SOAR Community Network Supports the RISE Program at Costello College

MCLEAN, Va. - Dec. 15, 2023 - PRLog -- SOAR Community Network proudly announces its instrumental role in guiding the Vision and Mission mapping process for the Shrivastava Family Refugee and Immigrant Success through Entrepreneurship (RISE) program at the Costello College of Business at George Mason University (Mason). Launched earlier this year through their Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), the RISE Program is a transformative initiative focused on training, mentoring, and providing networking opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs from refugee and immigrant backgrounds.

Made possible through the generous support of Sumeet Shrivastava (MBA '94)—on behalf of the Shrivastava Family, the RISE Program operates in partnership with Lutheran Social Services National Capital Area (LSSNCA) Resource Center. The program is designed to facilitate the transformation of individuals, families, and local economies, enabling them to transition from a survival-focused lifestyle to one that thrives at all levels.

SOAR's Vision and Mission mapping process ensures that the RISE Program's goals align with its unique focus on empowering individuals from refugee and immigrant backgrounds. By aligning the program's goals with the core values of innovation, education, and entrepreneurship, this initiative is poised to make a lasting impact on its participants and the broader community.

To deliver a Purpose Report from the mapping process, Mali Phonpadith, CEO of SOAR Community Network, worked closely with RISE Committee members and key stakeholders, including Ajay Vinzé, Ph.D., the Dean of the Costello College of Business at Mason, JK Aier, Ph.D., Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Global Engagement, Rebecca Howick, Director of Operations for the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Crystal S. Fickers, Associate Director of Student Programs and Community Initiatives.

Vinzé expressed his appreciation for SOAR Community Network's contributions, stating, "The collaboration with SOAR Community Network has been instrumental in crystallizing our vision for the RISE Program. Their expertise in guiding the mapping process has added depth and clarity to our goals, ensuring that we are well-positioned for success."

To learn more about CIE's SOAR Initiative and the RISE program, visit: https://business.gmu.edu/centers/center-innovation-and-entrepreneurship/soar-initiative

About SOAR Community Network
SOAR Community Network is an organizational development firm specializing in strategic mapping and tailored programs for staff and leadership development. SOAR's approach, rooted in their C3 Framework, focuses on cultivating compassionate leaders, building cohesive teams, and fostering collaborative cultures within organizations. Through a combination of strategic guidance and targeted programs, SOAR Community Network aims to empower leaders and businesses to achieve sustainable growth and success. Visit www.SOARCommunityNetwork.com.

About George Mason University
George Mason University, Virginia's largest public research university, is located near Washington, D.C., and enrolls more than 40,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Mason has grown rapidly over the last half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility. In 2023, the university launched Mason Now: Power the Possible, a one-billion-dollar comprehensive campaign to support student success, research, innovation, community, and stewardship. Learn more at www.gmu.edu.

About Costello College of Business
The Donald G. Costello College of Business at George Mason University is one of the largest business schools in Virginia, and is located near Washington, D.C., and in South Korea. The AACSB-accredited college prepares undergraduate and graduate students from the U.S. and across the globe for career success in business and government, through its research-based faculty and focus on multidisciplinary academic programs, inclusive entrepreneurship, modular education, and corporate partner engagement. Learn more at business.gmu.edu.