In this episode of our EGN Podcast, Efe von Thenen interviewed Leoni Rossberg, co-founder and managing director of Groundbreaker, a nonprofit organization connecting donors with local initiatives in the Global South. They discussed the importance of CSR in today’s corporate landscape and how initiatives like Groundbreaker make it easy for companies to contribute to meaningful change. Find out more about it below!
In the interview our guest emphasized the need for businesses to incorporate CSR at every level, ensuring authenticity and transparency in their efforts, as today’s consumers demand socially responsible and sustainable practices from brands.
The rise of Groundbreaker
To prove her point Leoni Rossberg shared with us her journey from humanitarian work with the UN to co-founding Groundbreaker, initially launched as a foundation supporting local initiatives in poverty-stricken areas. However, she soon shifted focus to empower African women through tech training with Groundbreaker Talents. She discussed how this evolved into a mentorship program pairing tech employees with young women in Uganda, teaching them software engineering and helping them secure jobs. She also highlighted that while education is vital, sustainable job opportunities post-training are essential for breaking the cycle of poverty.
Additionally, our guest explained how Groundbreaker collaborates with companies to foster diversity and inclusion by involving their employees as mentors. This exchange not only enriches employees but also dismantles biases about Africa, fostering a culture of openness and respect.
Plans for the future
The episode closed with Leoni Rossberg discussing Groundbreaker’s ambitious goals, aiming to train 300 women annually by 2030. She called on e-commerce brands to engage with Groundbreaker, not only to fulfil CSR requirements but also to make a meaningful impact.
Are you interested in finding out more about Groundbreaker? Watch the full talk below:
Can’t watch? No problem. It is also available on Spotify and Apple Podcast.
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