Earlier this week, Blakely announced the graduates from the Center for Civic Innovation’s (CCI) class of women civic entrepreneurs.
The class is a year-long endeavor from CCI and provides the women with business and strategy advising, leadership coaching, mentorship and workspace in downtown Atlanta. The Sara Blakely Foundation also provides a seed investment to each of the women and their businesses.
Sara Blakely
“We are so proud to partner once again with Sara Blakely to invest in female entrepreneurs who are changing the way we value and approach problem-solving in Atlanta,” Rohit Malhotra, founder and executive director of the Center for Civic Innovation, said. “They are a reminder that the greatest way to meaningfully grow our local economy is to invest in the ideas and leadership of women.”
“You are women who were selected for your courage, your ability to make things happen and to bet on yourself. Today is about this entire Spanx family and the support of CCI – to say we’re betting on you too,” said Blakely. Since starting her foundation in 2006, Blakely has donated millions to charities around the world, with a particular focus on charities that empower underserved women and girls.
The eight graduates this year ranges from a food surplus management company to combating perceptions and barriers to swimming for black children. The full list:
- Terri-Nichelle Bradley | Brown Toy Box: Inspires black children to pursue careers and hobbies where black people are typically underrepresented.
- Jasmine Crowe | Goodr: A sustainable food surplus management company that leverages technology to combat hunger and reduce waste.
- Nedra Deadwyler | Civil Bikes: Curates culturally connected and relevant stories to engage people with place.
- Jenn Graham | Civic Dinners: Uses technology to bring diverse people together to break bread and have a structured conversation that builds empathy and trust.
- Tiffany LaTrice Williams | TILA Studios: Empowers black women to create and showcase their art.
Trish Miller | SwemKids: Aims to eliminate negative perceptions and barriers to swimming proficiency for black children and their families by equipping them with the skills to have a healthy and safe relationship with water.
Charnette Trimble | Grandmama’s House: Provides seniors with workshops that connect them to home repair programs and resources to help pass their wealth on the next generation.
Samantha Watkins | Urban Perform: A non-profit gym in Vine City that makes exercise accessible and affordable to everyone.
“This opportunity has transformed the way I lead and scale my business. Being in the business of art, it’s often looked at as charitable work,” Tiffany LaTrice Williams, Founder & Director of TILA Studios. “I can confidently say that I’ve built a roadmap that will allow me to scale and foster a community that uplifts me and sustains me. I can’t thank CCI and Spanx enough for taking a bet on me and the seven other woman that I have the pleasure of calling sisters.”
CCI and Blakely also announced an investment for a third class of nine additional women-led enterprises. Stay tuned in 2020…
