Some of the most innovative, young entrepreneurs were a part of the  Bluhm/Helfand Social Innovation Fellowship Class of 2011. Take note of the impact the Fellowship had on their organizations.. and how it can change yours!

What impact has CIW and the fellowship had on your organization?

Adam Lowy: “CIW and the fellowship has been amazing both for Move For Hunger and myself personally.  Connecting with the other fellows and sharing ideas was an invaluable experience.  I made some lifelong friends, and created new connections that will drive our organization to create an even larger impact.  Some of the Chicago-based companies I was introduced during CIW will soon become partners in our hunger relief efforts.”

Jessica Posner: “CIW was a great place to meet and hear from people with powerful ideas and visionary goals.  It was an incredible platform to collaborate with other social entrepreneurs, and to gain exposure to nationally recognized community leaders. I am still in close touch with many people I met during the fellowship– and the positive ripples continue to spread from the connections I made and the innovative ideas that were introduced to me during that week.” 

Jeff Nelson: “I learned a lot from the other Bluhm/Helfand Fellows, and everyone at the table was a powerhouse of innovation. Similarly, Leslie Bluhm and David Helfand were exceptional leaders and hosts – I learned a lot from them and the dialogue, meetings, brainstorms and introductions were invigorating; I ended the week inspired and invigorated for the road ahead. There is also an incredible benefit to being based in Chicago, as our team has had extra time to build and follow-up on some critical connections, post-event.”

Jason Aramburu: “It was a great experience to network with other entrepreneurs working in the same space, dealing with many of the same challenges.“

Emma Clippinger: “Chicago Ideas Week had many different themes, many different speakers with many different backgrounds and each really furthered my knowledge in the area in which they were the expert.”

Want to broaden your exposure, deepen your community and grow your impact? Apply to BHSI Fellowship today! 

Learn about the 2011 BHSI Fellows here.