What's Happening?
Kemi Ingram, an M-A alumna, has been a prominent figure in social entrepreneurship, focusing on advocacy for parents and children. Her journey began in high school with entrepreneurial ventures, including a Cajun and Creole food brand and a handmade cosmetic cream. Ingram pursued higher education at the University of Southern California, majoring in Public Policy, Management, and Planning, and later earned a Master's in Theology from the University of Oxford. Her career has evolved from launching a wellness brand to creating a Twitter channel, #MomsandBrands, which focused on parenting and issues affecting women and children. Ingram's current focus is on education advocacy, aiming to engage parents in their children's education and support literacy and critical thinking.
Why It's Important?
Ingram's work in social entrepreneurship and education advocacy is significant as it addresses the need for parental involvement in education, which can lead to improved outcomes for children. Her efforts to create platforms for parents to engage in policy-making and advocacy highlight the importance of community involvement in shaping educational practices. By partnering with companies and leveraging social media, Ingram has created opportunities for brands to connect with families, influencing consumer behavior and promoting products that align with family values. Her advocacy work contributes to broader societal goals of enhancing educational access and quality, particularly for marginalized communities.
What's Next?
Ingram plans to continue her work in education advocacy, focusing on policy development and creating opportunities for parental engagement in education. She aims to provide resources and information to parents and educators to support children's literacy and critical thinking skills. As her children have grown, Ingram is positioned to offer her experiences and insights to other parents, potentially expanding her advocacy efforts to include more diverse educational initiatives. Her ongoing partnerships with companies may lead to new sponsorship opportunities, further integrating her advocacy work with business interests.
Beyond the Headlines
Ingram's journey reflects broader trends in social entrepreneurship, where individuals leverage business skills to address social issues. Her focus on education advocacy underscores the ethical dimension of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the role of businesses in supporting community development. The integration of social media in her advocacy work highlights the evolving landscape of digital communication and its impact on public engagement. Ingram's story illustrates the potential for entrepreneurial ventures to drive social change, offering a model for others interested in combining business acumen with social impact.
