May 01

Ford Philanthropy Mobility Fellowship press release

By Chris Barnett Fellows

The 2024 – 2025 Ford Philanthropy Mobility Fellowship Officially Launches for 400+ Mobility-Focused Entrepreneurs Expanding Access to Affordable, Reliable, and Safe Transportation

Meet the 2024–2025 Ford Philanthropy Mobility Fellows: 26 of the most promising mobility-focused entrepreneurs impacting communities across Brazil, Germany, Mexico, the Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam, including Ford Plant Cities. These Fellows were selected for the 2024–2025 Ford Philanthropy Mobility Fellowship from over 940 applications, representing just a 2.7% acceptance rate. In total, the Ford Philanthropy Mobility Fellowship will impact at least 375 entrepreneurs over the next year.

Ford Philanthropy and Watson Institute are thrilled to announce the launch of the 2024–2025 Ford Philanthropy Mobility Fellowship. The Ford Philanthropy Mobility Fellowship includes award-winning training, financial stipends, committed mentorship from leading experts in mobility, and the tools for the Ford Philanthropy Mobility Fellows to lead one- to three-day intensive workshops called Basecamps in their communities. Basecamps led by the Ford Philanthropy Mobility Fellows will reach an additional 375 entrepreneurs in their communities, thereby amplifying the impact of the Ford Philanthropy Mobility Fellowship.

The 2024–2025 Ford Philanthropy Mobility Fellows are advancing affordable, equitable, and safe transportation solutions in underserved communities, strengthening local economies, and driving forward the future of mobility worldwide. From carpooling apps that enable people in low-income communities to access collaborative mobility networks to EV charging networks serving underserved areas, the 2024–2025 Ford Philanthropy Mobility Fellows are building products and services that help cities and communities evolve to enable enhanced mobility. The 2024–2025 Ford Philanthropy Mobility Fellowship is designed to connect these mobility-focused entrepreneurs with access to capital, mentorship, and training that they need to scale their ventures and drive meaningful impact in their communities—ensuring that all people are empowered with freedom of movement to access the services, goods, and opportunities necessary for a dignified and independent life.

The 2024–2025 Ford Philanthropy Mobility Fellowship Cohort marks the fifth year of partnership between Ford Philanthropy and Watson Institute. This partnership has supported more than 1,600 entrepreneurs across Ford’s priority markets in the U.S. and globally. Ford Philanthropy Fellows have been named to Forbes 30 Under 30 Lists, featured on Nasdaq’s Entrepreneurial Tower in Times Square, and appeared in leading media outlets, including The Washington Post and CBS News Detroit.

“We are inspired by Ford Philanthropy’s commitment to building a better world by ensuring that all people have access to affordable, reliable, and safe transportation, and we are proud to embark on a fifth year of partnership with them to fulfill this commitment,” shared Eric Glustrom, CEO and Founder of Watson Institute. “The innovative mobility-focused entrepreneurs that make up the 2024–2025 Ford Philanthropy Mobility Fellowship Cohort are a testament to Ford Philanthropy’s dedication to diversifying the pipeline of entrepreneurs and expanding access to essential goods and services around the globe.”

The Ford Philanthropy Mobility Fellowship program embodies the very best of Ford and our efforts to bring affordable, reliable and accessible transportation solutions to those who need it most,” says Mike Schmidt, Ford Philanthropy Director of Economic Mobility. “We are grateful for our ongoing partnership with the Watson Institute and are excited to see what these Fellows achieve!”

About Ford Philanthropy

Ford Philanthropy champions equitable access to essential services, education for the future of work and entrepreneurship opportunities by harnessing Ford’s scale, resources and mobility expertise. With a 75-year legacy and $2.3 billion in contributions since 1949, Ford Philanthropy, alongside Ford Motor Company, collaborates with nonprofit partners and community organizations to invest and co-create solutions to meet unique community needs, supporting people to move forward and upward. Through impactful grantmaking, Ford Community Centers and employee volunteerism, Ford Philanthropy drives positive change in communities worldwide. For more information, visit fordphilanthropy.org or join us at @FordPhilanthropy on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

About Watson Institute

Founded in 2013, Watson Institute partners with leading corporations and foundations to power transformative Fellowships that support highly promising, historically disenfranchised rising entrepreneurs and leaders. The Fellowships provide award-winning entrepreneurship and leadership training, committed mentorship, financial stipends, long-term Alumni support, and access to a global community of peers, mentors, and opportunities. Alumni of Watson Institute’s Fellowships have raised over $185 million, created over 1,900 paid jobs, and impacted 10 million people across the U.S. and globally through their ventures.

Apr 22

Celebrating Jiayuan Tian, 2024 Diana Award Winner, featured on Minerva Voices

By Watson Institute Alumni, Fellows

Jiayuan Tian, Flagship Fellowship Alumnus ’23

Celebrating Jiayuan Tian, 2024 Diana Award Winner, featured on Minerva Voices

We’re excited to share that a Watson Institute alumnus from the 2023 Venture Accelerator program Jiayuan Tian has been featured on Minerva Voices (by Minerva University) for receiving the prestigious 2024 Diana Award. This recognition honors young leaders making meaningful, sustained contributions to their communities. Jiayuan Tian joins other Watson alumni such as Reese Wong, Aditi Joshi, and more who have also received this award in previous years.

