Brittany Merrill Underwood has made an extraordinary impact through her dedication over the past 12 years to transform the lives of impoverished women and families through the Akola Project. Akola is a globally-inspired luxury jewelry brand and social enterprise. Tech & Startups Akola Project Set to Expand After Winning $75K from United Way GroundFloor The company recently discovered it was one of Neiman Marcus' top-10-selling jewelry brands. We provide life-changing job opportunities through vertically-integrated manufacturing, employing nearly 200 women in Uganda to make each Akola piece. The Akola project provides job opportunities with a dependable income to over 500 women in Uganda and Dallas through Akola Jewelry. All Akola jewelry is handcrafted in Uganda using locally-sourced, sustainable materials and is sold worldwide. Currently serving as CEO of Akola, a pioneering retail social venture and jewelry/ lifestyle brand on a mission to empower women in need in Eastern Africa. The cause behind the Akola Project is inspiring and has helped so many women around the world. Brittany founded Akola over 12 years ago, with 15 women making jewelry under a tree. The Akola app will allow customers purchasing Akola Jewelry at Neiman Marcus to track the impact of their purchase in the lives of the Akola women and their families in both Dallas and Uganda. Sheeba was recently a member of the turnaround team to help revitalize one of America’s most well- known retailers, JCPenney. Founder and CEO of Akola project, Brittany Merill Underwood, has devoted her life to creating a brand that focuses on empowering women economically and holistically. At Akola, design can define a life. For example, Brittany Merrill Underwood started and is CEO of Akola Jewelry and was named in Yahoo’s “Best Person in the World” series in 2014. Today, you're going to hear her whole entrepreneurial story, but you're also going to hear from Sheeba Philip, … … She oversaw the launch of The Locust Effect, written by Gary Haugen, IJM’s founder. Her journey began in 2004 when she was visiting Uganda as … Find your nearest store today. Akola's mission is to empower women to become agents of transformation in their families and communities through economic development. She publicly speaks on topics such as faith & work, leadership, and brand building. So Sen was keen to ensure that these women would not lose out on work. Now, you can find Akola jewelry in Nordstrom's all across America. … Long's Jewelers, voted Boston's Best Jeweler, is New England's source for diamonds, diamond engagement rings, wedding rings, jewelry, watches, pearls and more. Sheeba Philip serves as CEO for Akola. Sheeba also served as the Vice President of Global Marketing Strategy & Communications for International Justice Mission (IJM), the largest anti-slavery organization in the world. Once a small operation of 15 women making jewelry under a tree in 2007, Akola today employs nearly 200 women in rural Uganda. CEO’s Rising in the Markets for Their Business- Brittany Underwood January 14, 2021 CEOs No Comments Brittany Underwood is a successful social entrepreneur who built a jewelry empire by teaching and providing disadvantaged women the opportunity to transform their lives. Jewelry was not on top of mind for people and rightly so, says Sheeba Philip, CEO of Akola. “Akola was founded on the belief that job creation is critical to breaking the cycle of poverty,” explains Akola’s CEO, Sheeba Philip. DFC’s financing will help the impact-driven jewelry … We also carry a great selection of color gemstone jewelry and luxury watches, as well as earrings, necklaces, bracelets and charms. Dallas, TX 75201 USA. In 2006, Brittany, a Southern Methodist University sophomore, spent the Summer on a trip to Uganda with a few friends. Akola has a social impact throughout its entire supply chain and offers women opportunity through the creation of their raw materials, assembly of their product and their distribution center that acts as a second chance job program. Brittany Merrill Underwood has made an extraordinary impact through her dedication over the past 14 years to transform the lives of impoverished women and families through Akola, a non- profit social business designed to empower women in disadvantaged communities through training, employment and holistic care. Through the Akola project, she has made an extraordinary change in the lives of hundreds of women and thousands of children in Uganda. Free shipping and returns on Akola Jewelry Under $50 at Nordstrom.com. “Akola was founded on the belief that job creation is critical to breaking the cycle of poverty,” explains Akola’s CEO, Sheeba Philip. During her tenure, she led brand and crisis communication efforts in South/Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Akola, Bonton Farms Take Prizes at ‘OneUp the Pitch’ The event, hosted by the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, vied five social entrepreneurs for a chance to win $100,000. If you continue, we’ll assume that you understand this. Sheeba Philip serves as CEO for Akola. 