On the eve of World Creativity and Innovation Day, Nestle USA, and the non-profit Girls With Impact (GWI) today announced a national challenge to encourage the next generation of women to innovate in the food and beverage space.
“At Nestle, we are striving to connect emerging talent to thrive as future creators. That’s why we’re engaging the next generation to bring the best ideas and help solve some of our most pressing problems in the food and beverage industry -- from sustainable packaging to creative and affordable healthy foods,” said Melissa Cash, Chief Strategy Officer, Nestlé USA, “Our partnership with Girls With Impact means that young women throughout the U.S. have the opportunity to turn their passions and ideas into real solutions.”
The Big Ideas – Better World competition is open to youth over the age of 12. By submitting an idea, all competition participants will receive a full scholarship to Girls With Impact’s business leadership academy, a 10-week live online instructor-led program where women 14 to 24 turn a passion into impact while building critical skills for college and career success. Over 70% of GWI’s student ventures incorporate social change – from healing the climate to addressing mental health.
“The next generation of women are real change agents,” said Jennifer Openshaw, CEO of Girls With Impact. “They want to use their digital skills and passion for impact to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems – and healthy food and sustainability ranks at the top of their list.”
Interested participants can view a brief video to learn about innovation and how to submit a compelling idea for the Big Ideas, Better World Competition. Submissions must include:
- Idea title
- The current problem or opportunity that the idea is stemming from
- Your great idea/solution
- How your idea will create a more sustainable future through the power of food
Over 70% of Gen Z men and women want to personally drive innovation, according to a Girls With Impact national study, What’s inside the minds of GenZ? Research also shows that women as employees and entrepreneurs increase productivity and profitability, along with innovation. In addition to the “diversity premium women bring”, according to a Stanford study, “women consistently score as well or better than men in ability to innovate or related competencies such as championing change.”
Today's announcement builds on Nestle's longstanding efforts to empower and prepare the next generation of makers, creators, entrepreneurs and agripreneurs to make their impact.
Girls With Impact is available year-round. Upcoming registrations are now open for summer, programs begin July 11th and August 9th. Learn more here.
About Girls With Impact
Girls With Impact (Powered by Docebo), a 501c3, is the nation’s only live, online mini-MBA for teen girls, offered year-round. The live, online after-school Business and Innovation Academy moves girls from ideation to a business plan and venture pitch, driving improvements in confidence, leadership, college readiness and professional skills for success. The organization started in 2017 when the World Economic Forum in Davos brought attention to the need to address dropping out of the workforce. Girls With Impact partners with corporations and foundations who make our work possible. Watch this.
