BUILD Metro DC

“A critical feature for our U.S. Capital city is in engaging students from under-resourced communities through our four-year entrepreneurship, business development, and post-secondary readiness model”.

1,802

Students Served

624

Mentors

323

Youth Businesses

37

Teachers Trained

PROBLEM:

A student’s opportunity is too often limited by their zip code, race and class.

the build story
IN Metro DC.

Since its launch in 2009, BUILD Metro DC has been a critical feature for the city in engaging students from under-resourced communities through our four-year entrepreneurship, business development, and post-secondary readiness model. In partnership with DCPS and charter schools, we virtually serve 180 students at five high schools in the District of Columbia. We operate digital business incubators, in which student business teams launch and run their very own startups.

 

BUILD students are provided individualized academic support and business coaching, supported by professional mentors who work with our young entrepreneurs on a weekly basis. BUILD staff and volunteers cultivate our students’ business, academic, and life skills to prepare them for high school, college, and career success.

Mrs. Ponder

Mrs. Ponder is a Metro D.C BUILD teacher who works at Theodore Roosevelt High School. She was featured in BUILD’s 2020-2021 Annual Report for her passion, warmth, and excellency as an eduator. 

Jalen

Jalen Jahn is a Metro D.C contributor and incubator program alum who is an esteemed fashion, footwear designer and entrepreneur from Atlanta, GA. He is the founder of his eponymous luxury streetwear brand.

Candle Essentials

Candle Essentials is a BUILD student-started business that solves the issue of single-scented candles with a unique, innovative solution. Watch their story to find out what they did! 

updates & events.

the build greater Metro DC.

Regional Teams
Associate Board
Advisory Board
Sybil Mimy Wells
Regional Executive Director
NYC and Metro DC

Sybil Mimy Wells

Position: Regional Executive Director, NYC and Metro DC
Danielle Staggs
Director of Strategic Partnerships

Danielle Staggs

Position: Director of Strategic Partnerships
Danielle joined BUILD Metro DC in the Fall of 2020 and serves as the hub of all development operations for the Metro DC team. This includes, but is not limited to helping to manage fundraising, coordinating social media/communication, and supporting the Executive Director. Danielle’s background is in events and fundraising, having worked both for political agencies and education nonprofits. She has always had a passion for youth empowerment and an entrepreneurial mindset, believing in the power of education as a pathway to closing the opportunity gap in underserved communities. Danielle graduated from the University of Delaware with a B.A. in International Relations, with a focus in diplomacy and political communication.
Greg Williams
Program Manager

Greg Williams

Position: Program Manager
Gregory Williams joins the Build Metro DC team with years of experience as a Special Educator in the Washington D.C area. As a former Program Coordinator with the College Steps Program, Greg provided customized college support for students with learning and social challenges. He is excited to join BUILD DC and transition back into High School Programming. Greg is most excited to continue to make a positive impact on the empowerment of our students. He often enjoys spending time with his family and friends and serving his community as a local Football coach in his spare time. Greg holds a bachelor's degree in Sport Management from Johnson C. Smith University.
Donovan Tyson *Chair*
Real Estate Agent
Compass Real Estate

Donovan Tyson

Position: Real Estate Agent, Compass Real Estate
Carrie Miller
Global Trade Associate
Goodwin Procter

Carrie Miller

Position: Global Trade Associate, Goodwin Procter
Rachel Vas
Global Production and Logistics Director
GrainPro

Rachel Vas

Position: Global Production and Logistics Director, GrainPro
Dora Gougoufkas *Chair*
Managing Vice President
Capital One

Dora Gougoufkas

Position: Managing Vice President, Capital One
Justin Bodner
Senior Manager
Strategy
Deloitte

Justin Bodner

Position: Senior Manager, Strategy, Deloitte
Andrea Dimarco
CFO
Strivacity

Andrea Dimarco

Position: CFO, Strivacity
Timothy Garnett
Managing Director
The Avascent Group

Timothy Garnett

Position: Managing Director, The Avascent Group
Gregory Hendler
Partner
Assurance Services
Ernst & Young

Gregory Hendler

Position: Partner, Assurance Services, Ernst & Young
Adeleke Omitowoju
Principal
Groundwork

Adeleke Omitowoju

Position: Principal, Groundwork
Kevin Perry
Management Consultant - Advisory Senior Associate
Financial Services
PwC

Kevin Perry

Position: Management Consultant - Advisory Senior Associate, Financial Services, PwC
David Toney
Senior Vice President
Development
Akridge

David Toney

Position: Senior Vice President, Development, Akridge
Patrick Van den Bossche
Partner/Board Member
Kearney
Inc.

Patrick Van den Bossche

Position: Partner/Board Member, Kearney, Inc.
Grant Williams
Director
Business Development
Macro Solutions

Grant Williams

Position: Director, Business Development, Macro Solutions

Metro DC.

headquarters

2202 18th St NW #104, Washington,
DC 20009, United States

Mailing

2202 18th Street NW, #104
Washington, DC 20009

Storytelling

STORYTELLING.

Download a Sample of Our Curriculum

Fill out this form to receive a free sample of our curriculum and to receive occasional email updates on how to bring BUILD to your community.

VIDEO PREPARATION GUIDELINES

HOW TO RECORD

1. iPhone, iPad, Zoom and Loom are all choices of recording tools for their video presentation 
2. Record with both students and their presentation in view
3. Record horizontally for the best view of the students and their presentation
4. Follow Presentation Diagram to the Right

PRESENTATION TIPS.

- Make eye contact with the camera
- Notecards may be used as cue cards
•Pro Tip: Notecards should avoid having a full script
- Even when you are not speaking, don’t forget the camera is still recording!
•Be aware of your body language while you and your business partners are speaking
- Everyone has an opportunity to speak
- Professional dress is encouraged
- Practice makes perfect
•Practice how you will transition from each speaker
•Project your voice when you speak​

Follow positioning format Above

Download a Sample of Our Curriculum

Fill out this form to receive a free sample of our curriculum and to receive occasional email updates on how to bring BUILD to your community.