LET’S TALK IMPACT WITH JEN VAN DER MEER & NEYDA MARTINEZ, CO-DIRECTORS @ IMPACT ENTREPRENEURSHIP INITIATIVE
ABOUT IMPACT ENTREPRENEURSHIP INITIATIVE:
The mission of the Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative (IEI) is to promote a shift in values from individual competitiveness to participatory design. As a university-wide initiative, we believe in advancing democratic principles and mutual and equitable relations to cultivate the development of entrepreneurial skills, growth mindsets, and inclusive design approaches to actualize innovation in the world. IEI’s focal point is to invest in student entrepreneurs embedded in their local communities for shared prosperity.
Rooted in community and solidarity, IEI seeks to break new ground in challenging status-quo frameworks, especially for communities that have been historically excluded and remain chronically underserved and underfunded. To catalyze and nurture new and inclusive futures to confront systemic inequality, we encourage students representing communities including Black Americans, Latinxs, Native Americans, Arab Americans, Asian Americans, South Asian Americans, Pacific Islander Americans, Appalachians, LGBTQ/Two Spirit people, and people with disabilities to explore IEI.
https://www.newschool.edu/impact-entrepreneurship/
ABOUT JEN VAN DER MEER & NEYDA MARTINEZ:
Jen: https://www.newschool.edu/parsons/faculty/jen-van-der-meer/
Neyda: https://www.newschool.edu/public-engagement/faculty/neyda-martinez/
ABOUT THE PODCAST:
Let’s Talk Impact is a podcast series that explores the intersection of entrepreneurship and social impact. Hosted by Justyna Kedra and produced by The New School’s Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative and WERULE, the podcast features interviews with a diverse range of changemakers. From government officials to activists and entrepreneurs, these guests share their insights on the evolving definition of impactful work and the motivations driving their efforts. By focusing on the stories behind the initiatives, Let’s Talk Impact aims to inspire and inform listeners about the power of entrepreneurship to create positive change in the world.
ABOUT THE HOST:
Justyna Kedra, the founder of WERULE, received her BFA degree from Parsons the New School where she successfully finished their toughest major: Fashion Design. Since then she worked in Public Relations with celebrities ranging from Jeremy Scott, Lady Gaga to Madonna at People’s Revolution under the wing of Kelly Cutrone. Justyna is also no stranger to the corporate world working for 6 years in financial services at American Express generating over 20 Billion in acquisitions for Centurion, Platinum, Green Cards as well features such as their most successful “Employee Card” treatment. She also served as an advisor to the American Express’ President of US Consumer Services on topics related to the team’s culture.
She is a mentor & a team member at The New School’s Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative and a mentor at the Tory Burch Foundation, the AARP Foundation x Bridge for Billions program for aspiring founders over 50. Because of her work, she was recognized as the youngest Champion of Change at the United Nations. A book she co-authored with Erika De La Cruz, Editor in Chief at The La Girl, has become a bestseller across multiple categories and is available at Barnes and Noble.
Justyna also hosts a podcast, a collaboration between WERULE and The New School’s Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative, called Let’s Talk Impact, which was in the top 5% most shared podcasts globally according to Spotify Wrapped.
ABOUT IMPACT ENTREPRENEURSHIP INITIATIVE:
The Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative (IEI) at The New School fosters a transformative approach to business and social change. We equip students with the skills to create innovative, inclusive, and sustainable ventures that address pressing global challenges. Through our interdisciplinary curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, and strong community partnerships, we empower students to become agents of positive change and build a more equitable world.
ABOUT WERULE:
WERULE is a global platform dedicated to connecting individuals with life-changing mentors. Founded in 2015, they started by sharing stories of successful female entrepreneurs, becoming a recognized resource for women seeking inspiration and guidance. Today, WERULE offers a wider range of resources, including an AI-powered mentorship app used by businesses and organizations worldwide. Their mission is to make mentorship accessible to everyone, regardless of background or stage in life. They believe in the transformative power of mentorship and strive to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Hosted by: Justyna Kedra (@thisisjustyna) & Kosi Dunn
Produced by: Janusz Kedra
Questions about our events, podcast, blog or Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative? Email Justyna Kedra at justyna@newschool.edu