Whatever It Takes (WIT) Teen Leadership Program Wants YOU to Apply!

I am amazed by the social pressures that our youth are up against! I know the challenges and insecurities of my parent’s era were different from my own and I am sure they feared the setbacks that I would inherit; just as I fear for the world that my future children will become heir to.  What is being done to ensure our youth and future leaders will be well equipped to right our wrongs?  To lead?  WIT (Whatever It Takes) is a local non-profit that provides a college-level course for high school students where they learn entrepreneur and leadership skills while designing, launching and growing social impact projects. Students earn college units through UCSD.

WIT is looking for teens who are ready to make a difference.  Founder, Sarah Hernholm shares, “we know that teens have innovative and creative ideas for how to improve their schools, communities and even the world and we want to help turn those ideas into a reality.  Starting this Fall teens in the Carmel Valley area can apply to participate in our year long social entrepreneur and leadership program – Whatever It Takes (WIT).  Teens accepted into our program learn how to design, launch and sustain social enterprises.  Teens also get a jump start on college, since they earn college units from UCSD upon successful completion of the program.”

Over the last 4 years WIT has seen the impact of our teens’ projects right here in San Diego.  Teens launched The FULL Project and have provided food to over 500 students facing food insecurity over school breaks.  The S2S (Student to Student) Art teens bring Art education to students who no longer have Art class at school.  Our teens involved with Tools for Schools provide school supplies to teachers.  The list goes on.  WIT wants you to add YOUR idea to their project list!

So here’s what you need to know:

1. If you are in 9th – 12th grade and want to make a difference, you’re a fit for WIT!  Visit the website (www.doingwit.org) and fill out an application.

2. WIT is a 32 week course that meets once a week from 6pm – 8pm. Class time is spent pitching ideas, working with your teammates and launching projects.

3. Throughout the year there are opportunities to meet with community leaders, learn from entrepreneurs and interview for internships.

4. If you have any questions you can call us at 619.677.2238 or email info@witkids.org
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Felena is a long-time entrepreneur and marketing maven.  Her latest venture, Hera Hub, is a spa-inspired shared workspace for female entrepreneurs. This as-needed, flexible work and meeting space provides a productive environment for women who primarily work from home.  Hera Hub members have access to a professional space to meet with clients and to connect and collaborate with like-minded business owners, thus giving them the support they need to be prosperous.  Cost-effective monthly membership options are suited for freelancers, independent consultants, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and authors.

Hera Hub is much more than just a shared workspace; it’s a community of like-minded entrepreneurial women who find the additional resources, such as special classes, workshops, and one-on-one support essential for their business growth. The first San Diego location is conveniently located in Sorrento Valley.  By the end of 2012 Hera Hub will have additional locations in Mission Valley & Carlsbad.

Felena is passionate about education, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of San Diego and her MBA from California State University Dominguez Hills.  She taught Marketing and Entrepreneurship at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising and at California State University Dominguez Hills for the MBA online program for eight years. Felena was most recently rewarded for community efforts, as she was awarded the “Women Business Owner of the Year Award” by the local chapter of the National Organization of Women Business Owners.