Scaling ideas to businesses is a long and sometimes unclear journey. Women and people of color have a steeper hill to climb with less access to capital and networks on average, paired with inequity embedded in the market. mHUB's mPOWER program is designed to rebalance opportunity and access in the Hardtech ecosystem. It is part of a larger effort focused on equity and began with a pilot cohort for women. It will grow to include subsequent cohorts for other groups of underrepresented founders in tech.
The pilot cohort began in January with 13 women founders representing a wide diversity of industries including clean tech, med tech, cannabis tech, and more. These women founders all began the program in slightly different places on the spectrum of early-stage companies. For many, this program is a first step in a long journey of customer discovery and product development. The first 2 months of the program have been focused on problem identification, customer discovery, and getting matched with experienced founders from a variety of industries to be their mentors throughout the programs. As the program progresses, the cohort will be focusing on the product feasibility phase which includes concept design, IP, product testing, and more.
Get to know the members of the pilot mPOWER Women Founders cohort who are changing the face of product development in Chicago and the Midwest.
Sybil Berry - Lemonaide
Tell us about your product.
Lemonaide builds sporty, sleek and chic-looking mobility devices for all who are healing from a recent medical procedure, to those needing a cane for stability during life’s daily events. Lemonaide’s greatest value proposition is helping users avoid falls that can lead to further injury and even fatality. Users enjoy the tactile feel, ergonomic handle, and the lightweight and advanced design this cane has to offer.
Why is the problem you are solving important to you?
I walk with a cane everyday due to injury from a car accident. Since the accident, my awareness has grown regarding people with disabilities, frailties, and in rehabilitation because I share similarities with them. The cane, old as time, is long due for a make-over that retains medical and safety requirements but also becomes more aesthetically pleasing and relevant to the busy active lives everyone lives today.
What are you trying to get out of the mPOWER program?
In short, everything! Advice, classes, mentorship, camaraderie, fantastic new experiences, and a free-thinking environment.
What's one habit that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
Listening and being resourceful are two habits I rely upon.
Angelica Czarnecka - MicronMask
Tell us about your product:
The MicronMask is a first of its kind reusable strapless face mask designed with three key focus areas in mind: Comfort, Effectiveness, and Sustainability.
Human centered Strapless means:
- Eliminating ear and head pain from prolonged mask usage
- Less fidgeting and readjusting due to slip-on design
MicronMask Proprietary Frame Enables:
- Improved breathability
- Increased speech intelligibility
- Reduction in skin irritation
Science-Based Design means:
- Innermost cotton ripstop layer absorbs moisture and acts like a mechanical filter
- Outermost chiffon layer repels aerosol particles and acts like an electrostatic filter
- Adjustable nose wire creates a seal and prevents glasses from fogging up
Material selection kept in mind the following principles:
- Reusable and washable
- Reduced waste
- Lower overall cost
Why is the problem you are solving important to you?
Face masks aim to protect individuals from harmful airborne pathogens and pollution, however many barriers prevent proper or consistent usage among the general population. Barriers of current state of the art masks include physical discomfort, ineffective protective capabilities, fogging of glasses, difficulty finding a properly fitting mask, sustainability, low breathability, contact dermatitis resulting from prolonged usage, and poor speech intelligibility. MicronMask believes in addressing the current mask usage barriers without sacrificing the minimum performance criteria.
What are you trying to get out of the mPOWER program?
I believe mPOWER can provide me with the proper support, knowledge, and community necessary to start a successful business. I found that surrounding myself with others who are pursuing similar goals helps keep me inspired and accountable. By the end of the program I hope to have launched my product.
What's one habit that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
As an entrepreneur, it can be easy to overwhelm yourself and take on too much when you are the one setting your own goals. It is crucial to keep a healthy work life balance and take proper breaks.
Malvina De Salvo - Plateful
Tell us about your product.
