Working with The New School’s Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative On Connecting Future Leaders with Mentors (by Justyna Kedra)
A Dream Come True
As someone who has always believed in the power of creativity to drive change, working with The New School’s Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative is more than just a professional commitment for me (same as my work on WERULE)—it’s a dream come true. I graduated from The New School, specifically from Parsons School of Design, with a BFA in Fashion Design, and I have always held this institution close to my heart. It’s where my own creative journey began, and it’s where I learned to merge design with purpose.
Now, years later, I have the privilege of working with the Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative to help support the next generation of leaders—future changemakers who are passionate about using entrepreneurship as a force for good. This isn’t just another job or another project for me; it’s an opportunity to give back to a community that shaped my career and worldview. Working alongside these brilliant minds to connect them with the right mentors feels like coming full circle, and it’s truly an honor. I also get to host a podcast around impact called “Let’s Talk Impact”, which you can check out on Spotify. I had the honor of hosting a variety of impact leaders from the CEO of the TGR Foundation, the President of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and more!
In this article, I want to take you through my experiences with the initiative and share how mentorship plays a transformative role in the growth of these young entrepreneurs. Through this process, I’ve seen firsthand how connecting passionate individuals with the right people can open doors, spark ideas, and create lasting change. It’s a reminder that impact is not just about grand gestures, but about the relationships we build and the support we give one another.
The Power of Mentorship: Connecting Future Leaders to Growth Opportunities
At the heart of The New School’s Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative is the mentorship network that I help facilitate. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my own entrepreneurial journey, it’s that mentorship is a cornerstone of success. No one achieves greatness in isolation. It takes guidance, support, and shared wisdom to move forward—especially when the path is as uncertain as that of an entrepreneur.
Through my role, I’ve had the privilege of helping connect the Impact Fellows—emerging entrepreneurs with a vision for change—with experienced mentors who provide invaluable guidance. For these young entrepreneurs, many of whom are working on projects that address social, environmental, and economic challenges, a mentor can make all the difference.
What I’ve found most rewarding is how much these fellows benefit not just from the expertise of their mentors, but from the genuine support and encouragement they receive. As someone who has been through the challenges of building a career and a business in the fashion industry, I know how invaluable it is to have a mentor who believes in you and your vision. It’s that unwavering support that helps you keep going when the going gets tough.
Exposure to Diverse Industries and How They Work
One of the most surprising and enriching aspects of working with The New School’s Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative is the vast diversity of industries I get to learn about. As someone whose background is rooted in fashion design, I’m naturally drawn to creative industries, but the fellows I work with are not limited to one field. They come from a wide range of industries, from sustainable tech and social justice to education reform and healthcare innovation.
Through my involvement with the program, I’ve had the opportunity to dive deep into industries I never would have explored otherwise. It’s an eye-opening experience to see how each of these sectors operates, what challenges they face, and how they approach impact in their own unique ways. Whether I’m learning about climate-positive architecture, human rights advocacy, or inclusive healthcare systems, I’m constantly amazed by the creativity and innovation that these young minds bring to the table.
But what’s most fascinating is how much overlap there is between these industries. At their core, all of these entrepreneurs are working to solve problems, create value, and build sustainable systems. While the industries themselves may look vastly different, the challenges they face—and the solutions they create—are often strikingly similar. As someone who has worked across creative fields, I find this intersection of ideas to be both inspiring and humbling.
Recognizing the Similarities Between Diverse Industries
Although the fellows come from a variety of disciplines, they all share one thing in common: a deep commitment to creating positive impact. And as I’ve had the chance to connect them with mentors in different sectors, I’ve noticed a remarkable pattern.
The principles of entrepreneurship are universal. Whether you’re building a sustainable product or a social enterprise, the foundations of success are often the same: identifying a problem, understanding your audience, developing innovative solutions, and navigating the inevitable challenges along the way. Mentorship plays a crucial role in helping these fellows understand how these principles apply in their unique contexts.
