Left to Right: Lisa Zahra, Paula Flores, Ellen Lewis & Linda Shepard

"The Women in Social Entrepreneurship series was so life changing for me. I am not an entrepreneur but I learned so much about my own skills and talents that can be used to support entrepreneurs.

I loved hearing the inspiring stories and dreams of the other women and it encouraged me to take my own leap of faith. This was one of the most impacting weekends of my life."

Linda Shepard

Left to Right: Paula Flores, Ellen Lewis & Lisa Zahra

"For a number of years, I have been working on a venture to create a School for the Deaf in Zambia, Africa. I needed help in formalizing a plan to fund the development of the school and secure resources to sustain operations. Of course I needed help developing a venture plan that included sustainability.

The Institute's Women in Social Entrepreneurship series was recommended by a friend. I spent the weekend with a group of women that helped to encourage me to pursue my dream and the class gave me the tools I need to move my vision forward.

I spent a few minutes of our last class showing the other women the presentation that I share with donors / investors."

Lisa Zahra, School for the Deaf in Zambia

"We worked with the Institute for Social Entrepreneurship to develop a comprehensive business plan to expand our heating and cooling business. The staff from the Institute was able to analyze our business and help us prepare a comprehensive business plan that included a brand new line of products and services. We were able to utilize the plan to secure additional financing and marketing support for our growing business."

Chris Tomeno, Tomeno Home Services, LLC