Learn more about Jiayuan’s story in this feature by Minerva University (link here).

Mar 19

If you have an idea, create it… Engage the users as you build and do it afraid.

By Watson Institute Alumni, Fellows

Hammed Kayode Alabi, Western Union Foundation Fellowship Fellow ’23 — Hammed Kayode Alabi, Western Union Global Fellowship Program Fellow ’23

Hammed Alabi, Western Union Global Fellowship Program Fellow ’23

Hammed Kayode Alabi, a visionary social entrepreneur, recently achieved remarkable success as the first runner-up among 47 fellows in the Western Union Global Fellowship Program powered by the Watson Institute. This accomplishment, coupled with his receipt of a $5,000 venture development stipend, reflects his unwavering commitment to democratizing access to 21st-century skills across underserved communities in Africa. In an illuminating interview, Alabi shares his journey, shedding light on the principles and experiences that have shaped his path towards social impact.

Reflecting on his achievement, Alabi expresses a sense of optimism, attributing his success to diligent effort and active participation throughout the fellowship program. He emphasizes the significance of immersing oneself in the learning process, valuing feedback, and maintaining authenticity. Alabi’s strategy revolves around embracing vulnerability and self-awareness, traits that have propelled his growth as a changemaker.

Alabi’s vision for leveraging technology and artificial intelligence to empower underserved communities stems from his personal background. Growing up in Makoko, one of Africa’s notable slums, Alabi experienced firsthand the transformative power of access to education and skills development. Inspired by his own journey, he founded initiatives such as the Skill2Rural Bootcamp and the Kayode Alabi Leadership and Career Initiative (KLCI) to provide young people with opportunities to acquire essential skills.

The $5,000 venture development stipend represents a significant step towards realizing Alabi’s vision. He plans to channel this funding into the development of an ed-tech platform, offering courses tailored to the needs of youth in marginalized communities. Alabi’s approach extends beyond traditional education models; he envisions refurbishing abandoned buildings into innovation centers, reducing greenhouse emissions while providing accessible learning spaces.

Alabi’s commitment to social innovation extends beyond the Western Union Fellowship. His selection for the London Business School Launchpad program underscores his dedication to refining his entrepreneurial skills and expanding his impact. Through the program, Alabi seeks to gain insights into business strategies, branding, and fundraising, recognizing the importance of sustainable models for social change.

Looking ahead, Alabi aims to reach 1 million young people by 2030 through the Skill2Rural Bootcamp ed-tech platform. He emphasizes the role of technology and partnerships in scaling his initiatives, highlighting the potential for exponential growth. Alabi’s advice to fellow changemakers emphasizes resilience, the pursuit of feedback, and a steadfast commitment to purpose-driven action.

Mar 07

Watson Institute Embarks on its Second Year of a Three-Year, $450K Grant Partnership with Truist Foundation

By Monica Solares Fellows

Funding enables Watson Institute to implement the Truist Foundation Fellowship for 720 underbanked, underserved entrepreneurs and small business owners from emerging markets across urban and rural Georgia.

Watson Institute Embarks on its Second Year of a Three-Year, $450K Grant Partnership with Truist Foundation

Atlanta, GA, Thursday, March 7th, 2024 – Watson Institute today announced the launch of the 2024 Truist Foundation Fellowship. The Fellowship includes award-winning training in financial literacy and entrepreneurship, seed capital, committed mentorship, Impact Series Workshops, and the tools for each Truist Foundation Fellow to power Basecamps in their communities for earlier-stage entrepreneurs.

The 2024 Truist Foundation Fellows are working to increase the economic mobility of their communities in Atlanta and across greater Georgia by tackling various inequities that prevent individuals, including those who are racially and ethnically diverse and women, from increasing their wealth. These inequities span from financial illiteracy to generational poverty for communities of color and limited access to high quality education and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) training, among others.

“We are immensely grateful for Truist Foundation’s generous support and commitment to opening more doors for underserved entrepreneurs and small business owners,” shared Dwayne Griffith, Associate VP of Programs at Watson Institute. “The Foundation’s three-year commitment fosters a network where Alumni can nominate candidates to future Fellowship cohorts, Basecamp Participants can apply to the Fellowship to receive more advanced entrepreneurship training, and Alumni can return as Mentors and Impact Series Teachers. This well-integrated network amongst Fellows, Basecamp Participants, and Alumni ensures there will be an embedded infrastructure of support for underserved founders that lasts well beyond the Truist Foundation Fellowship.”

The primary objective of the Truist Foundation Fellowship is to address the “missing middle” for underserved entrepreneurs who are reaching Product Market Fit, but who need additional training, resources, and networks to scale their ventures and reach financial sustainability. Addressing the missing middle bolsters Georgia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by fostering opportunities for its most promising yet underserved entrepreneurs.

