"I have learned that as a woman, I am able to do anything I put my mind to and create it with the four steps of innovation." 

- Maya France, participant in Pi515’s second Annual Girls’ Entrepreneurship Summit

How do we change the world around us?

At Pi515 our mission is to mold youth into the innovative prp the future requires; creating an environment for students that fosters innovation through constructive collaboration and intentional mentorship. We believe that given the proper tools and resources: youth can and will change the world around them. The Pi515 Annual Girls Entrepreneurship Summit provides just that.

The Girls Entrepreneurship Summit is a 6-week program open to female students aged 14-22 in Central Iowa. Participants begin by exploring topics of ideation and innovation, encouraged to observe the world around them for problems and solutions, before they begin to develop their own business ideas. Students meet each week to explore different critical business concepts necessary to transform innovative ideas into fruition.

Class instruction is by leading women entrepreneurs and executives from the Greater Des Moines community. Female entrepreneurs and innovators from around the world join class as guest speakers. Through intentional collaboration, exploration of critical topics, and the construction of mentorships, students complete this program empowered to launch their own businesses, equipped with the skills and expanded networks necessary to do so.

At the end of the Summit, we give participants the opportunity to celebrate their growth with the Day of Innovation. This one-day event begins with a pitch competition where participants pitch their businesses to a panel of judges and compete for cash prizes. Following the competition is an evening of networking and celebration. Community members, innovators, and leaders gather to celebrate these incredible young women and their accomplishments. Participants share their stories, present their businesses to attendees, and network with resourceful and supportive members of our community.

We believe in the power of youth. The unseeable problems and trends of the future require innovative youth leaders to solve them. Will you join us in unleashing the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs?

Past summit participants include: Saffie Jackson, founder and owner of SaffiesSouffle; Satina Ishibwami, founder and owner of Satina | Beauty & SPI Clothing Store; Aerz (AJay) Johnson, founder of Big Head Bucket Hats; Elizabeth Nyamwange, creator of Etana and winner of HP’s Girls Save the World and MIT’s Solv[ED] Youth Innovation Challenge.