Spark: A space for social innovators to combine ideas with networks - Audra Carson, D-Tread

Spark Workshop with Audra Carson, D-Tread

Moderated by Megan Carson, Detroit Nation

D-Treads uses tires from the Detroit auto-industry as the soles for their sandals to create a “stylish and functional way to get these tires out of the landfills and back to good use.” D-Treads also uses the seat belts in Detroit junkyards as sandal straps. The sandals are assembled by CCSS workers.

Mission: To create a unique, stylish and sustainable sandal that affords wearers’ a comfortable way to express their Detroit pride while empowering CCSS workers to gain vital skills and work experience.

          Session Questions: D-Treads is looking to increase their brand awareness amoung their audience.
           Audra Carson would like to use this Spark workshop to brainstorm a creative marketing campaign
           that will allow D-Treads to educate the community about both their products and social mission.
                      - How do you design a campaign that will both educate consumers and excite them about  
                         D-Treads' social mission?
                      - How do you spur community involvement for the development and expansion of a
                         local brand?

D-Treads was nominated to participate in Spark by Detroit Nation. Detroit Nation, in support of some of Detroit's up and coming social enterprises, works with entrepreneurs who are not only improving the city by adding to its economic bottom line but have an environmental, civic or other community enhancing focus to help make Detroit a better place.

 Save the Date for upcoming Spark Workshops:
(More information coming soon!)
           Social Sushi with Jay Rayford, moderated by Megan Pouncy, Detroit Nation
           Tuesday, June 11 at 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
           Click here for more information and registration  

           Patronicity with Chris Blauvelt, moderated by Megan Pouncy, Detroit Nation
           Tuesday, June 25 at 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
           Click here for more information and registration  

           International Social Entrepreneurship with Selen Ucak, American Turkish Society
           Tuesday, July 9 at 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
           Click here for more information and registration  

           Defy with Catherine Rohr
           Tuesday, July 23 at 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
           Click here for more information and registration  

           Ed Tech
           Tuesday, August 6 at 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
                We are currently taking suggestions for this session. If you would like to co-host, or have suggestions, please
                 email Diana Rambeau
           Click here for more information and registration  

 

If you are unable to attend the above event but would like more information on Spark, please register for our mailing list.

For more information, or if you would like to suggest a future Spark workshop, please contact:
Diana Rambeau: ddr2121@columbia.edu and Nathalie Marcos: NMarcos14@gsb.columbia.edu    

This event is supported by the Social Enterprise Program, the Eugene Lang Entrepreneurship Center and the Social Enterprise Club at Columbia Business School.