Jessica Valencia, co-founder of and Head of Communications at UnlockNYC, is driving the women-led effort to provide direct services, data analysis, and advocacy in order to implement a power shift where landlords and brokers fear the social and financial costs of discriminating against voucher holders. Hear Jessica recount her personal story as she discusses with host Monique T. Marshall the challenges of teaching voucher holders with no safety net how to advocate for themselves, and the significance of “paying it forward.” How does an entrepreneur engage in the balancing act of creating the right fit between a clear and strong mission and potential funders of all ilks?

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Vicky Garalina, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and doctoral-degree holder in education, is the founder and executive director of Inspiring Futures, Inc, a nonprofit organization through which she improves high school and college graduation rates for young people with system involvement by providing free and comprehensive mental health and academic support. Vicky and host Monique T. Marshall discuss perseverance, the challenges of keeping the model of support to beneficiaries as open as possible, and the ban in New York State on non-profit enterprises providing professional services. How does an entrepreneur engage in fundraising in the face of having zero connections?

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Co-founder and CEO of Hera Health Solutions, Idicula Mathew is at the forefront of drug delivery technology, owing to his investigation of the synergy between biodegradable materials and pharmaceutical drug delivery of therapeutics to the human body. Idicula and host Monique T. Marshall discuss ensuring compliance with regulatory bodies in the health sector while maintaining high levels of innovation, and keeping in direct touch with investors and potential stakeholders. How can an entrepreneur scale up to global impactfulness while still remaining true to the original mission?

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An entrepreneur and doctoral-degree-holder in chemistry, Jiye Son, who previously worked in New York City nail salons, is now using her knowledge and experience to engineer a less volatile and safer alternative to nail polishes and gels that are widely used today. In this fascinating conversation, Jiye and host Monique T. Marshall discuss issues of trying to find time to apply for programs and grants while running a business, managing interns, and struggling to incorporate an educational element into the brand. How does an entrepreneur experiencing success deal with impostor syndrome?

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An experienced behavior specialist working in the individual and family services and health industries, Lucas Addo is the Founder of TRAC Activities. As a dedicated advocate for individuals with autism, he creates and fosters more personalized and engaging learning experiences for that population in nurturing and supportive environments. Alongside TRAC Activities, Lucas is the founder of Eleos Behavior Care, which specializes in Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy. In this joyful conversation, Lucas and host Monique T. Marshall discuss unlocking the full potential of the individual, utilizing the resource that is the surrounding community, and carrying on even in the face of the absence of funds. What happens when customers feel like family?

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Artist, art educator, and Founder/CEO of Stapledon Arts, Charlecia Joy, runs an inclusive art supply company transforming creativity by addressing the representation gap for artists of color. Joy and host Monique T. Marshall tackle the topics of meeting a stakeholder where they are, developing a physical product, and experiencing the beauty of receiving feedback. How does an entrepreneur nurture a target audience while also aiming for growth through maximum conversions? 

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The founder and CEO of Grassroots Grocery, a fast-growing nonprofit transforming food access through community-powered produce distributions, mobilizes thousands of volunteers and distributes millions of pounds of fresh produce to underserved neighborhoods across New York City. Dan and host Monique T. Marshall discuss vulnerability, the willingness to learn from mistakes, and the importance of focusing on growth trajectory, not just unbridled growth itself. How does an entrepreneur make short-term sacrifices in order to support the long-term mission?

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Visit Grassroots Grocery.