News

February 3, 2020

The Global Ambassador Program – A Vital Voices and Bank of America Partnership

The Global Ambassadors Program (GAP) is designed for women entrepreneurs and social entrepreneurs – providing mentorship, training and a network of support to help grow your business and your personal development. The program includes one-on-one mentoring sessions and strategic workshops focused on building organizational management, financial acumen and leadership skills.

The program is a partnership between Vital Voices, a leading NGO in women’s leadership and development and Bank of America, based on a shared belief in the need to invest in women who are creating economic and social progress around the world.

The Global Ambassadors Program will take place from 4th to 8th May 2020 in New York City and will focus on women who are providing solutions to climate change and environmental sustainability such as renewable energy, the reduction of greenhouse gases, zero-waste products, climate-resilient food production etc.

For reference, some examples of women within the Vital Voices network who are engaged in this area include:

  • Brianne West, a New Zealand entrepreneur and founder of Ethique, the world’s first zero-waste beauty brand. By using 100% naturally-derived biodegradable ingredients and compostable packaging, Ethique estimates that they have saved over 6 million plastic bottles from winding up in a landfill to date.
  • Leah Lizarondo, co-founder of 412 Food Rescue in the US, partnering with food retailers and other suppliers to pick up their healthy surplus food and deliver it to community nonprofit organizations. Food waste and organic matter in landfills produces 18% of U.S. methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. Greenhouse gas emissions from food loss and waste is second only to road transport in its impact.
  • Habiba Ali, founder, managing director and CEO of Sosai Renewable Energies, an innovative company that brings reliable and affordable renewable energy products such as solar lamps, solar home systems and water filters to those in Nigeria who need it most.
  • Dr Shimrit Perkol-Finkel, an Israeli marine biologist created ECOncrete with Dr. Ido Sella to protect and rejuvenate coastlines and marine life. The low-carbon, bio-enhanced concrete is custom-made for urban waterfronts, port redevelopment projects, and offshore energy platforms.

Applications

  • Applications will be accepted through Friday February 28th, 2020 at this link

What you will receive

  • One week in-person training program in New York City including:
    • Strategic Planning for Business Growth
    • Human Resource Management
    • Communications workshops including Branding & Marketing, Social Media, Public Speaking and Executive Presence
    • Financial Management and Accessing Capital
  •  A 1:1 mentoring relationship with an established woman executive. Previous mentors include: Donna Langley, Chairman, Universal Filmed Entertainment Group; Ibukun Awosika, Chairman, Board of Directors, First Bank of Nigeria Ltd.; Dr. Sachiko Kuno, President and CEO, S&R Foundation; Luz Maria de la Mora, Undersecretary for Foreign Trade, Mexico’s Secretariat of Economy; Manal Zraiq, General Director, Massar International; Ana Birchall, Deputy Prime Minister of Romania; Norah Casey, Broadcaster, Author, Publisher.
  • Participation in Bank of America’s Center for Women Entrepreneurs LIVE event, a daylong event focused on inspiration, training and networking
  • Inclusion in the Vital Voices network of more than 16,000 women from 181 countries and territories around the world.
  • Opportunity for cross-cultural exchange with women from around the globe.
  • Opportunities for your business/organization to be profiled via digital channels, social media and in earned media coverage.
  • On-going support and mentorship, specific to your needs, through the Global Ambassadors Program for 1+ year

Applicant Criteria

  • A woman entrepreneur who owns a majority stake in a qualifying business / organization, is the key decision maker in the business / organization and manages it on a day-to-day basis
  • A minimum of 10 years of experience in a professional setting.
  • The applicant must have worked in her existing organization / enterprise for at least 5 years
  • Proficient in English
  • Demonstrate a commitment to the core principles of the “Vital Voices’ Leadership Model” -Innovative, collaborative, and driven by a clear sense of mission; engaged in their communities and are committed to advancing the status of women and girls.
  • Demonstrate high-potential for leadership and a desire to take on leadership roles both within and outside their companies

Business Criteria

  • For profit or social entrepreneur (for this program, a social enterprise is an organization with a social mission and an earned revenue stream) that is engaged in providing solutions to climate change and environmental sustainability.
  • Should have a minimum annual revenue of at least US$ 150,000 and a maximum annual revenue of US$ 10 million

Not Eligible for this Program

  • Non-Profit or Non-Governmental organizations (NGO’s)
  • Start Up or early stage businesses

Evaluation

  • 10 applicants will be chosen to participate and notified in mid March 2020
  • Applications will be assessed to determine participants based on a variety of factors, including the following considerations:
    • Ability to commit to the entire week of in-person program, training, mentorship and pre-event webinars – no exceptions
    • Submitted Business Plan and identified needs for development
    • Alignment with the Vital Voices Leadership model
    • Geographic dispersion of selected participants
    • Willingness to accept feedback and coaching from mentors
    • Ability to implement change within her business/organization
    • Anticipated impact on business or organization based on application
    • Willingness to help shape the community dialogue about women’s advancement in their region, and wield the influence necessary to do so.

All travel, meals and accommodation costs for mentees participating in this program are covered in full by the Global Ambassadors Program

For more information, please contact:
Zoë Dean-Smith, Vice President of Economic Empowerment & Entrepreneurship
zoedean-smith@vitalvoices.org or (+1) 202.296.2735

To learn more about the Global Ambassadors Program visit: https://www.global-ambassadors.org