The pioneer Truist Foundation Fellowship cohort supported over 600 small businesses through their ventures, created 212 paid jobs, and increased their annual recurring revenue by 83% post-Fellowship. We’re enthusiastic to support the 2024 Truist Foundation Fellows to scale their impact in similar ways.

“Truist is proud to partner with the Watson Institute to help underserved entrepreneurs and small business owners,” said Truist Regional President Katie Saez. “The work being done by the Watson Institute helps Truist fulfill our purpose of inspiring and building better lives and communities.”

About Watson Institute

Founded in 2013, Watson Institute is a place where underserved entrepreneurs and leaders can find their community, discover their calling, and accelerate their careers. Alumni of Watson Institute’s Fellowships have raised over $185 million, created over 1,900 paid jobs, and impacted 10 million people around the world through their ventures and small businesses.

About Truist Foundation

Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation’s (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. The Foundation, an endowed private foundation established in 2020 whose operating budget is independent of Truist Financial Corporation, makes strategic investments in a wide variety of nonprofit organizations centered around two focus areas: building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses to ensure all communities have an equal opportunity to thrive. Embodying these focus areas are the Foundation’s leading initiatives – the Inspire Awards and Where It Starts. Learn more at Truist.com/Foundation.

Dec 12

Western Union Foundation Fellow Provides Humanitarian Relief

By Monica Solares Alumni, Fellows

Western Union Global Fellowship Program Fellow Provides Humanitarian Relief to Families in Afghanistan Through Community-Focused Nonprofit

By Shelby Crosier | Rollings School of Public Health

When Shakila Ali was five years old, her family arrived in the U.S. as refugees from Afghanistan. As members of the Hazara minority, they left to escape the historical targeting of their people and a humanitarian emergency that was unfolding at the time. Ali’s family background and personal connection to Afghanistan and the disparities affecting the country’s religious and ethnic minorities has fueled her throughout her life, including during her time as a Rollins student and beyond.

While an MPH student in the Hubert Department of Global Health in 2020, Ali was inspired to take action to improve access to education for youth in Afghanistan. Using her network of friends, classmates, and peers, she started a grassroots fundraising campaign to provide scholarships for young people in underserved communities in the country. With over 40 volunteers, they raised over $5,000 in one weekend. After this success, she decided to make the campaign annual.

Everything changed in 2021 during the second year of Ali’s program when, on the same weekend as the fundraiser, the Taliban took over and a humanitarian emergency began. Many international organizations left the country in a rush, and it was no longer possible to send aid. Ali was left shocked and worried for her community, as well as grieving family members she lost. This grief, along with her desire to assist her homeland, led her to create Doste Afghan Foundation, meaning “a friend of an Afghan”.

“As the humanitarian situation worsened, I felt more inclined to continue directing support to my community in Afghanistan,” says Ali. “There’s nothing that we can do to change the systems of power, but we can help the families on the ground. This inspired me to turn the fundraiser into a nonprofit.”

Ali worked tirelessly throughout 2022 to develop the organization, recruiting a small but mighty team in the U.S. and Afghanistan and applying for 501©3 status. The latter was made possible through resources and mentors from The Hatchery, Center for Innovation at Emory University. Ali hopes that this status will allow them to expand their reach beyond her network alone and sustain more widespread support.

Doste Afghan Foundation’s mission is to provide humanitarian assistance to the most at-risk people in Afghanistan, with a special focus on women, children, and minority groups. Their model provides direct cash assistance to families to help address immediate needs, such as food insecurity. The organization also focuses on promoting education and economic development. They achieve the latter through a program that provides grants for individuals to develop a small business idea and purchase the equipment and materials needed to run it. The focus, says Ali, is on centering the real needs of the community and of each family to ensure sustainable impacts.

One way this is possible is through working on the ground in communities and conducting a thorough needs assessment with each family, a skill Ali developed during her time as a Rollins student.

“The needs assessment component of this is so crucial,” says Ali. “Almost every Afghan in some way has been affected by the war, loss, grief, and other circumstances beyond their control, but some identities are even more affected and at risk. I wanted to make sure that we reach those who are most in need and hard to reach. We do a full needs assessment and interview to give families the opportunity to tell us about their situation and what they need.”

Since the beginning of 2023, Doste Afghan Foundation has impacted over 80 individuals in Afghanistan. Over 50% were women, and the majority were children and youth under 16 years old. The foundation also estimates that their food stipend program has provided over 8,000 meals, and that their business grant program has increased participating families’ monthly income more than four-fold. Ali is now planning to scale up the foundation’s impact through further support from Western Union Foundation and Watson Institute.

Ali says that when it comes to getting involved with Doste Afghan Foundation, “raising awareness is one of our core goals.” Through their annual fundraisers, they provide volunteers with context, statistics, and graphics to share on social media and spread awareness of the humanitarian crisis. The next fundraiser will take place in 2024.

If you want to learn more or volunteer with Doste Afghan Foundation, you can find them on Instagram, LinkedIn, or their website.

Find the story here.