Case Study: George Mason Costello College of Business RISE Program Purpose Mapping

Case Studies

These case studies highlight the impactful work we’ve done with our clients, showcasing how our tailored solutions have helped them achieve their goals. They offer a glimpse into the measurable results and positive outcomes we deliver, demonstrating our commitment to driving meaningful change and success.

The Shrivastava Family Refugee and Immigrant Success through Entrepreneurship (RISE) program is focused on training, mentoring, and providing access to networking opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs from refugee and immigrant backgrounds. This program is made possible through the generous support of Sumeet Shrivastava (MBA ’94), and in partnership with Lutheran Social Services National Capital Area (LSSNCA) Resource Center.

The program aims to facilitate the transformation of individuals, families, and local economies to enable them to move from a survival- focused lifestyle to thriving at all levels. Individuals wishing to participate in the program must be referred by LSSNCA. To learn more about CIE’s SOAR Initiative and the RISE program, visit  https://business.gmu.edu/centers/center-innovation-and-entrepreneurship/soar-initiative

Such a pleasure to work with Mali Phonpadith – Founder/CEO of the SOAR Community Network. Mali has been engaged with our Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Costello College of Business (George Mason University) – most recently she helped us detail out a Strategic Plan for the Center, now focused on Inclusive Entrepreneurship. The plan Mali and her team developed was excellent … comprehensive, thoughtful and actionable! Mali, a thoughtful and thought-provoking professional, is a joy to work with. I look forward to a continuing partnership.

Ajay Vinze

Dean, George Mason University - Costello College of Business

Mali was an excellent resource for the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship within the Costello College of Business at George Mason University.

Our leadership team was in need of her expertise as we developed a vision, mission, core values (and much more!) for a new flagship initiative. Her professionalism and project outcomes are of the highest quality. She excelled at gathering various stakeholders’ input, organizing and making sense of a large volume of qualitative information and then comprising a comprehensive report for us.

We will be able to utilize her work for many years to come and for a variety of purposes including: grant writing, website content and having a living document to help inform the broader direction of our program. It was invaluable to have her astute attention to detail in combination with her talent for meaningful vision at the strategic level.

I’d highly recommend Mali and her team to anyone looking to gain deeper understanding and consensus of a path forward within their leadership team or organization. Mali cares deeply about the outcomes of her work which shines through in every step of her well-managed process.

Rebecca Howick

Director of Operations & Engagement, George Mason University - Costello College of Business

Outcomes

  • Aligned goals with its unique focus on empowering individuals from refugee and immigrant backgrounds

SOAR Services Used

  • Purpose Mapping
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