Habitat for Humanity is known for its global work building homes for low-income families, but nonprofit leaders say the organization goes “beyond construction” with long-term, comprehensive services. The company says it is working on the project.
A group of volunteers, donors and program participants attended one of Habitat’s additional programs at “Vostok” on April 25, where a panel of entrepreneurs shared stories about starting businesses in the city.
The “Boss Talk” conversation series is part of Habitat for Humanity’s “Vision.” the goal. action! “Program created in 2015.
Each year, VGA begins with a panel discussion and offering a series of elective courses and programs centered around entrepreneurship. The program culminates in a “Shark Tank” style contest called “Launch!” Something that people can apply for. A panel of judges will review pitches and select winners to receive scholarships and prizes.
Rosalyn Merrick, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, said building people’s homes is “just one aspect of the services we provide to families.” .
With the help of volunteers who provide physical labor and wisdom, the organization works to “help people buy a home, build a home, move in successfully, and maintain that success for 30 years.” is.
Habitat for Humanity serves as the family’s mortgage holder, and Merrick said the connection with the family has been going back decades. This nonprofit organization has been around for decades.
“Now that you’ve achieved your first dream of homeownership, what else do you want to do?” Merrick said.
Participants in the homebuilding program are required to take at least 17 courses on topics such as personal finance, budgeting, effective savings, and how to manage a home. People can also take part in comprehensive financial literacy programmes, such as ‘My Money, My Future’, or pursue further education and qualifications. You can also become an entrepreneur.
That’s where “Boss Talk” comes in. Habitat for Humanity wants successful business owners to know what they wish they knew, Merrick said. This will help budding entrepreneurs prepare for the challenges ahead.
The chief operating officer also said he wants people to “know that it’s okay to be bold and hold space for yourself and your passions.”
During the April 25 panel discussion, longtime entrepreneur Margaret Weniger, owner of M-Squared PR and CEO of Home Depot, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, and Habitat for Humanity International, will discuss He moderated the conversation with Marcia Archer, former public relations manager for . Trish Miller, owner of Atlanta-based swimming school SwemKids, and Kristin Reed, owner and CEO of Mobile Beauty Bar ATL.
During the panel discussion, the women each shared their journeys from quitting their full-time jobs to starting brand new businesses.
Miller, who quit his government job to found Swem Kids, called it a “leap of faith.” She started this business after having a near-death experience while in college. Although SwemKids serves all ages and backgrounds, she focuses on teaching Black children to swim. According to a CDC report, black children between the ages of 10 and 14 are 7.6 times more likely to drown in a swimming pool than white children.
“I decided to bet on Trish,” Miller said during the panel discussion.
Executives advised the crowd to never build bridges, find trusted advisors and “embrace the delusion” while striving for success.
Merrick said Atlanta Habitat for Humanity chose the panelists in part because they were all women of color with working histories. More than 80% of the people this nonprofit serves are women of color and lead households.
“It’s important to meet people who reflect your lived experiences,” Merrick says.
Atlanta Habitat leaders want to show program participants what’s possible.
Miller said she wanted to speak to an audience because she started her business as a single parent and felt it was important to share her story with those who are feeling lost.
“It’s always fun because I want to say something that will inspire someone,” Miller said.
Miller said that while it may not be immediately inspirational for everyone, he hopes the chat will germinate and plant seeds that will someday spawn new entrepreneurs.
