The Lori Hermelin Bush Seed Fund launched in 2017 by Lori Bush, former CEO of Rodan and Fields (Fox ‘85) in partnership with the Fox School of Business and the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Institute (IEI). The Lori Hermelin Bush Seed Fund supports ideas and models that advance women in entrepreneurship, and since its inception, the LHBSF has provided more than $100,000 in funding to 22 startup companies.
The IEI is thrilled to announce the six recipients of LHBSF funding for 2020.
BeachShare—Tara Faquir, Fox School of Business ‘20
BeachShare is the first of its kind automated, self-service chair and umbrella kiosk. BeachShare disrupts traditional beach chair rental models allowing the user to control where they rent, where they sit and how much they want to spend.
The Global Alliance for Diversity, Equality and Inclusion in Sport—Gabrielle Salomon, School of Sport, Tourism, and Hospitality Management ‘16
Founded in 2020, The Global Alliance for Diversity, Equality and Inclusion in Sport was created to connect those who are fighting against discrimination and pushing for more inclusive practices within the professional and elite sport industry. We operate following the old saying, “there is no i in team” and with the assorted platforms, campaigns, and movements around diversity, equality, and inclusion in sport, we strive to provide spaces and resources where organizers can share successes and improve strategies for the future through formal memberships.
People’s Talent Show—Mary McElya, School of Theater, Film, and Media Arts ‘14
The People’s Talent Show is the future of talent competition and performer development. We are the first live event, streaming, and e-learning hybrid. We produce an elevated neighborhood talent show coupled with our integrated app as our judging tool, streaming portal, audition hub, job board, and e-learning platform. Unlike our live production competitors, we provide an intellectual property that caters to the sophisticated taste of modern audiences. Unlike our e-learning competitors, we provide performance opportunities for creative professionals and premium business learning, we cultivate a culture around creating “artreprenuers”. We strive to create a world with no starving artist.
PillBill—Jordan Fraker, College of Liberal Arts ‘16
PillBill is developing the most intelligent pharmacy billing platform to help patients better navigate their prescription coverage and improve community pharmacy productivity.
VacayAbility—Natasha Graves, Fox School of Business ‘18
VacayAbility is a user-generated review website, where people with disabilities and unique abilities can review hospitality businesses and attractions, based upon varying types of accessibility.
Yoga Warrior Tales—Sheena Sood, College of Liberal Arts ‘19
Yoga Warrior Tales, LLC is a curriculum-based yoga and mindfulness program geared toward children and students ages 5-12 years old. Yoga Warrior Tales offers a range of structured and semi-structured online mindfulness programs that bridge healing with community care, social justice, and educational learning. Yoga Warrior Tales is a project created by Dr. Sheena Sood, who has been living in Philadelphia for over a decade. Sheena holds a PhD in Sociology from Temple University and is a professional in the health/wellness field. Dr. Sheena Sood plans to grow this company in the near future by also building a complementary health and wellness social justice curricula for colleges and universities.