Welcome to episode 27 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast. This week my incredible guest is Alfa Demmellash. Alfa is the the CEO and Co-founder of Rising Tide Capital and Future Tide Partners.
Rising Tide Capital is a non-profit, or as I say for impact organization, that provides underserved entrepreneurs with the resources they need to launch and grow successful businesses. Since 2005 the organization has operated the Community Business Academy. Please visit Rising Tide Capital | A non-profit organization for more information about the services they provide.
Alfa was born in Ethiopia. Upon wanting greater opportunities for her and her daughter, Alfa’s mom came to the U.S. where she worked as a waitress, went back to school for fashion design, and then was able to start a side business. While Alfa was still in Ethiopia she was getting a great education and surrounded by family, and her community which helped to keep her spirits lifted. After Alfa's mom was more settled she brought Alfa over to live with her in the U.S. At that point Alfa was almost a teenager. Listen to Alfa’s version of what she thought coming to America from Ethiopia was going to be like. Alfa's mom wanted her daughter to know that anything is possible. So, Alfa worked hard, graduated from Harvard, and became an entrepreneur just like her mom.
When we talked about leadership, Alfa shared that when we are calling for women’s leadership, we are not calling for masculine leadership being shared by a woman. There is something special about feminine leadership and it is needed and necessary throughout the world.
Alfa and her partner Alex saw that there is economic poverty in NJ being experienced amongst profound wealth. Their goal was to build bridges to change that multigenerational story. They wanted to disrupt cultural barriers and create economic opportunities and they are doing that through the incredible work at Rising Tide Capital. As she says they are helping people make their dreams as accessible as possible through entrepreneurship.
During COVID Rising Tide Capital graduated a class of 121 entrepreneurs from 40 cities and towns. There were some students who took their classes from hospital beds or behind the fryer at work. This was a very special class that graduated through an unprecedented time.
We talked a lot about racism, changes that need to be made, and the importance of having inter-sectional leadership.
A message we can all learn from - 100% of the shots you don't take, you don't make.
Alfa’s has appeared in leading media outlets including CNN, O the Oprah Magazine, Essence Magazine Bloomberg, Inc. Magazine, BusinessWeek and Entrepreneur Magazine to name a few. She has been recognized by President Barack Obama; received the prestigious 25th Heinz Award; was named a CNN Hero, and one of the Most Powerful Women Changing the World in Forbes. Here is the best part she is an incredible human who truly cares about people and making a difference in this world.
Download the podcast on all streaming sites, watch the video via the Today is the Day Changemakers YouTube Channel - Jodi Grinwald - Today is the Day Changemakers - YouTube. Follow on social media at Today is the Day Live it. I hope you enjoy listening to this conversation as much as I enjoyed having it.
On the next episode, I welcome Adam Philipson, CEO & President, Count Basie Center for the Arts. We have a fabulous conversation about lessons learned from going from being on the stage to leading the entire theater experience and beyond.
Have a fabulous week!