We had the good fortune of connecting with Rasheda Weaver and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Rasheda, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I want to create products, services, and opportunities that advance the work of social entrepreneurs doing work in communities. Social entrepreneurs need knowledge, resources, and training that increases revenue generation, their assessment of community needs, and the well-being of social entrepreneurs themselves. Over time, my goal is engage them in developing and using these services.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I study a growing field called social entrepreneurship, which is the process of using commercial revenue generation strategies to address social problems like poverty, homelessness, and climate change. Few people know that this field exists and my book “Social Entrepreneurship: A Practical Introduction” aims to change that.
My career path has been far from easy. I am the first person in my family to go to high school, let alone to go on to obtain a bachelors, two masters, and one doctoral degree. My parents are immigrants of Jamaican and Cuban descent. I have always wanted to make them proud because they have sacrificed so much for me. Throughout my career journey, I have lost my husband and my brother. During these times, life was brutal and thus I had to take a break to nourish myself.
I am inspired by the work of Dr. Jennifer Wade-Berg who conducted the first dissertation on social entrepreneurship. She is an amazing black female scholar that works at Kennesaw State University that has helped pave the way for me. Not only is she one of my role models, but we have worked together through her Diversity Scholars program that is run through the Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action.
I regard to what I want the world to know about my brand and story, I want the world to know that I am authentic. What you see is what you get with me. When I’m right, I’m fine with that and when I am wrong I say so. I am very comfortable and confident in my own skin and I strive to create spaces where others can feel the same way about themselves.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m from New York City so I would take them to the Empire State Building to kick off a great weekend experience. We could then have Korean BBQ for dinner since Korea Town is right down the street. The food is delicious! Next, we would walk the High Line at night. It’s beautiful. The next day, we would go to the Soho neighborhood and find one of many delicious brunch spots. It’s a great place to see models and celebrities. Then, we would go shopping there and relax by Washington Square Park’s famous fountain. I’m an NYU alumna so we could stroll the campus and connect with some people that I know there. On Sunday, we could have breakfast at home and then have lunch in Central Park with foods we find a local bakeries and delis. This was one of my favorite things to do in college. I would choose a different part of Central Park each time. Next, we could watch a movie in Union Square or check out a comedy show at the famous Comedy Central in Greenwich Village. This would be a pretty NYC and fun weekend.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to shout out Rutgers University-Camden for always supporting and championing my work. I received my PhD in Public Affairs – Community Development at Rutgers and it changed my life. It gave me the tools that I need todo the work that I am destined to do in this world. I would specifically like to shout out my mentors Dr. Lorraine Minnite, Dr. Stephen Danley, and Dr. Adam Okulicz-Kozaryn. I would also like to give a shout to my cousin Dr. Kenisha Linton for always being there for me and to my Mom and Dad for being amazing parents.
Website: www.rashedaweaver.com and www.socialenterprisedirectory.com
Instagram: @socialenterprisedirectory
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rasheda-weaver-phd-1a842b1a4/
Youtube: Dr. Rasheda L. Weaver, PhD
Image Credits
Photos by Charissa H. Yong Photography