Kesia Hudson
This summer the CCNY campus was abuzz with the energy only high schoolers can generate. Thirty five students representing cities across New York and New Jersey were here for the Bossgirls Program. Sponsored by Standard Chartered Bank’s Futuremakers Initiative and powered by the Zahn Innovation Center, Bossgirls teaches high school girls about entrepreneurship utilizing an experiential learning model.
Our first time back on campus since 2019, and we were just as excited as the girls! This is our sixth year and the first time we implemented a hybrid model. The program commenced on July 5, and was a blend of live virtual and in-person sessions.
Week 1 was on campus. The girls entered the classroom on the first day with curiosity, trepidation, and excitement. By the end of the week, we had glimpses of their individual personalities and interests. The students quickly bonded with each other, forming a cohesive cohort.
With a focus on social entrepreneurship and developing business acumen, we used the lean startup methodology to guide the bossgirls through a simulated creation of a startup. We began our journey learning about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The students selected five of the seventeen goals to address. They chose:
- # 3 - Good Health and Well-Being
- # 4 - Quality Education
- # 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation
- # 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities
- # 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
After researching these SDGs, the bossgirls identified a specific problem to solve. Each team then developed a business plan and pitch deck, reflecting their unique perspectives. Their plans included market research, competitive analysis, business financials and a prototype. Throughout the program, thirty three Standard Chartered employees volunteered their time to work closely with the teams providing mentorship and insight. An additional group of industry professionals joined us as guest lecturers and pitching coaches.
Having access to role models is important. We brought in women entrepreneurs to share their experiences founding companies. Being able to speak directly with CEOs and presidents, was enlightening and inspiring for the bossgirls. Our guest speakers included Amy Divaraniya of Oova, Yan Lawrence of The Regime, and Deepali Vyasthe of Fearless+. All are CEO and founder of their respective companies. This is in addition to our instructors Georgie-Ann Getton, Kesia Hudson, and most of our presenters and industry mentors.
The program culminated with our Bossgirls Finale, on August 4. With family, friends, mentors and staff in attendance, in person and via the live stream, our bossgirls took the stage at Standard Chartered’s midtown headquarters. Each team had 3 minutes to present followed by 2 minutes of Q&A from the audience. Our bossgirls masterfully pitched their startup ideas. Each demonstrated the knowledge, skills and confidence achieved during this program. We’re so proud of them and we are excited to see what is next for our bossgirls!
Bossgirls 2022 Cohort:
Team: A.S.K.
Team Members: Kimberly, Shradda
SDG Goal: 3. Good Health and Well-Being
Problem Statement: 27 million people struggling with mental illness go untreated in the U.S. due to access and cost
Solution: provide easy access to resources to help people improve and maintain a positive state of mental health
Team: Resort EDU
Team Members: Adela, Julie, Marian
SDG Goal:4. Quality Education
Problem Statement: As of this year, 45 million American students have student loan debt totaling over a trillion dollars, and it takes on average more than 20 years to pay off the loans.
Solution: Online portal that provides resources and employment opportunities to help manage and pay off the debt
Team: IVY Desk
Team Members: Jade, Joanne, Vedasri
SDG Goal: 4. Quality Education
Problem Statement: Over the Covid-19 pandemic, many educators struggled to make the transition from in person classroom learning to online learning, exposing vulnerabilities in school curriculums.
Solution: Create a portal that equips teachers with adequate skills on how to navigate technology, ultimately improving how students learn for future generations
Team: Rizz
Team Members: Khyathi, Lihie, Mehr, Shruti, Viktoriya
SDG Goal: 3. Good Health and Well-Being
Problem Statement: After the height of the pandemic young adults find it hard to find people with similar interests and connect in real life due to feelings of anxiety and distrust.
Solution: Help young adults connect based on interests instead of looks, and build real and intimate relationships
Team: The Purple Elephant
Team Members: Emilia, Kaitlyn
SDG Goal: 3. Good Health and Well-Being
Problem Statement: There is an underserved need for qualified service providers for individuals with Alzheimer's.
Solution: Create an online platform that educates, trains and certifies caretakers
Team: Miss Planet
Team Members: Mia, Sophie, Sydney
SDG Goal: 6. Clean Water and Sanitation
Problem Statement: Pipeline construction, use and spillage damages the environment, the surrounding ecosystems and communities.
Solution: Centralized information on constructions and spills, clean ups and emergency resources
Team: Reduce, Reusing, Supplies (RRS)
Team Members: Imanie, Nicole
SDG Goal: 4. Quality Education
Problem Statement: Underfunded schools place the burden of providing supplies on the teachers and parents, additionally many new or under-utilized school supplies are tossed away by graduating students that no longer need them.
Solution: Create local donation campaigns as well as student-run clubs in high schools to collect materials no longer needed
Team: Aware Ability
Team Members: Isabel, Layla, Nancy
SDG Goal: 4. Quality Education
Problem Statement: 29% of students between the age of 14-17 suffer from ADHD or ADD in the U.S.
Solution: An online tool that minimizes distractions and provides the student with support to improve focus
Team: Flora Center
Team Members: Awa, Brianna, Gabriela, Mahiat, Malika, Pearl
SDG Goal: 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
Problem Statement: There are over 90,000 homeless people in NYC, They lack dependable access to shelter, food and employment.
Solution: Create an urban-based housing and agricultural training program
Team: Closet Cleanse
Team Members: Allison, Hannah, Jigna, Roxanne, Sally
SDG Goal: 12. Responsible Consumption and Production
Problem Statement: Fast fashion is the cheapest and most accessible option for clothing purchase, however it negatively impacts our resources and environment.
Solution: A pickup and delivery service where customers can donate and exchange used clothes for newer ones
Thank you so much to Standard Chartered for sponsoring the Bossgirls Program. Its generosity makes this programming possible. With gratitude, we also acknowledge everyone who worked with us.
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