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.”
