College Park, MD:  The Global Health and Education Projects (GHEP) has been selected as a social innovation non-profit partner-organization by the Social Innovation Fellows Program at one of the nation’s top-ranked and influential business schools, the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA.

Following this selection, GHEP will be matched with faculty and a team of social innovation fellows who will work intensely with GHEP leadership to identify and present a blueprint for addressing its most urgent business/strategic needs.  GHEP will work with the social innovation team throughout the semester.

The Robert H. Smith School of Business Social Innovation Fellows Program “immerses students in the process of seeking innovative solutions for social transformation through business principles and hands-on engagements with for-profit and nonprofit organizations,” according to the institution’s website.

Announcing the selection over the weekend, Dr. Romuladus E. Azuine, GHEP Founder and Executive Director, said that the selection as a social innovation partner-site marks a unique opportunity for the young organization to work with the best and brightest minds in the fields of business and entrepreneurship.

“This is like sitting down for weeks and working closely with a team of top-notch external consultants and barring your minds and needs to them and allowing them to help you work through the issues confronting your organization with a fresh set of eyes,” said Dr. Azuine.  The project includes regular meetings and updates and interaction with GHEP board members and volunteers.

According to Dr. Azuine, “the fact that we will be working with young minds and diverse fellows who are passionate about entrepreneurial ventures that address social and environmental issues further encapsulates the value of this partnership. The fellows’ work will help us in further setting the organization on the path of greater success in achieving its mission.”

Dr. David Kirsch, Associate Professor and the Faculty Champion for the Social Innovation Fellows program, will lead the fellows working with GHEP.  The social innovation fellows include Kenny Fitzgerald, Major: Supply Chain Management; Shashwati Das, Major: Finance and Economics, Minor in Statistics; and Ehab Amir, Major: Business Management. The fellows will also be mentored during the program by Phil Wyman, a Business Analyst from Deloitte.

Read more about the Social Innovation Fellows Program at the University of Maryland.