By Ebonie Johnson Cooper on behalf of Exponent Philanthropy
Creating solutions to society’s most persistent problems is the true power of philanthropy. This message was clearly delivered by Veronika Scott, founder and CEO of The Empowerment Plan and the youngest recipient of the John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award, during the closing plenary of Exponent Philanthropy’s 2014 National Conference.
Scott’s professional path represents the entrepreneurial spirit that often characterizes Millennials. Yet the 20-something was quick to admit that being an entrepreneur wasn’t her first career plan. Scott planned on a dream design job after graduation, but her perspective changed when the humanitarian design firm Project H challenged her class. “They asked us to focus on a need in our community,” said Scott.
Scott found herself next in one of Detroit’s warming centers for the homeless. “After I rambled for about 10 minutes asking the crowd for help, they told me exactly what I could do to help them—turn back on the television.” Blunders aside, Scott understood that the homeless often receive charity that is demoralizing. To the contrary, she remained committed to return 3 days a week, always at 8:00 p.m., for more than 5 months, listening and learning.
Over time, tweaking her plans for a coat to keep the homeless warm, “I went from prototype to prototype [and] I eventually earned the nickname, ‘the crazy coat lady,’” Scott said.
Yet Scott was certain of one thing: “It needed to be more than just a jacket.”
So she set out to create a social enterprise, The Empowerment Plan, to continue to make the coats while also employing single mothers living in the shelter. The business allows the women to earn money and find a place to live, and it also provides microloans—all geared toward helping the women regain their independence.
Three years later, after receiving $1,600 in start-up funds and equipment from the Carhartt Corporation, plus the power of crowdfunding, she is leading a thriving social enterprise. What started as a class project is changing the lives of homeless women and their families.
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Ebonie Johnson Cooper is Chief Millennial Officer at Friends of Ebonie, freelance writer, and professional coach. She uses her research, thought leadership, and expertise on young black philanthropy to serve as a bridge connecting civically engaged black millennials to public sector organizations. Follow Ebonie on Twitter @ejcthatsme.