Through my work, I’ve seen entrepreneurs in industries as diverse as sustainable agriculture and mental health advocacy grapple with similar questions: How do I find my market? How do I scale my solution without compromising my mission? What are the ethical implications of the business decisions I make? The process of learning from others who have been through similar challenges—regardless of the industry—is what ultimately propels these entrepreneurs toward success.
Learning About Different Cultures, Backgrounds, and What Impact Truly Means
Another incredible aspect of this initiative is the exposure to a broad range of cultures and backgrounds. The fellows who come through The New School’s Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative are not only diverse in terms of their professional aspirations, but they also bring unique personal perspectives shaped by their cultural experiences.
I’ve learned so much about what impact truly means by listening to the stories of these fellows. For some, impact is about addressing climate change through innovative, sustainable design solutions. For others, it’s about economic empowerment in underserved communities or addressing racial inequalities in education.
By working with people from all walks of life, I’ve come to realize that impact is deeply personal. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to creating meaningful change in the world. What matters most is how you define impact and the vision you bring to it. This understanding has been transformative, both in my professional journey and in my personal life.
Giving Back to My Alma Mater: A Full Circle Moment
What makes my involvement in The New School’s Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative even more meaningful is the fact that it allows me to give back to the institution that shaped who I am today. When I graduated from Parsons School of Design, I never could have imagined that I’d one day be in a position to help guide future generations of students and entrepreneurs.
This initiative has allowed me to stay connected to The New School’s core values—which emphasize creativity, innovation, and social responsibility—while also expanding my own horizons in the process. It feels like a full circle moment to now be working alongside the very school that gave me the foundation to pursue my dreams.
As someone who deeply values creativity, inclusivity, and impact, working with The New School to connect mentors with the Impact Fellows is not just a privilege—it’s an opportunity to contribute to something larger than myself. It’s about helping young entrepreneurs who are passionate about making a difference realize their potential and amplify their impact in the world.
Mentorship as a Catalyst for Change
Working with The New School’s Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative has been an incredibly fulfilling experience for me. It’s more than just a professional responsibility—it’s a chance to give back to the community that helped shape my career. Through my involvement, I’ve seen firsthand how the right mentorship can have a transformative impact on entrepreneurs who are committed to making a difference in the world.
For the fellows, mentorship is a powerful catalyst that accelerates their growth, helps them navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, and expands their network in ways they could never have anticipated. For me, it’s an opportunity to help future leaders realize their dreams and make a meaningful impact.
When I think about how far I’ve come—from a Parsons student dreaming of making a mark in the world to now working to elevate the next generation of changemakers—it fills me with pride and gratitude. This work isn’t just a job; it’s a privilege, and it’s one that I cherish deeply. The opportunity to shape and support the next generation of impact-driven entrepreneurs is the ultimate gift.
FAQ
What is The New School’s Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative?
The Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative at The New School is a program that supports young entrepreneurs who are working on businesses or projects that create social, environmental, or economic impact. It connects fellows with mentors and resources to help them grow their ventures.
Why is Mentorship Important in Entrepreneurship?
Mentorship is crucial because it provides young entrepreneurs with guidance, industry insights, and the emotional support needed to navigate the challenges of starting and scaling a business. It helps them avoid common pitfalls and accelerates their learning curve.
How Can I Get Involved as a Mentor?
If you’re interested in becoming a mentor for future entrepreneurs, I encourage you to reach out to The New School’s Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative (impactentrepreneur@newschool.edu) or similar programs. Mentorship is a rewarding way to give back, share your knowledge, and help shape the leaders of tomorrow.
How Has Your Background in Fashion Design Contributed to Your Work with Impact Fellows?
My background in fashion design has helped me understand the value of creativity and innovation, both of which are critical in entrepreneurship. As a mentor connector, I bring this creative lens to the table when guiding young entrepreneurs across various industries, helping them think outside the box and approach challenges with fresh perspectives.
Interested in anything I mentioned above or learning about The Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative? Email me (justyna@newschool.edu) or DM me on Instagram!