Amplifying Sustainability through Reuse with Jessica Gonzalez, CEO, Happen Ventures
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Have you ever heard of Reuse? Join Natalie Benamou for an inspiring episode with Jessica Gonzalez, CEO of Happen Ventures. Jessica shares her remarkable journey from facing near-bankruptcy during the COVID-19 pandemic to building a successful business dedicated to sustainability and reuse. Learn how she transformed personal and professional challenges into opportunities, pivoting from event management to waste management innovation. Jessica's innovative approach ensures no resource is wasted while minimizing costs and amplifying sustainability.
Key Takeaways
Empowering Sustainability Through Reuse
- Jessica shares her journey of turning near-bankruptcy and personal challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic into a successful business focused on sustainability and reuse.
- She discusses how she repurposed excess COVID-related waste, such as hand sanitizers and face masks, to help communities in need, leading to the founding of Happen Ventures.
Connecting Nonprofits to Surplus Resources
- Jessica explains how leveraging AI and technology can efficiently match surplus products from retailers with the needs of local nonprofits.
- The hyperlocal approach minimizes logistical costs and maximizes sustainability, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional recycling.
Balancing Growth and Personal Life
- Jessica discusses the remarkable growth of her company and how she balances professional success with personal life.
- She shares insights into managing rapid expansion, undergoing IVF, relocating to Puerto Rico, and redefining success through quality time with her family.
Inspiring Women in Business
- Jessica's story is a testament to the power of adaptability and creativity in challenging times.
- She encourages listeners to rethink recycling and consider reusing materials, aiming to inspire sustainable and proactive approaches in their own lives and businesses.
Thank you Jessica for being our featured guest today.
QUOTES
Empowering Sustainability Through Reuse
- "Reuse is helpful for all people, it’s less expensive than recycling, better for the environment and has tax benefits. I'm proud to say that we are pushing for the new frontier of sustainability with both companies and homes, through reuse first as an option when it comes to finding homes for products that you no longer want." - Jessica Gonzalez
Connecting Nonprofits to Surplus Resources
"We've been able to have our nonprofit partners go and pick it up. We do it hyperlocal. Our AI tech platform connects the needs with thousands of nonprofits.” Jessica Gonzalez
Expressing gratitude to our listeners. Please rate and review the show! Keep shining your light bright. The world needs you.
Thank you Jessica for being on the show!
Connect CEO & Entrepreneur Jessica Gonzalez, leads Happen Ventures as it transforms landfill-bound waste into valuable community resources. She possesses 16+ years of experience building & scaling international startups from the ground up. Jessica is a Latina woman and proud single mother to her amazing children, and she embraces that the path to building a business has never been easy for her, but she lives and works with the attitude that "nothing is impossible.”
Happen Ventures bridges the gap between companies and communities by diverting reusable products wrongly going to landfills and provide them to people in need.
Natalie Benamou is the host of "Women Leaders on the Move '' and the Founder of HerCsuite®, a powerful women's network providing connect circles for women’s careers and businesses. She is dedicated to making it easier for women to achieve success in all aspects of their lives. Natalie is also the Founder and President of HER HEALTHX, a nonprofit focused on improving health outcomes for women.
This show is sponsored by our HerCsuite® Connect Circles for individuals and business owners. Learn more HerCsuite
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