Have you ever had an innovative idea but weren’t sure where to turn? In a competitive and sometimes undemocratic market, brilliant ideas aren’t heard all the time. And for groups that have historically been underrepresented in the professional world, it can be even more challenging.
Without the resources or connections to turn dreams into reality, how will aspiring entrepreneurs, CEOs, and inventors share their ambition and creativity? Fortunately, efforts are being made to change the game — from grants offered to individuals and small business owners in developing countries to for-profit/enterprise partnerships designed to promote the spread of great ideas anywhere in the world.
One of the latest endeavors is a global campaign by leading beauty brand Clinique in partnership with TED, a global forum for smart minds. This campaign is devoted to celebrating the power of female thought by encouraging women all over the world to share their interesting ideas.
Whether it is in the boardroom, classroom, or soccer field, bright women from all walks of life are already making a difference. Here are three women particularly who used their skills, intelligence and ingenuity to improve lives:
• TED Fellow Jane Chen co-founded Embrace, a social enterprise whose goal is to help millions of vulnerable babies born in developing countries through inexpensive baby warmers.
• Unchartered Play entrepreneur and CEO Jessica Matthews is the force behind SOCCKET, a soccer ball that provides clean energy by converting the kinetic energy generated during play into electrical energy that can power small equipment.
• Feminist storyteller Erin Bagwell directed “Dream, Girl,” a documentary about women entrepreneurs, with the aim of changing public perceptions of the roles women can fill.
This year, ladies can enter their smart ideas before September 30 or learn more by visiting clinique.com/smartideas. The winner will receive a $20,000 grant to turn her idea into a reality, plus the opportunity to attend Clinique and TED events and share her ideas with other women who are making a difference.
You may not be best friends with top venture capitalists, but that doesn’t suggest your talent or creativity has to go to waste. Explore new channels for your voice to be heard.
-StatePoint
