at the party! Also includes ticket for you and one guest.
Choose from either a half-day conference room rental at HQ Raleigh or a special 1 1/2 hour panel with Puerto Rican Innovators for you and up to 15 guests. Great for companies who need conference space or schools looking for interesting programming for your students.
Buenos Aires over Christmas/New Year's?? Yes!! One supporter will be able to use a 1-bedroom flat in Buenos Aires from December 24, 2017 - January 2, 2018. Located in Victoria (a green city) in Buenos Aires. Sleeps up to 3 and has a swimming pool.
Did We Say One-Week Stay In A Flat In Prague??? Yes We Did! May 1-7, 2018 stay in a One-Bedroom Flat In The Heart Of Prague. Balcony Overlooking The Vltava River, Minutes From The Main Sites, Restaurants, And Galleries In Prague. Best For 2 People But Can Sleep 3 (Bedroom Has Queen Bed Plus Single Bed).
Did We Say One-Week Stay In A Flat In Prague??? Yes We Did! May 8-15, 2018 stay in a One-Bedroom Flat In The Heart Of Prague. Balcony Overlooking The Vltava River, Minutes From The Main Sites, Restaurants, And Galleries In Prague. Best For 2 People But Can Sleep 3 (Bedroom Has Queen Bed Plus Single Bed).
Did We Say One-Week Stay In A Flat In Prague??? Yes We Did! May 16 - 23, 2018 stay in a One-Bedroom Flat In The Heart Of Prague. Balcony Overlooking The Vltava River, Minutes From The Main Sites, Restaurants, And Galleries In Prague. Best For 2 People But Can Sleep 3 (Bedroom Has Queen Bed Plus Single Bed).
Did We Say One-Week Stay In A Flat In Prague??? Yes We Did! May 24- 31, 2018 stay in a One-Bedroom Flat In The Heart Of Prague. Balcony Overlooking The Vltava River, Minutes From The Main Sites, Restaurants, And Galleries In Prague. Best For 2 People But Can Sleep 3 (Bedroom Has Queen Bed Plus Single Bed).
Be recognized in the Raleigh/Durham and San Juan community for being a key GavinizHER Sponsor of female innovators who are making a difference in the lives of Puerto Ricans in need. Be featured as a GalvanizHER Sponsor of the entire program on Social Media, press releases, program events, and final party with 150+ attendees.
Be recognized in the Raleigh/Durham and San Juan community for being the Kăt' l īz' HER Sponsor of female innovators who are making a difference in the lives of Puerto Ricans in need. Be featured as the Kăt' l īz' HER Sponsor for the entire program on Social Media, press releases, program events, and final party with 150+ attendees.
Rewards
Attend a special yoga session with Megan Hanna of HEAT with fellow PR 2 NC contributors. Date TBA. Looking for a GREAT Christmas gift? Why not purchase some of these for your friends??
Bring your sons or daughters to a special 1-hour Latin Dance party at HQ Raleigh with the innovators. Snacks provided. Ticket includes adult and up to 2 children. Saturday January 13th from 10-11.30 am @HQ Raleigh.'
Ticket for you and one guest to the thank you gathering at HQ Raleigh. Light refreshments provided.
Be recognized at the final gathering as a champion of female innovators. Living outside of Raleigh? No problem, we'll still give you a shout out at the party! Also includes ticket for you and one guest.
Choose from either a half-day conference room rental at HQ Raleigh or a special 1 1/2 hour panel with Puerto Rican Innovators for you and up to 15 guests. Great for companies who need conference space or schools looking for interesting programming for your students.
Buenos Aires over Christmas/New Year's?? Yes!! One supporter will be able to use a 1-bedroom flat in Buenos Aires from December 24, 2017 - January 2, 2018. Located in Victoria (a green city) in Buenos Aires. Sleeps up to 3 and has a swimming pool.
Did We Say One-Week Stay In A Flat In Prague??? Yes We Did! May 1-7, 2018 stay in a One-Bedroom Flat In The Heart Of Prague. Balcony Overlooking The Vltava River, Minutes From The Main Sites, Restaurants, And Galleries In Prague. Best For 2 People But Can Sleep 3 (Bedroom Has Queen Bed Plus Single Bed).
Did We Say One-Week Stay In A Flat In Prague??? Yes We Did! May 8-15, 2018 stay in a One-Bedroom Flat In The Heart Of Prague. Balcony Overlooking The Vltava River, Minutes From The Main Sites, Restaurants, And Galleries In Prague. Best For 2 People But Can Sleep 3 (Bedroom Has Queen Bed Plus Single Bed).
Did We Say One-Week Stay In A Flat In Prague??? Yes We Did! May 16 - 23, 2018 stay in a One-Bedroom Flat In The Heart Of Prague. Balcony Overlooking The Vltava River, Minutes From The Main Sites, Restaurants, And Galleries In Prague. Best For 2 People But Can Sleep 3 (Bedroom Has Queen Bed Plus Single Bed).
Did We Say One-Week Stay In A Flat In Prague??? Yes We Did! May 24- 31, 2018 stay in a One-Bedroom Flat In The Heart Of Prague. Balcony Overlooking The Vltava River, Minutes From The Main Sites, Restaurants, And Galleries In Prague. Best For 2 People But Can Sleep 3 (Bedroom Has Queen Bed Plus Single Bed).
Be recognized in the Raleigh/Durham and San Juan community for being a key GavinizHER Sponsor of female innovators who are making a difference in the lives of Puerto Ricans in need. Be featured as a GalvanizHER Sponsor of the entire program on Social Media, press releases, program events, and final party with 150+ attendees.
Be recognized in the Raleigh/Durham and San Juan community for being the Kăt' l īz' HER Sponsor of female innovators who are making a difference in the lives of Puerto Ricans in need. Be featured as the Kăt' l īz' HER Sponsor for the entire program on Social Media, press releases, program events, and final party with 150+ attendees.