Plateful is an interactive, electronic nutrition tool for children. I am seeking to shape better relationships with food beginning at onset of the pivot to solid foods, banishing picky eaters and poor nutrition in the process. Children will learn where vegetables come from, how they're grown and harvested, and how they traveled thousands of miles from cultures around the world to make it onto their plate. They'll learn about proteins, vitamins and minerals, and how that energy fuels the body and ability to do activities. My product is unique in that there really isn't much on the market that educates children about nutrition, and nothing that does it immediately prior to and during mealtime. It is a behavior modification tool to reshape children's perspectives on food, moving away from eating for taste and towards eating for health. My product comes with software individualized for each user and an interactive plate that recognizes when children pick up food, providing positive reinforcement when they engage with healthy choices.
Why is the problem you are solving important to you?
I am a mother of two premature children and found myself taking my daughter monthly for a weight check with the pediatrician. After being advised to introduce processed foods, cased meats, fried foods, even lacing her milk with butter, to help her gain weight by any means, I definitely created a new problem. Naturally my daughter gained weight but now I had a new problem. She wouldn't transition back to the balanced healthy diet I had her on. I would sing, dance and play videos during dinner time, but that wasn't working long term. As a child my generation was taught to clean their plate, unfortunately this only encourages overeating. With obesity rates and preventable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes on the rise, I want nature's first medicine - food and its nutritional knowledge - to be accessible to everyone.
What are you trying to get out of the mPOWER program?
I am looking to reach the next phase in prototyping. Ideally I would have a product ready for market, but my first goal is an MVP. I would love mentoring and networking and continue advancing on my product journey with the aid of this helpful community. I am hoping to realize my dream and see my products on the shelves. I hope to begin my dream of holding multiple patents. I am hoping to grow my knowledge/skills to get to this destination.
What's one habit that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
I like to make to-do lists and break them down into small steps. Entrepreneurship is hard and often overwhelming, as well as a long journey. Breaking things down in small steps is more manageable, allows you to feel accomplished, and focuses your work towards your goals despite it being a long path. Whenever I feel like I'm day dreaming or distracted by my phone; this is likely when I need a break. Step away, take your break, and come back when you are ready.
Julie Dunne - Switchboard
Tell us about your product.
It’s called Switchboard - it is a system of panels that is used to install tile or other decorative surface without use of adhesives, allowing for quick and easy removal and replacement with much less mess and waste.
Why is the problem you are solving important to you?
I have always been involved with the building trades and design, and there is so much material and time wasted in the process of renovating. I would love to help solve that problem, and promote more risk taking in design at the same time.
What are you trying to get out of the mPOWER program?
Guidance on how to bring my patented product to market.
What's one habit that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
I don’t know if it will end up making me productive, but I love conversation and getting to know people.
Victoria Fishman - Swiv
Tell us about your product.
Swiv is a novel toothbrush inspired by the challenges of kids with cognitive disabilities but designed to make brushing better for everyone. Swiv simplifies both the physical and cognitive complexities of tooth brushing, making it easier for people with disabilities (and anyone) to learn and perform effective tooth brushing and ultimately gain independence in this daily self-care practice.
Why is the problem you are solving important to you?
Growing up in my home, toothbrushing was a daily battle. My older brother was born with a genetic disorder, called Fragile X Syndrome, which makes learning, focusing, and fine motor skills incredibly difficult, making mundane everyday tasks feel insurmountable. Tooth brushing is just one of so many complex daily tasks, and my family is not alone with this perplexing challenge. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been determined to impact the lives of people with disabilities. I’ve witnessed first-hand that my brother and others have a greater potential for independence if equipped with the right tools and strategies that level the playing field to enable them to learn and succeed. This motivated me to become an engineer, product designer, and entrepreneur aspiring to improve life for people living with complex difficulties. And so, Swiv was born-- the first of many products and solutions I intend to bring into the world to impact lives.
What are you trying to get out of the mPOWER program?
