Alifya Valiji: Bringing Equal Access and Transparency to Early-Stage Fundraising

Nov 24, 2021 Posted by: Anushree Nande Alifya Valiji,  SDG10,  SDG5,  USA

Alifya: Now, imagine you have this big idea that you know can change the world. You also have the motivation to spend hours, months, years working on the idea to make it come to life. What you don't have is the pocket money to get started. Your parents already gave you what they had, but you still need a little extra money to just get started. Who do you ask? Do you go on Shark Tank? What are your other options? The problem is...not everyone has access to the people or companies that can give you the seed capital to get started on their idea. Closed Round is changing that. We think everyone should have a fair shot at accessing the money from 'sharks' or venture capital investors!

Su Sanni: Providing Transit Equity and Economic Mobility to Underserved Communities

Nov 23, 2021 Posted by: Ladderworks NYC,  SDG10,  SDG11,  SDG17,  SDG9,  Su Sanni,  USA

Su: Dollaride is the app-based rideshare option for the millions of Americans who aren’t adequately served by public transit, and find taxis, Ubers, and Lyfts too costly for their daily needs. Even in NYC, a city with one of the world’s biggest transit systems, over 600,000 people live in “transit deserts” and have to spend hours each day commuting to work. Since the 1980s, cash-based, micro-transit systems of dollar vans have been easing the commuting pain for disenfranchised people. Dollaride is digitizing and mobilizing these networks, helping local drivers grow their ridership, and creating an affordable solution with reliable routes for riders. The company's mission is to make public transit accessible to everyone, everywhere.

Noelle Acosta: Addressing Racial Inequalities in Maternal Health

Nov 17, 2021 Posted by: Anushree Nande Noelle Acosta,  SDG10,  SDG3,  USA

Noelle: Well, after navigating my own reproductive health struggles as a Latina/Asian woman for over five months, I found myself feeling lost, uninformed, and ignored. As someone who had terrific employer-sponsored health insurance, I was frustrated with the system. I could not imagine what women who look like me—and don’t have the same access or resources available—go through.