Community Partner: Impact Hub Baltimore Intern: Della Xu Site Supervisor: Pres Adams
What is Impact Hub? Impact Hub Baltimore is a community of people working to improve the city, connected through coworking and inspired programming. We are committed to building an innovative and inclusive local economy that advances equity and addresses the city’ s complex challenges.
“ Where great ideas go to work” Written on Impact Hub’ s banner, these were the first words I saw walking in. It is true— Impact Hub has more than 160 members. Entrepreneurs, non-profits starters, community program leaders, and community members shuffle in each day, each carrying their own story, motivation, and purpose into this small ecosystem network of exchange and support. All of their work inside this community carries out into the greater community, whether it’ s helping youth, supporting nonprofit ventures, or rebuilding the local manufacturing sector.“ Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody.” Written on one of our exhibitions, this quote guides my daily thoughts and decisions and represents the community that Impact Hub aims to create. I’ ve created and analyzed our member profiles, mission statements, and member documents. I learned the nuances of running a non-profit coworking space— from technology platforms and software operations, to membership development and management, to how to make mission-driven decisions. The Hub provides something for all the members because it is created by everyone in it, who in turn bring their influences into the greater community.“ A few years ago I was given one year to live so I plan on enjoying my second chance” Written on a member application on why he started his initiative. Doing work to address social issues and empower a community is not easy. Through my daily interactions with our members, I learned about many of their backstories of how they got here. One of the members described her budding career as a poet, yet the responsibilities of being a young single mom; another talked about his night shift working with psychiatric patients in prison to support his startup that brings free utilities to lowincome residents.“ Offer what you can. Ask for what you need. Take care of the wellbeing of the group. Breathe” Written on a sticky note in our office, this is the best advice I would give for any intern!"-Della
• Supported over 160 members and small businesses; compiled, analyzed, and reported monthly financial and membership data to the team and the global Impact Hub network.
• Helped create and implement a new business model, membership documents, technology platform, and guiding principles focused on improving accessibility, providing support services, and addressing racial and economic equity in Baltimore City.
• Researched and analyzed business incubator and accelerator models in a report for IHB’ s Ecosystem Incubator program and for applying to the 2017 TEDCO incubation grant.
• Planned meetings, materials, and events for partner organizations such as United Workers, Red Bull, Neighborhood Design Center, and Strong City Baltimore.
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