I’m hoping to build connections in the product development and entrepreneurial communities in Chicago, which I hope will provide valuable support, guidance, and learning opportunities as our team navigates through product development, fundraising, and launching our product. It’s been inspiring, rewarding, and encouraging to meet other women of all ages and backgrounds intersecting in the world of entrepreneurship as we work towards our visions. I realize now more than ever, having women empowering and mentoring other women is invaluable in today’s world.
What's one habit that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
Instead of becoming overwhelmed on Sundays about the week to come, I sit down and make a prioritized list of all the important things I need to get done in the coming week. This helps to maintain focus and to ensure the most critical things get accomplished despite the inevitable distractions and challenges that arise.
Coquie Hughes - Written and Directed by CoquieHughes
Tell us about your product.
My company is called Written & Directed by CoquieHughes and I create brooch/lapel pins that celebrate and honor iconic African Americans.
Why is the problem you are solving important to you?
As an avid pin collector, I wanted to learn to manufacture pins because I wanted to create the type of pins that I wanted to have in my collection. I didn't see a lot of pins made specifically of iconic Black figures (perhaps due to copyright & licensing issues); so I decided to learn how to make pins of these individuals out of wood & metal.
What are you trying to get out of the mPOWER program?
I love the opportunity to have access to use the machines and learn how they could help me with the design and manufacturing of my pins.
What's one habit that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
I start my days early so that I can take advantage of having the time to work on my pins.
Megan Jedlinski - Wooden Park Studio
Tell us about your product.
Just like adults, kids thrive on structure and predictability. This structured pattern to their day results in more confidence and a sense of security. My product, a self-care clothing stand, enables kids to prepare the night before for the upcoming day and then independently flow through their morning routine. The product also incorporates concepts of time, weather and days of the weeks, which can impact what they choose to wear. One of my favorite features is the “high-five hand” on the mirror which empowers kids to start the day connecting with themselves and sending the message, “I see you. I believe in you. You’ve got this.” Ultimately, allowing the child to celebrate what they see in their reflection.
Why is the problem you are solving important to you?
Having two young kids, I’m always looking for ways to empower more confidence and independence. I have directly experienced just how stressful mornings can be, especially on school days. I seek to eliminate our family’s morning struggle, the mad dash scramble to get bags packed, clothes picked up, hair brushed and out the door on time. The elimination of some of those tasks and decisions the night before, returned a sense of calm to our mornings…most of the time!
What are you trying to get out of the mPOWER program?
The ability to learn from, be inspired by, and connect with the mHUB community and my fellow cohort. I’ve been (and continue to be) a proud stay-at-home mom, so getting out there and bringing my idea to life felt like a far-fetched dream, not to mention, way out of my comfort zone. My hope is that by embracing this opportunity, I prove to myself and my girls that I am capable of bringing this dream to reality.
What's one habit that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
Following my own morning routine. On mornings when I wake up and take time for myself in the form of exercising and meditating, I’m more confident, energized, creative and productive the rest of the day.
Elly Jimenez - JELLY No J
Tell us about your product.
JELLY is a fashion house that focuses on wearable designs and accessories that will be passed down to future generations. With the future in mind, JELLY strives to create multi-purpose pieces in response to the global textile problem. We are genderless and love to feel chic and cozy!
Why is the problem you are solving important to you?
I believe that many solutions to fashion sustainability only address the production side (i.e, creating from repurposed or recycled materials). I am interested in creating solutions for consumption habits, creating pieces that can fill multiple voids and that users will create emotional bonds with. The hope is that this influences people to hold on to pieces longer and make sure they are passed onto good homes that will continue to take care of them!
What are you trying to get out of the mPOWER program?
Up until this point, JELLY has been a side hustle, and I want to make it my full time hustle. I make everything myself and it is usually made to order. I am interested in learning how to increase production and customer reach. Scale everything up!
