Hi All, What is Project Starfish and How can It Empower you?
Project Starfish is a visionary socio-economic business model that enables blind and disabled professionals to learn, earn, augment resume , gain contemporary work experience and become employable. In short, its an experiential platform where professionals learn, apply, gain work experience, earn money, and understand how to work in an office environment so they become employable and gain economic independence. Project Starfish acts as a catalyst, where it breaks the cycle in which many disabled individuals find themselves, “I need experience to get a job, but I can’t get a job without experience.” Project Starfish members work virtually, and can work with businesses globally thus creating more opportunities, removing barriers of geography, race, religion, color, disability etc. Its a business model that creates business impact and social impact at the same time. What’s our mission? The aim is to create a professional empowerment platform for blind/disabled unemployed professionals to gain work experience, advocate their capability and foster relationship with business and industry to create a highly employable workforce. Project Starfish does not employ anyone, and is not an employment agency. What we do and how we do it? 1. Recruit: We work with state governments, private VR agencies to identify and select candidates through our proven 3 step interview process. 2. Train: We train professionals on contemporary work that is needed in a digital economy. Examples are Business Research and analysis, social media, operations, project management, appointment setting etc. 3. Motivate: We have a phenomenal method of mentorship both from Project Starfish and from the industry. 4. Business Development: One will understand how to be business savvy. This is achieved by studying business processes and case study’s. This is followed by having a discussion with the businesses. 5. Teamwork: A critical element is working together in teams to produce business impact. This is a critical element that companies look for in individuals. 6. Networking: We have proven methods to connect with the industry, and build a business network, which is a critical step in employment. 7. Self Direction: Role playing something that one is passionate about is critical. Example, a person interested in Human Resources can take a role that enacts the same adding additional experience. Project Starfish in the media and accolade? 1. Our name and work have appeared in several Newspapers, News agencies (like Boston Globe) : Here is an example : http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/2/boston-nonprofit-helps-the-blind-find-jobs/ 2. For the first time in the history of blindness, blind professionals have worked with Harvard University Startups : http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20140331005778/en/Experfy-Innovating-Harvard-Innovation-Lab-Launches-Consulting#.VHllIGTF8vM 3. We have created relationships with leading disability organizations : http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/glen-ellyn/community/chi-ugc-article-abilitylinks-and-project-starfish-america-ann-2014-06-12-story.html Results and What have we achieved so far: The yardstick for success is how many people made an income and worked with businesses. Out of 50 select people, 70 to 80% made an income by working with businesses. Over 6 people moved on to full time jobs, several being absorbed by the businesses they worked part-time. How can I join Project Starfish? We are looking to expand, and believe the best people are the ones who are IT savvy, ambitious, teachable, willing to learn, determined and can devote time for their own professional development . Although 50% of our members have Masters degrees, a bachelors degrees is accepted. Please send your resume for evaluation to the founder Subhashish Acharya ( or Subs) at s...@pstarfish.org. Our website is www.pstarfish.org Conclusion: The efficacy of Project Starfish is proven by the success of its members, and we continue to evolve for the better. Our virtual global platform allows us to serve everyone. We do not discriminate based on race, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, geography, or socioeconomic status. Our success rate is high, because our standards are higher. We are an honest movement to create employment and spread awareness of the capability of a workforce that is prepared for contemporary work in a digital economy. Join us! 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