I’m a former patient at Communichi, born and raised in Seattle, now living in the UK and pursuing my Master’s in Entrepreneurship program at the Nottingham University Business School. Entrepreneurship is a developing field of study that was first formalized as a scholastic area in the 1980s. Though it is difficult to define exactly, a common trait among successful entrepreneurs is their ability to spot problems and translate them into business opportunities and profit. Social entrepreneurship is the act of putting this entrepreneurial spirit to use for the betterment of society, as in the development of non-profits or socially minded, for-profit organizations aiming to enhance the welfare of a segment of the population.
My long-term goal, and the reason I have undertaken this course of study, is to become an innovative and effective social entrepreneur. I have some history in this arena; at age 18, I helped to found a local youth arts education organization. We were a small, informal community of young artists who thought of each other more as a family than as a social business. We soon noticed the absence of services providing appealing and therapeutic creative outlets for young people, and eventually began structuring our programs to meet that need. Over time and with dedicated work, our reputation grew, and we were able to charge a stipend for our services, seek grants, and find donors and sponsors. This is a key element of entrepreneurship – identifying a gap and working to fill it creatively, while cultivating a financial base so the work can continue. Under my supervision, the group became a thriving intergenerational community of youth and adult writers providing valuable arts education services both in and out of school, including open mics, writing circles, and youth leadership training. However, arts funding is notoriously scarce or inconsistent, and despite a few years of hands-on experience under my belt, I decided that I needed to strengthen my business skills and increase my work experience, which is my aim here in Nottingham. My hope is that the information and experience I gain will enhance my ability to sustain socially conscious organizations as one would mainstream businesses: with long-term strategic plans, strong finances and accounting, and motivated and well-managed teams of people. This is a year-long program I would like to see lead to an internship or relevant position at a reputable, ethical company. The senior teen members I left behind in leadership roles are currently working for the group as I was at their age, increasing their practical knowledge of how to run an organization, but with significantly more structure and guidance, as well as team of adult mentors and advisors. Whether or not I return to Seattle, I would like to assist them in a development and fundraising role.
Though I do not yet know what sector or even what part of the world may be in store for my future, I know that social enterprise, combined with ethical business practices, will be essential to the socio-economic development of underserved and disadvantaged populations across the globe. Communichi and organizations like it are a great inspiration to me in my studies. I am excited to develop my own social business and help bring important services and support to those who need them most.
– Angela Martinez Dy