What's one habit that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
I am extremely good at prioritizing my tasks long term and on the daily. I check in frequently with myself and my teams and think I have a good understanding of how my work flows best.
Fiona Kalensky - Therapalz
Tell us about your product.
Therapalz is a patented therapeutic robot that provides a multi-sensory experience for patients while allowing their caregivers to monitor their loved ones. Therapalz delivers the benefits of animal-assisted therapy through smart, predictive, non-pharmaceutical robotics that engage patients while alleviating some of the stress and costs associated with caregiving for Alzheimers and dementia patients.
Why is the problem you are solving important to you?
As a former caregiver of a loved one, I am passionate about designing technology geared towards aging & equipping those with the technology that empowers them to age both independently and gracefully.
What are you trying to get out of the mPOWER program?
Ruth Bader Ginsburg said, "fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you." To be part of a community of action - thinkers and doers, innovators and fighters - has been inspiring and attributed to the evolution of Therapalz.
What's one habit that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
Learning from failure.
Dhruti Patel & Juanita Garcia - Sustainafy
Tell us about your product.
Sustainafy is a hardware and software solutions provider for the construction industry to enable tracking, managing and reporting of GHG emissions for current regulatory and future carbon-related disclosure requirements.
Why is the problem you are solving important to you?
Collectively, we have spent over 30 years at the nexus of sustainability and construction. We know that the environment in which we live, work, and learn has an impact on our health and well-being, this planet as well as our communities. In addition, the industry recognizes that the built environment contributes to 40% of global carbon emissions but we don’t know how much construction-related activities contribute to emissions in our communities or globally. And, the industry can’t reduce what it doesn't measure! Thus, we want to ensure our industry is ready to transition to a low carbon economy and cease opportunities that come along with combating climate change.
What are you trying to get out of the mPOWER program?
We are, and will continue, taking full advantage of mentorship and support from the mHUB community. In addition, as women in a male dominated industry, we value a community of amazing women with a shared vision to change our world.
What's one habit that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
We take the time to find joy in the little moments and celebrate our accomplishments. Reflecting with gratitude on how far we’ve made it on this journey enables us to face challenges.
Andi Sider - Apple Sider Ventures
Tell us about your product.
I’m developing an ecosystem of cannabis consumption tools that are easy to clean and maintain.
Why is the problem you are solving important to you?
Scholarly research has suggested that normalization of stigmatized industries/communities can be driven by the introduction of new products into that space that look, feel, and act like mainstream items (i.e. products that the general market is already comfortable with). As legal cannabis access expands nation and world-wide, I’m hopeful my products will encourage destigmatization, solve an existing problem, and generally improve consumers’ consumption experiences.
What are you trying to get out of the mPOWER program?
Since I come from an exclusively corporate background, I’m seeking a community of women in my same shoes to lean on and learn from.
What's one habit that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
I’m a compulsive planner (personally and by professional training), and am increasingly calling upon my ability to diagnose a situation’s needs, develop an action plan, coordinate, and execute. I live and die by my daily to-do list!
Jennifer Villa - PawBelt
Tell us about your product.
The Pawbelt is a dog safety belt fit for any car and any dog – a seat belt that keeps people’s best friends safe and comfortable when traveling short and long distances.
Why is the problem you are solving important to you?
Pawbelt protects dogs in case of an accident and lets the driver focus on driving instead of diverting their focus on the dog’s whereabouts. This makes for a safe and enjoyable trip for everyone in the vehicle.
What are you trying to get out of the mPOWER program?
While attending the mPOWER program I hope to finalize the Pawbelt model and know how to get it to the manufacturing and marketing stage.
What's one habit that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
A habit that makes me a more productive entrepreneur is blasting feel good 80’s songs to get myself hyped about work even on an off day. It’s the music my mom played to get her moving and she was always hustling.
Interested in learning more about the mPOWER program? Contact Shannon McGhee, Director of Community Impact and Engagement at shannon@mhubchicago.com for more details.
