Miller Center’s second cohort of social enterprises serving refugees, migrants, and human trafficking survivors graduated last week with a week-long virtual “In-Residence” experience. When preparing for our first ever online In-Residence, we questioned if it was possible to recreate the magic of the in-person experience using technology. Well, of course it’s not the same. 
However, the in-depth accompaniment, rigor, network of connections, and a bit of serendipity remained. It was a refreshing inspiration to be able to connect with the 80+ participants who joined to help provide support and feedback as these 15 social enterprises scale their much-needed work in the world.
These social entrepreneurs are creating impact in over 25 countries, mainly in Europe, East Africa, North America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Of the 15, ImmSchools, Kakuma Ventures, and Tulip Addis Water Filter are led by migrants or refugees themselves, which drove them to create organizations from their own personal experiences. Their solutions include education support for undocumented students and families, a platform to provide supply chain and entrepreneurial support within refugee camps, and a simple water filtration device to provide clean water for displaced people.
Every Shelter and Humanity Crew offer critical services in crisis zones including safe and comfortable temporary housing and first response mental health and psychosocial support, respectively. Many of the other organizations are focused on helping refugees, migrants, or human trafficking survivors find jobs and build thriving lives. Bagel Bejgl, NEMI Teas, and PichaEats are creating jobs in the food and beverage sector. Earth Heir and RefuSHE support vulnerable communities by training and/or employing artisans. NewBees matches newcomers to Amsterdam with traineeships to help them find careers in their new home country. ONOW Myanmar, TERN, and DELITELABS all provide entrepreneurial training for displaced people to support them in building their own businesses.
Now that these organizations have completed all of their program requirements, we hope you’ll join us in welcoming them to the Miller Center family of alumni. You can learn more about their work and get in touch to support them or refer others who you think might want to work with them by sharing this page of their profiles.
