Interview with Partnered 4 Success co-founder, Nikki Lewis

Nikki Lewis co-founded Partnered for Success with her partner, Priya Nathan while participating in the Leadership Through Action Program at Arizona State University. Partnered for Success is a mentoring and life skills program for 15 and 16-year-old orphans that are in the foster care system in the Phoenix Valley.  The program helps orphans that are about to age out of the foster care system learn to live independently, provides community service opportunities to foster professional development, and connects them with Arizona State University students as mentors.  During their campaign to launch Partnered for Success, Nikki and Priya were able to raise $1,500 that will be used to cover costs associated with program implementation such as web development, guest speaker fees, and workbook materials.  Recently, Nikki was nice enough to take some time out of her jam-packed schedule to talk to me about the the year ahead for Partnered for Success, the challenges of being a young entrepreneur, and how her partnership with StartSomeGood has been able to help her organization grow.

What inspired you and your partner, Priya to keep this program going beyond the social action project that it started off as for the Leadership Through Action Program at Arizona State University?

We really didn’t see much of an option because our idea necessitated a long-term relationship and commitment, not just a short-lived project. We want to be a stable influence in the lives of the youth we serve. There are not enough programs to fill the need in Arizona and we want to serve as many youth as possible, for as long as possible.

An entrepreneur and still in college—that’s so impressive and inspiring! How do you manage to keep your balance with such a packed schedule?

There have been many semesters during which my co-founder, Priya Nathan, and I have had full class schedules, multiple jobs, and a plate full of extracurricular activities. We keep our balance by staying very organized and stressing open communication. We have timelines, job descriptions, and many to-do lists — and hold each other accountable to follow through on everything. We also have a realistic understanding of the commitment we have made and; therefore, the sacrifices. There have been many times where we opt to have 1 am staff meetings because its the only common time we have in our schedules.

What characteristics do you think define an extraordinary entrepreneur?

An extraordinary entrepreneur can come in a vast array of forms, but all have dedication and passion for what they do that exceeds everything else. That passion is what keeps them going in the face of opposition and struggle. An extraordinary entrepreneur also knows how to capitalize on their network and isn’t afraid to ask for help. They demand the impossible and do what it takes to achieve it.

What made you decide to choose StartSomeGood as a fundraising platform for Partnered for Success?

We were launch partners with StartSomeGood and it was a great opportunity to see such an amazing group of people get their idea off the ground. As an entrepreneur myself, it was inspiring to see other entrepreneurs turn their idea into a reality — and have it succeed. StartSomeGood caters to the needs of social entrepreneurs and works with our capabilities. It allows its users to achieve success regardless of their current resources.

How has Partnered for Success benefited from its campaign on StartSomeGood? Do you have any exciting updates to share? What’s in store for 2012?

Not only did our campaign on StartSomeGood provide us with monetary support and a new network of people who wanted to be a part of our movement, but it was a launching pad for us to gain momentum.

Partnered for Success has many great things in store for 2012. The Partnered for Success pilot program will take place January through May and serve as a tool to refine the program, build support, and increase our presence in the community. In August, the first full program year will commence, serving twice the number of youth. We intend to grow and develop a great deal this year, which will allow us to better serve the youth in our community.

What is the most important piece of advice that you can give ventures about running a campaign on StartSomeGood?

Success will come with creativity and innovation. Highlight what sets your venture apart from its competitors and be genuine, yet concise, with how you get your words across. Also, give thought to the donor gifts you provide.

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Are you inspired by Nikki’s passion and success?  Do you have a world changing idea, but need a way to fund it?  Learn more about running a campaign on StartSomeGood here.