Chymeka Olfonse has always been passionate about education. So when she was offered a job at an organization that helps students start their own businesses, she jumped at the chance.
“It was key for me to be in a place that allows for the startup experience and space to be creative and build something from scratch,” says Olfonse. “I see this angle as a unique one for students who may want to drop out.”
Olfonse is the founder of Build: NYC, of which she’s also the founder of the York City chapter. Through entrepreneurship-based experiential learning, this nonprofit ignites the potential of youth in under-resourced communities and equips them for high school, college, and career success. High school students work in teams to build their own businesses, getting them excited to graduate and consider college as a path.
Founder: Chymeka Olfonse
Year founded: 2014
Employees: 12 full-time and 1 part-time
Where we’re based: WeWork Times Square
Moment of inspiration: “It felt like everything I had done in my career up until now prepared me for this position,” says Olfonse. “There’s a general excitement to start something from scratch that impacts so many students.”
Biggest hurdle: “It took us a while to find our stellar staff, and now we are looking for mentors for the program,” says Olfonse. “We need about 200 of them to service across the city and support our kids.”
How we want to change the world: “We want to create a movement in which we can excite students and give them that key entrepreneurial skill set that’s needed to fulfill their full potential,” says Olfonse. “We want all students to be able to have access to developing these skill sets in order to be successful in the long-term.”