FINNOVATION Lab New Cohort Will Tackle Today’s Systemic Issues
Thursday, August 20, 2020 at 5:12AMVia a recent News Release:
FINNOVATION Lab, the champion of changemakers who believe in solving systemic social problems through the power of business, selected nine entrepreneurs for the third cohort of the FINNOVATION Fellowship Program. The program will support fellows as they work to develop innovative business models to address a range of social, environmental, economic and other timely issues and will help fulfill their potential of becoming leaders of social impact.
Selected fellows will receive a $50,000 living stipend, $3,000 health care stipend, have access to dedicated workspace, an ecosystem of advisors and mentors, and tailored curriculum focused on leadership development, business planning and modeling, and systems-level analysis for social change. The Fellowship Program is often the first opportunity participants have to focus their energy on diving deeper into a problem and developing a sustainable solution. The nine-month immersive program kicks off in September and will run through mid-June.
Nine fellows were chosen from a highly competitive pool of applicants aiming to address varied areas of impact. FINNOVATION Lab continues to attract increasingly diverse applicants with 66% identifying as people of color, 66% women or non-binary, 38% first-generation college students, and 21% in the LGBTQ+ community. After narrowing the pool to 20, applicants participated in a virtual Selection Day at which a panel of Minnesota’s leaders in social impact and entrepreneurship identified the top contenders demonstrating an understanding of the problem area, dedication to the issue, systems-level thinking, and an innovative entrepreneurial idea.
“This year has highlighted systematic issues in our society and continues to bring new ones to light”, said Connie Rutledge, CEO of FINNOVATION Lab. “We saw so many great candidates with a passion to solve the issues of today. Our final group represents the strength of the social impact scene here in Minnesota, and we’re excited to see what they bring to the community.”
The third cohort of fellows is made up of:
- Michelle Abdon: addressing the lack of mental health education in high schools by building a curriculum development company that teaches mental health skills and knowledge through studio arts.
- Marlee Dorsey: reducing health disparities linked to systematic oppression and inter-generation trauma in the Black community through mental health services and resources.
- Valerie Fleurantin: addressing health disparities in the Twin Cities by creating a health and wellness center with a focus on a wellness culture shift.
- Naomi Ko: addressing disparities faced by women of color in the film and TV industry by creating a company that connects, empowers, and funds WOC filmmakers.
- Leah Korger: rethinking the hospitality industry to provide an intersectional space to foster authentic queer community through food and beverage.
- Brook LaFloe: reducing early childhood disparities for American Indian children by mobilizing an Indigenous artist and educators collective.
- Temi Ogunrinde: addressing housing inequalities by utilizing the entertainment industry to bring housing revitalization and increase homeownership in marginalized communities.
- Mary Taris: creating a Black literary arts center for the North Minneapolis community where the Black narrative is valued and Black voices are empowered.
- Dane Verret: dismantling institutionalized oppression in government and non-profit foundations by founding a learning institute rooted in the knowledge of Black and Indigenous people.
“The Fellowship Program feels more relevant and important than ever,” said FINNOVATION Lab and FINNEGANS Brew Co. Founder Jacquie Berglund. “We’re proud to foster the growth and development of fellows tackling racial inequalities, housing inequalities, and mental health education and the important change they’re working to implement.”
The Fellowship Program is made possible through generous support from the Bush Foundation, known for its commitment to innovationand creative problem solving.
More information about the FINNOVATION Lab and the Fellowship Program is available at Finn-Lab.com.
About FINNOVATION Lab
FINNOVATION Lab is an inclusive workspace and community inspiring social change, growth, innovation, and experimentation. From educational programs to unique events, FINN Lab empowers social entrepreneurs to make a positive change in the world through the power of business. For more information, visit Finn-Lab.com.
