Community Partner : Impact Hub Baltimore Intern : Della Xu Site Supervisor : Pres Adams
What is Impact Hub ? Impact Hub Baltimore is a community of people working to improve the city , connected through coworking and inspired programming . We are committed to building an innovative and inclusive local economy that advances equity and addresses the city ’ s complex challenges .
“ Where great ideas go to work ” Written on Impact Hub ’ s banner , these were the first words I saw walking in . It is true — Impact Hub has more than 160 members . Entrepreneurs , non-profits starters , community program leaders , and community members shuffle in each day , each carrying their own story , motivation , and purpose into this small ecosystem network of exchange and support . All of their work inside this community carries out into the greater community , whether it ’ s helping youth , supporting nonprofit ventures , or rebuilding the local manufacturing sector . “ Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody , only because , and only when , they are created by everybody .” Written on one of our exhibitions , this quote guides my daily thoughts and decisions and represents the community that Impact Hub aims to create . I ’ ve created and analyzed our member profiles , mission statements , and member documents . I learned the nuances of running a non-profit coworking space — from technology platforms and software operations , to membership development and management , to how to make mission-driven decisions . The Hub provides something for all the members because it is created by everyone in it , who in turn bring their influences into the greater community . “ A few years ago I was given one year to live so I plan on enjoying my second chance ” Written on a member application on why he started his initiative . Doing work to address social issues and empower a community is not easy . Through my daily interactions with our members , I learned about many of their backstories of how they got here . One of the members described her budding career as a poet , yet the responsibilities of being a young single mom ; another talked about his night shift working with psychiatric patients in prison to support his startup that brings free utilities to lowincome residents . “ Offer what you can . Ask for what you need . Take care of the wellbeing of the group . Breathe ” Written on a sticky note in our office , this is the best advice I would give for any intern !" -Della
• Supported over 160 members and small businesses ; compiled , analyzed , and reported monthly financial and membership data to the team and the global Impact Hub network .
• Helped create and implement a new business model , membership documents , technology platform , and guiding principles focused on improving accessibility , providing support services , and addressing racial and economic equity in Baltimore City .
• Researched and analyzed business incubator and accelerator models in a report for IHB ’ s Ecosystem Incubator program and for applying to the 2017 TEDCO incubation grant .
• Planned meetings , materials , and events for partner organizations such as United Workers , Red Bull , Neighborhood Design Center , and Strong City Baltimore .
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