2006. But Akola’s supply chain and manufacturing base needs orders to keep it going: 181 women in Uganda are responsible for the brand’s jewelry. The app shares Akola’s mission, Social Reinvestment model, and images of Akola women. After meeting a Ugandan woman named Sarah, who was caring for orphans in her home, Brittany was inspired to … She holds a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Virginia and an MBA from the Harvard Business School. “This is why it was crucial that we did everything possible to ensure the women we employ as part of our operations in Uganda kept their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Luxury jewelry brand Akola employs more than 170 women in Uganda who are living in … For example, Brittany Merrill Underwood started and is CEO of Akola Jewelry and was named in Yahoo’s “Best Person in the World” series in 2014. As a non-profit, Akola reinvests 100% of their profits to support work opportunities, training, social programs and the construction of training centers and water wells in impoverished communities throughout the globe. For example, Inc.com’s recent 2017 list of top 10 leaders features four women CEOs who go beyond the “call of duty” to serve others while succeeding in business. Her company “reinvests 100 percent of their profits to support work opportunities The Akola project provides job opportunities with a dependable income to over 500 women in Uganda and Dallas through Akola Jewelry. Brittany’s dedication and drive helped make Akola Jewelry the first full-impact brand to be sold in luxury spaces. Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection. In 2018, the National Retail Federation named Akola as one of the top 25 brands, alongside Warby Parker and Allbirds, that are shaping the future of US retail. Founder and CEO of Akola project, Brittany Merill Underwood, has devoted her life to creating a brand that focuses on empowering women economically and holistically. Akola is a jewelry brand with a powerful new model that offers employment, economic mobility and empowerment for women in crisis in Uganda. Akola is a non-profit social enterprise. The women employed by Akola in Uganda usually serve as the primary providers for their families, and the vast majority lived in extreme poverty before working for the company. 100% of Akola sales are reinvested to empower women in extreme poverty. The cause behind the Akola Project is inspiring and has helped so many women around the world. Luxury jewelry brand Akola employs more than 170 women in Uganda who have been facing income hardships.The company pays these women a living. Get early access to Prior to joining Akola, Sheeba built a 20yr career creating and growing global purpose- driven brands in the CPG, retail, and nonprofit sectors. If you are already registered, please log in. Brittany continues to devote her life to creating a brand that empowers women through economic and holistic development as CEO of the Akola Project. Brittany is passionate about sharing her experience, lessons, and expertise with audiences who are eager to make an impact in our world. Brittany Merrill Underwood – Founder and CEO of Akola Jewelry Akola Jewelry is a non-profit social business dedicated to improving the lives of impoverished women in disadvantaged communities. Akola jewelry has retailed in over 350 high-end boutiques throughout the nation and has been featured on the likes of the Today Show, Katie Couric, Entrepreneur and Fox-Small Business. Brittany Merrill Underwood, founder and CEO of Akola Jewelry Underwood is a clear example of a servant leader practicing conscious capitalism to transform the lives of impoverished women and families. Brittany continues her work as the CEO of the Akola Project and is in her forth year of teaching a course on Social Innovation at Southern Methodist University as an adjunct professor. In 2018, the National Retail Federation named Akola as one of the top 25 brands, alongside Warby Parker and Allbirds, that are shaping the future of US retail. In 2014, we expanded our model of empowering women through training, income generation, and small business creation to Dallas. Brittany Merrill Underwood Founder & CEO Akola Project Brittany Merrill Underwood has made an extraordinary impact through her dedication over the past 14 years to transform the lives of impoverished women and families through Akola, a non- profit social business designed to empower women in disadvantaged communities … Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Main address. ... founder and CEO of Akola. According to Inc. Magazine, “Underwood is a clear example of a servant leader practicing conscious capitalism to transform the lives of impoverished women and families.” Believe in a woman, transform a life You will love the savings! 1/2 Brittany Underwood, founder of Akola Jewelry presents he pitch at OneUp The Pitch, a competition where social entrepreneurs pitched their company's to judges for $100,000. 409 W. 45th Street, 3rd FloorNew York, NY 10036. Akola jewelry has been featured on the pages of Vogue, Town and Country, Harper’s Bazaar, and People Stye Watch. Akola. According to its founder and CEO Brittany Underwood Explore Brittany continues her work as the CEO of the Akola Project and is in her forth year of teaching a course on Social Innovation at Southern Methodist University as an adjunct professor. The CEO of a jewelry company discusses how her brand has stayed true to its mission and avoided cutting any staff during the pandemic. Lastly, the jewelry company Akola shared how its business model utilizes its jewelry manufacturing process and profits to have a greater social and environmental impact. Akola’s founder and CEO, Brittany Merrill Underwood, has been at it for over a decade, beginning at age 19, so a lot of what’s inspiring in this story is that you’re never too young to start making an impact and helping others, but it sometimes takes many years and a lot of dedication and patience to build something with broad reach. For example, Inc.com’s recent 2017 list of top 10 leaders features four women CEOs who go beyond the “call of duty” to serve others while succeeding in business. Akola’s mission: “Empower women to become agents of transformation in their families and communities through economic development.” Led by celebrated founder, Brittany Merrill Underwood, Akola Jewelry has created a new Entrepreneur - The CEO of a jewelry company discusses how her brand has stayed true to its mission and avoided cutting any staff during the pandemic. The book was named a Washington Post Best Seller and featured at the World Economic Forum and TED. Today, you're going to hear her whole entrepreneurial story, but you're also going to hear from Sheeba Philip , the current CEO of Akola. Brittany Merrill Underwood is the Founder and CEO of the Akola Project. by Heather Noel • Sep 2, 2016 Yekitha (left) and Sally assemble jewelry in Dallas for Akola's new Neiman Marcus line. Akola operates a social business designed to empower women in crisis through training, living-wage work, and holistic care. She is a board member of Redeemer City to City and a member of the Kraft Heinz Creative Council. Register now and make the most of My Account, Track the status of your orders and returns. Akola Project sells jewelry made by women in Uganda and Dallas through its non-profit model. During her tenure, she was the Global Director for the World’s #1 Cookie, Oreo, a $2 billion+ brand present in over 100 countries and helped drive double-digit growth in markets such as the US and China. Nahurira Doreen and Atim Linda work together making the Estella earrings from sisal, a material … [+] sourced locally in Uganda. Shop Akola Project jewelry at Neiman Marcus. Invest in something meaningful with these priceless handmade pieces. Akola jewelry has been featured on the pages of Vogue, Town and Country, Harper’s Bazaar, and People Stye Watch. 2016 Business & Interfaith Peace Award Silver Medalist given by the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation, 2014 Dallas Women’s Foundation Young Leader Award, 2014 Michelle Moment Award by Michelle Watches, 2012 Levi Wrangler - Shape What’s to Come. In 2018, the National Retail Federation named Akola as one of thetop 25 brands, alongside Warby Parker and Allbirds, that are shaping the future of US retail. Cons The team can be a little unorganized, but they are working to improve that because jewelry side of … Akola’s founder and CEO, Brittany Merrill Underwood, has been at it for over a decade, beginning at age 19, so a lot of what’s inspiring in this story is that you’re never too young to start making an impact and helping others, but it If you would like to request having Brittany speaking at your next event, please complete this Speaker Request Form. 2111 Commerce Street. Brittany Underwood, Founder & CEO, Akola Project, a luxury jewelry nonprofit that employs women in poverty to become transformative agents for their families and communities. Akola’s model is fueled by vertically integrated manufacturing that employs nearly 200 women in extreme poverty in Uganda. Awards: Akola is a globally-inspired brand that creates striking designs to lift up, nourish and champion women around the world. Ruling year info. $5 million DFC loan will help Akola continue empowering low-income women, particularly in the wake of COVID-19. The founder and executive chair of Akola Jewelry line have transformed the world while changing lives as well. ... founder and CEO of Akola. collections, news & more! with every purchase. Jewelry was not on top of mind for people and rightly so, says Sheeba Philip, CEO of Akola. Akola has created a new, high impact model for social business that is paving the way for high impact millennial run businesses that seek to have an impact on the world. Modern lingerie and intimacy products to own your power and your pleasure. Nahurira Doreen and Atim Linda work together making the Estella earrings from sisal, a material … [+] sourced locally in Uganda. For every necklace purchased, Akola designs a new story for a woman and a family. The charity will receive $200,000 over two years for local development plus leadership training for founder and CEO Brittany Underwood and one promising manager in the organization. Despite the challenges, we were able to keep all 181 Through her nonprofit social business, Akola's jewelry line is the first Full-Impact Brand to be sold in the luxury space through … Akola In March, Akola, a jewelry brand that works with women and artisans in East Africa, had to get ready for a real shift in their business like many other companies around the world. At Akola, design can define a life. 2019 Nonprofit Accelerator Mentor, 2018 Nonprofit Accelerator Mentor, 2019 Business Accelerator Mentor, 2021 Business Accelerator Mentor. Supporting founders, funders, and innovators motivated by their faith to love their neighbors and renew culture. CEO & Founder. Mrs. Brittany Underwood. Businessfindings – Uganda's Entrepreneur Daily Must Reads. As the Vice President of Marketing Strategy & Communications, she led the modernization of JCPenney’s brand, making it more relevant to a millennial customer base. Despite increasing sales for her uniquely made necklaces and jewelry, Brittany Underwood of Akola is sticking to a non-profit structure. Rural Development Department CEO Akola tenders View 30 Live Rural Development Department, Chief Executive Office, Akola, Maharashtra tenders, RDD-CEO-Akola, Maharashtra tenders. Akola’s products are sold throughout the country and their elevated jewelry line is the first Full-Impact Brand to be sold in the luxury space through their national launch in Neiman Marcus. Akola is a globally-inspired luxury jewelry brand and social enterprise. Luxury jewelry brand Akola employs more than 170 women in Uganda who have been facing income hardships.The company pays these women a living. She’s found a way to help hundreds of underprivileged Ugandan women earn a living wage by making the beautiful Akola jewelry now carried in retail stores including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, & Saks Fifth Avenue.