Inspire: Paul Rice Kickoffs Idea Lab Series

Get “inspired” by Paul Rice, Ashoka fellow and president of Fair Trade USA

What is an Idea Lab?
The Idea Labs series is a catalyst for entrepreneurship and innovation at the University of San Diego. The Social Innovation track of the idea labs, prepare USD students to apply for the 2013 Social Innovation Challenge. There are seven themed labs, all led by real-world entrepreneurs.

Why You Should Come:
Can you imagine coming up with an idea that creates a solution for the world’s most pressing issues? Well, we can, which is why we want you to come to the first Idea Lab.

The Idea Lab series, Inspire, will prepare you to make a difference in the world by applying business savvy, social consciousness, and a passion for creating solutions that involve the four Ps: People, Planet, Peace, and Profit. Successful entrepreneurs will lead each lab and help guide you towards creating a comprehensive business by imparting their knowledge and experience.

Another reason why you should attend: lunch will be provided.

About Paul Rice:
The first event of the academic year will be led by Paul Rice, an Ashoka fellow, and president and CEO of Fair Trade USA. Paul Rice opened Fair Trade USA's first headquarters in late 1998. Since launching the Fair Trade Certified label, Rice has pushed to mainstream the fair trade movement and expand its impact on farmers by innovating the model, partnering with over 800 U.S. companies and expanding certification across new product categories. This vision and leadership helped push U.S. retail sales of fair trade products to an estimated $1.5 billion in 2011, enabling millions of small farmers and workers to live better.

Rice has been selected as a finalist for Entrepreneur Magazine’s Entrepreneur of 2012 Contest. This award would recognize Fair Trade USA for the innovative, market-based model developed for lifting rural communities out of poverty. 

How to Attend:
RSVP for the event. 

For more information contact Nadia Auch at nauch@sandiego.edu.