The Hunt Institute proudly recognizes the accomplishment of Candice L. Bledsoe, PhD. as the recipient of the 2020 UN Day Global Leadership Award, in the category of Sustainable Development Goal 4, Quality Education. This prestigious award reflects the bold, transformative work Bledsoe has done to advance the United Nations goals for sustainable development, shifting the world onto a more resilient path through quality education. UNA-USA is the largest grassroots organization dedicated to educating, inspiring, and mobilizing Americans to support the principles and vital work of the United Nations. In celebration of UN Day each year, a network of 200 Chapters across the country host events to highlight the critical role played by the UN in today’s world – even in the most challenging of situations.
The Hunt Institute’s Global Development Lab supported the Action Research Center’s Young Social Innovators & Social Entrepreneurs Program by helping to develop a young entrepreneurial toolkit called Youth Up Next primarily focused on reaching high school age entrepreneurs seeking to be change agents for social good. Cambria Lewis, Hunt Institute undergraduate research analyst, worked on this project over the Summer 2020 semester. Lewis said, “What motivates me while working on this project with Dr. Bledsoe is amplifying young people’s voices and a platform to make changes in their communities and society. Shaping youths’ mindset and building their confidence regarding business building is critical. I am happy to be a part of this project and movement.” With the assistance of the Hunt Institute’s Social Enterprise program, during the 2020 – 2021 academic year, the Action Research Center will continue to provide virtual meetings to support Young Social Innovators & Young Social Entrepreneurs.
When reflecting on the connection of her work with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals she states, “The Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice. With innovation and community building we can make our world a better place.”
Bledsoe is a Faculty member at Simons School of Education & Human Development’s Graduate Liberal Studies Program, a professor at Cox School of Business, serves on the Leadership Council in the Inclusive Economy Consortium, and Fellow in the Hunt Institute. Bledsoe is the executive director of the Action Research Center, an organization designed to enhance equity in our communities. She is also the founder of the Collective, a group comprised of community leaders, writers, scholars, and entrepreneurs who share the stories of minoritized women in America.
To attend the 2020 UN Day Global Leadership virtual event on Saturday, October 24, register here.
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