Oct. 17, 2012 | Social Entrepreneurship

Young Agents For Change

A new generation develops innovative ways to help communities solve problems, build businesses and create jobs.

Over the next several months, we'll feature 10 social entrepreneurs who are just starting to make their
mark and we invite you to recommend others. Tweet us your
recommendations @newshourworld and use the hashtag #AgentsforChange.

Mark Ruiz

Posted October 2012

MicroVentures

Supports the Hapinoy program, which connects mom-and-pop shops with manufacturers to help them get bulk discounts

Rebecca van Bergen

Posted January 2013

Nest

Helps artisans in developing countries grow their businesses

Illac Diaz

Posted October 2012

Liter of Light

Recycles one liter soft drink bottles for use as light fixtures in poor communities

Veronika Scott

Posted May 2013

The Empowerment Plan

Designs self-heated, waterproof, sleeping-bag coats for the homeless and others in need

Jessamyn Waldman Rodriguez

Posted November 2012

Hot Bread Kitchen

Trains and finds jobs for immigrant women in the baking industry

Jodie Wu

Posted December 2012

Global Cycle Solutions

Redesigns bicycles to thresh corn and do other agricultural jobs in rural Tanzania where electricity is scarce

Elizabeth Scharpf

Posted November 2012

Sustainable Health Enterprises, or SHE

Helps women in developing countries access affordable, eco-friendly menstrual products and services

Ben Berkowitz

Posted January 2013

SeeClickFix

Helps communities around the U.S. connect with resources and solve common problems

Donnel Baird

Posted February 2013

BlocPower

Helps create clean-energy jobs for the unemployed in underserved American cities

Deepa Gangwani

Posted March 2013

Together as One

Helps Indian villages convert their trash to energy, creating jobs along the way