Local organizations are recognized for their innovation.
From left to right: Adam Amar (WeWork); Scale Award Winners Kellee James (Mercaris), Cristi Hegranes (Global Press Institute) and Elizabeth Lindsey (Byte Back); Adam Neumann (WeWork CEO and Co-Founder)
The shared workspace provider and community builder WeWork, awarded several Washington organizations grants for catalyzing change in their local communities and beyond. The awards ceremony was the finale of a kick-off event that included master classes and networking at the Andrew W Mellon Auditorium.
The DC organizations received awards in two categories– The Scale Award ($180,000-$360,000) and The Launch Award ($72,000-$180,000). Winners in these categories advance to the global and regional finals in New York City in November later this year. Two more categories, The Incubator Awards and Community Awards were also given that night.
DC Scale Award Winners:
Byte Back ($360,000) equips underserved DC residents with skills and confidence through computer training and career preparation.
Mercaris ($180,000) provides data about organic, non-GMO commodities to businesses.
Global Press Institute ($180,000) empowers women by training them in the journalism/media field in their home countries.
DC Launch Award Winners:
Memory Well ($130,000) is a service powered by journalists telling the stories of care center residents using a compilation of personal memorabilia and pictures. The resulting stories help caregivers create personalized care plans and build relationships with residents.
Together We Bake ($72,000) empowers women and gives them life skills as they participate in working at small baking businesses.
