Inspiring Social Entrepreneurs
Inspiring Social Entrepreneurs: Stories of Profit with Purpose
Introduction
Social entrepreneurship is a way of doing business that combines social impact with financial sustainability. Social entrepreneurs are innovators who use their skills and resources to address some of the most pressing challenges in the world, such as poverty, inequality, environmental degradation, and human rights violations. They create products, services, and models that benefit both society and the bottom line.
In this blog post, we will share some inspiring examples of social entrepreneurs who are making a difference in various fields and sectors. These stories show that social entrepreneurship can be profitable, scalable, and transformative.
Bill Drayton – Ashoka: Innovators for the Public
Bill Drayton is widely regarded as the father of social entrepreneurship. He founded Ashoka: Innovators for the Public in 1980, a global organization that supports and connects social entrepreneurs across the world. Ashoka provides funding, mentoring, networking, and advocacy for its fellows, who are leading social change in various domains. Ashoka has supported over 3,000 social entrepreneurs in more than 90 countries, and has helped create a culture of empathy, collaboration, and innovation in the social sector.
Rachel Brathen – Yoga Girl
Rachel Brathen, also known as Yoga Girl, is a yoga teacher, author, and social media influencer who uses her platform to promote wellness, healing, and social good. She founded oneoeight.tv, an online yoga studio that offers health, yoga, and meditation services. She also co-founded 109 World, a non-profit organization that organizes social missions around the world, such as building schools, providing clean water, and empowering women. Rachel has over two million followers on Instagram, where she shares her yoga practice, personal stories, and social causes.
Shiza Shahid – Malala Fund
Shiza Shahid is the co-founder and global ambassador of the Malala Fund, a non-profit organization that advocates for girls’ education and empowerment. Shiza met Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate, in 2009 and helped organize a camp for her and other Pakistani girls. After Malala was shot by the Taliban in 2012, Shiza flew to her bedside and helped her launch her global campaign. The Malala Fund works with local partners and leaders to support girls’ education initiatives in countries such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Syria.
Blake Mycoskie – TOMS Shoes
Blake Mycoskie is the founder and chief shoe giver of TOMS Shoes, a company that sells shoes and other products with a social mission. For every pair of shoes sold, TOMS donates a pair to a child in need. This model, known as One for One, has helped provide over 60 million pairs of shoes to children in over 70 countries. TOMS has also expanded its product line and social impact to include eyewear, coffee, bags, and apparel, which support causes such as sight, water, safe birth, and bullying prevention.
These are just some of the many examples of social entrepreneurs who are creating positive change in the world. If you want to learn more about social entrepreneurship and how you can get involved, check out these resources:
