Ashoka Social Entrepreneurship Competition Winner!

Ashoka, a global association of the world's leading social entrepreneurs, has teamed up with the Staples Foundation for Learning, a private foundation created by Staples, Inc. to announce the Excellence Winner of the Staples/Ashoka Youth Social Entrepreneur global competition. Pachamama, from Tepeolulco, Mexico, was announced the winner last month. The organization develops and teaches environmentally friendly alternatives to current agricultural practices.

"Together, Staples and Ashoka provide young entrepreneurs with a chance to show how their Ventures are creating change in their community and a positive, lasting impact on the world," said David Sobb, Vice President of Staples, Inc. "We know that Pachamama's success will also serve as a motivator, inspiring other young people to initiate and lead their own social change."

Ashoka builds communities of innovators who work collectively to transform society and design new ways for the social sector to become more productive, entrepreneurial and globally integrated. Ashoka's Youth Venture invests specifically in young people to start their own sustainable social Ventures and connects them to a powerful global network.

"The members of Pachamama are wonderful examples of the entrepreneurial ingenuity and civic leadership that Youth Venturers are providing to communities around the world," said Gretchen Zucker, executive director of Youth Venture. "Pachamama's efforts have resulted in real, tangible and positive improvements in the lives of their local citizens – a core measurement for this Staples/Ashoka competition."

Since 2006, Staples has provided Ashoka with $2 million in support of their worldwide efforts to invest in and catalyze a movement of young changemakers who increase the ability of a global society to solve problems and thrive.

GOOD is currently teaming up with Youth Venture to help their teams in the U.S. raise money to further their Venture ambitions. Donate here to fund their dreams!