Before coming to the U to pursue a Ph.D. in social work, Ujal Ibrahim worked with the 2006 Nobel Peace Laureate in Bangladesh to help children of Grameen Bank (a bank for the poor with close to 9 million borrowers) borrowers to become entrepreneurs. Now he is bringing social good to Salt Lake City. Ibrahim is working with the Microbusiness Connection Center (MCC) and established a program that helps refugees start their own businesses. MCC provides refugees with business classes that Ibrahim co-developed and teaches, as well as allows them to present their ideas to possible investors and network with other business owners. The refugees also get hands-on experience in business and product design through Design Labs. This program helps refugees establish a life here and encourages them to explore their creativity as well. It also contributes to Salt Lake City’s economy by jump-starting business.
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Find this article and a lot more in the 2017 “Student Innovation @ the U” report. The publication is presented by the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute to celebrate student innovators, change-makers and entrepreneurs.
Ujal is an amazing student and leader; he has the ability to make significant and meaningful impacts!
Agreed! Nice work Ujal!
Ujal is smart, creative and enterprising! The best part is that he always strives to share his knowledge and expertise with others. How do I know? He was my graduate assistant at Texas Christian University and we’ve stayed in touch ever since. I know he would have profound impact not just on the refugee community in Utah, but beyond. His work in Bangladesh is a testament to what he will achieve. Kudos to Lassonde for featuring Ujal’s work!
Wow, nice work, Ujal. You’ve traveled a long way since coming here years ago, moving on to Texas, and now back to Utah. Keep up the good work. Refugees need a lot of support, and what you’re doing can make a big difference.