BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Ashoka: Rosslyn’s Global Changemakers
Largest Network of Social Entrepreneurs Worldwide Is Headquartered in Rosslyn
In a metro area that is a hub for nonprofit organizations committed to making the world a better place, Rosslyn is proud to be home to the global headquarters of Ashoka, the largest network of social entrepreneurs worldwide.
Ashoka was founded by leading social entrepreneur Bill Drayton in 1980. From their offices on N. Moore St., Ashoka sponsors nearly 3,000 fellows in 70 countries who put their system-changing ideas into practice on a global scale. Ashoka fellows are social innovators and high-impact entrepreneurs poised to solve some of the world’s biggest social challenges.
Here are just a few examples of what Ashoka fellows do:
Through his program, Spark, US fellow Chris Balme is reducing school drop-out rates by turning workplaces into classrooms where disengaged middle school students receive personalized apprenticeships in their dream jobs and a reason to re-engage in their school experience.
To educate and inspire girls for a lifetime of confidence and healthy living, Molly Barker founded Girls on the Run, which engages elementary school aged girls in a 12-week training program for a fun 5K event. In biweekly sessions leading up to the event, girls enjoy games and workouts while learning essential life skills. Girls on the Run has shown a statistically significant impact on girls’ body image, self-esteem and intrinsic motivation to participate in healthy activities.
In South Africa, Simone Honikman’s Perinatal Mental Health Project integrates maternal mental health care into routine prenatal and postnatal health care. This integration empowers pregnant women and new mothers from disadvantaged communities to access care without incurring the additional costs of extra appointments and without exposure to stigma.
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Fellows like those mentioned above are the core of the Ashoka community. Their projects represent a fraction of the good work Ashoka does. Learn more about other Ashoka fellows here.
Asha Aravindakshan, Ashoka’s director of talent operations, says Rosslyn’s outstanding location makes it a great fit for their employees.
“The 1700 North Moore Street location provides easy access to the airport for travelers,” she says. “The three Metro lines, multiple buses and bike share station provide great value for the 100 people who are based in the Rosslyn office. In addition, our staff takes full advantage of the nearby Freedom Park and the many new restaurants and cafes as well as the banks and other services in Rosslyn."
Glad you’re a part of Rosslyn, Ashoka! Keep up the great work!
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