On Monday, I had the honor to be part of a panel for the Social Entrepreneurship class at the University of Minnesota. What a unique feeling it was to be on the panel-side of discussion, rather than the student-side. I had a blast sharing my experiences and answering students’ questions. I only hope at least one of them gleaned a bit of inspiration and will not give up on their endeavors – just keep truckin’, guys and gals, you’ll get there!
In addition to the great experience with students, I had the pleasure of meeting the three other panelists. I’m humbled to have been included next to these three men, and I want to share their work with you. And, I’ll introduce you to Greg, the course instructor and panel organizer.
Kevin Rutherford: My Voice
Kevin left his post as president & CEO of Caldrea Co, (Mrs. Meyers Clean Day) to start My Voice with his wife Kelli. Together, they give voice to the voiceless animals by selling products and giving 50% of the profits to non-profit organizations who help animals in need. Check out their awesome story, and the pups who inspire them, at myvoicegives.com.
Rajiv Shah, M.D.: Athletes Committed to Educating Students (ACES)
Raj, a successful kidney doctor by day, is a passionate social entrepreneur who co-founded ACES, an after-school tutoring/mentoring program. ACES teams up with celebrity athletes to help close the academic achievement gap of at-risk urban students in grades four through eight in the Twin Cites. Check out ACES at aces4kids.org
Bob Davis: Backpack Tutoring and Christian Restoration Services
Bob is a self-proclaimed “systems guy” who sees the way a system functions and finds ways to improve it. Some of his social work includes Backpack Tutoring, an organization that connects high school kids with kids in kindergarten through third grade across the Twin Cities. Bob also works with Christian Restoration Services to provide supportive housing for ex-offenders in MN, you can learn more at christianrestoration.org.
Greg Tehven: University of Minnesota
Greg is co-instructor of the Social Entrepreneurship class in the Leadership Minor program at the University of Minnesota. Through his class, he helps students develop their own social enterprises from idea conception to fruition. Greg is also a co-founder of Students Today Leaders Forever, and is a passionate social entrepreneur who helps many businesses succeed. You can learn about the U of M’s Leadership Minor here.
Awesome people doing awesome things…get inspired!
-Heather