I’d like to tell you all about a project I am working on – it’s called The Social Kitchen.

Sometime in the near future…

I want to start a social business restaurant where the profits of the restaurant are invested in micro-credit loans for women all over the world, both in the US and abroad. When the loans are repaid, the money goes back into the restaurant to help keep it going and sustainable. I would love the restaurant to be located in Seattle or Portland and to source its food locally from the rich soil and waters of the Pacific Northwest.

Sound cool? I think it does! I was invited to attend the Clinton Global Initiative University conference in March 2014 with 1,000 other college students with ideas to impact the world. We were all accepted based on our “commitments to action” and this was my commitment. I spent an incredible weekend networking with other passionate students, building up skills, and meeting President Bill Clinton, Secretary Hillary Clinton and their all-around fantastic and inspiring daughter, Chelsea Clinton.

Why, hello Mr. President!

Chelsea and I (and so many others!)

It was an incredible weekend and I’m ready to jump into my commitment. Obviously, I can’t just go out and open a restaurant. As much as I would like to, I’m first and foremost committed to completing my education at Washington University in St. Louis. Maybe this time next year, as I prepare to graduate – I will be ready to dive in headfirst to this project. I don’t know where I will go with this but it’s an idea that combines my passions and dreams and I would love to realize it. It may not be as immediately feasible as some of my fellow #CGIU attendees, but I’m more than inspired to take on this challenge.

For now though, I want to continue to share my idea and network with anyone who is interested. Do you have experience in the restaurant industry? Have you run a social business? Would you come to a restaurant like this? I would love ANY advice, suggestions, comments, expertise, or encouragement – please, please, please comment below to share your thoughts and wisdom or like the page so I know others are interested.

As I continue to dream, plan, and network I’ll update this page with my progress and thoughts. There’s so much more I could include right now – but it’s time to step off cloud nine and catch my flight back to St. Louis!

Thank you!