A. Latham Staples Named 2010 Echoing Green Finalist In Civil & Human Rights Category
Echoing Green, an angel investor that supports social entrepreneurs, announced today that A. Latham Staples, Empowering Spirits Foundation, Inc. (ESF) President & CEO, is among twenty-five finalists for the 2010 Echoing Green Fellowship Program.
Echoing Green supports emerging entrepreneurs who enact innovative solutions that address root causes to social problems. Staples was one of two individuals named in the category of “Civil & Human Rights” for his work as founder of ESF.
Echoing Green received 1,082 social business plans from around the world. Each applicant spent numerous months answering essays, interviewing, and providing references from individuals and corporations associated with the social change idea of the individual. The twenty-five finalists according the Echoing Green website “represent some of the most promising leaders and ideas working today in the social sector.”
“Starting a nonprofit during an economic downturn was challenging. Finances were tight, which caused us to hold back on some of the programs we’ve wanted to implement,” said Staples. “I’ve always believed in our mission though to promote equality through non-divisive means. Because of my team’s hard work we’ve already made a huge impact to influence our non-LGBT neighbors. A fellowship with Echoing Green would only allow us to grow the foundation at a faster pace.”
Each of the 2010 Echoing Green Fellows will receive funding over two years, health insurance and other benefits, strategic planning and personal leadership support, legal and financial modelling assistance, as well as mentoring from Echoing Green’s network of alumni and other leading social change professionals.
Since 1987 Echoing Green has invested over $28 million in 471 fellows; including 2009 fellow Barbara Bush, daughter of former U.S. President George W. Bush.
A full list of the 2010 Echoing Green Fellow Finalists can be viewed at www.echoinggreen.org/finalists.