THANK YOU, CHARLOTTE!

Last night, I stood in the spotlight in front of an audience of 800 in the Knight Theater. I had just 3 minutes to pitch the Digi-Bus, a mobile learning lab that will ensure equal digital learning resources for our neighbors.

Sharing the stage, nine other Charlotte nonprofit leaders pitched their best ideas to make our city better as part of the SEED20 class of 2016. Together, we received coaching that will make us better as organizations and better together as part of the nonprofit community in Charlotte.

What an honor. I congratulate the SEED20 winners, including fellow Teach for America alum Ian Joyce of Gen-One who secured the evening’s top award.

SEED20 is an amazing part of what Charlotte is and what it’s becoming. Founded five years ago with the vision to support emerging nonprofits with coaching and funding, this visionary project of Social Venture Partners is transforming the landscape of our city and our community.

Being a part of the SEED20 2016 class is a tremendous honor, and I want to thank the sponsors and coaches for your time and attention to make it possible. Thank you for your investment in emerging Charlotte nonprofits.

We’re poised to #bridgethedivide and mobilize the Digi-Bus with tremendous community support. Thank you for all of you who sat in the audience, tweeted and came to offer hugs and high fives as we strategize to make this a reality for the next generation of learners.

Charlotte, we are better together. All aboard!

DJ