In challenging times, it’s easy to get swept up in a cycle of negative news. That’s why it’s so inspiring to speak to a range of people who are using their influence, talent and businesses to help others and lift them up. These changemakers I’ve spoken to span Israel, Africa, India and the United States. From supporting entrepreneurs to developing technology that helps our dwindling pollinators, each of these interviews gives us hope and different reasons to feel more optimistic about the future.
Jessica Stago is at the helm of Change Labs, a nonprofit working with entrepreneurs from indigenous backgrounds. Every entrepreneur faces a range of challenges in launching businesses, but those from Native American backgrounds face more than most. Her work empowers those seeking positive change on tribal lands.
It’s estimated that only 1 in 3 African students with an offer at a university will end up enrolling. Financial challenges are the key driver. Dr. Lydiah Kemunto Bosire secures loans for talented African students through her company 8B Education Investments. In doing so, it’s helping bridge a financing gap of at least $25bn a year unmet by supply.
The number of natural pollinators is dwindling significantly, yet they are vital to our food supply chain. Edete Precision Technologies is an Israeli company using innovative technology to produce and store large quantities of pollen. Vice president of business development Keren Mimran explains how the world benefits.
Yuliya Tarasava is the co-founder and chief operating officer of CNote, a FinTech platform aiming to close the wealth gap through financial innovation. The company has made big strides in helping to create jobs and build more inclusive communities through its financial products targeted at a wide range of impact investors.
Jessica Jackley wants us to flex our “empathy muscle”, by helping busy families volunteer for good causes without ever leaving their house. Alltrusits, her subscription box service, is targeted at kids and highlights a range of issues, such as homelessness and the plight of pollinators. With an influential network to call on, she hopes to make volunteering easier and fun.
The health insurance industry in India is broken and leaving a large number of people behind. Kumar Shailabh is doing something no one has been able to do before: allow people in different communities to run their own digital-first insurance funds on their own terms. It’s disruptive with the potential to positively transform many lives.
I established Invest for Good to inspire others to take positive action in their communities. Any of us can be a changemaker. With this in mind, I produced a summer reading list for those who want to make a difference.
I hope these profiles and stories inspire you as they have inspired me. If something resonates with you, please share it with your network, families, friends and colleagues and join me in championing and thanking those who are having a positive impact on our world.
I’d welcome your feedback, questions and comments at alexandra@investforgood.blog
Alexandra & The Invest for Good Team