About Us
Our Mission
Empowerment through Entrepreneurship
Our Vision
At echo, we envision a world where the transformative power of entrepreneurship breaks down barriers to business ownership, enabling individuals to shape their destinies.
Commitment
We are committed to creating a vibrant community of dreamers, fostering innovation, and providing inclusive spaces where every voice is heard and every dream has the opportunity to flourish.
Our History
echo is a result of a merger between Audacity Labs and Helius, two nonprofits working with youth and entrepreneurs in our community for many years. Throughout the years, and definitely the past few years, both organizations were receiving feedback from the community that yes, there is an abundance of services offered to aspiring entrepreneurs. But, often once the program or training finished, it wasn't easy to access more in-depth or continual support for them.
And for early-stage and young entrepreneurs, there is little support at all. That feedback inspired us to envision a space built for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs. At echo, we want to build the “we” - a collective of individuals that fosters a sense of belonging; to join people who have a shared living experience to challenge the outdated educational and workforce models that prevent economic equity; and to pool this collective identity so we can learn together, and create a circular system for broader change through entrepreneurship to build, succeed, and repeat.
Our Partners
Meet the Staff
Anjanette has 20+ years of experience in entrepreneurship and program development. She founded her first business in Dallas, TX, an educational advocacy center. Before joining Echo, Anjanette was the Executive Director of Audacity Labs.
Anjanette has 20+ years of experience in entrepreneurship and program development. She founded her first business in Dallas, TX, an educational advocacy center. Before joining Echo, Anjanette was the Executive Director of Audacity Labs.
Originally from California, Danae brings a unique blend of experience in education and project management. After earning her BS in Child Development from CSU Sacramento and working as a preschool educator, she transitioned into project management, where she discovered her passion for leading teams and creating impactful programs. Now based in Durham, NC, Danae has cultivated deep ties within the Durham and Triangle communities, where she is passionate about leaving a positive mark. As the echoReverb Program Manager, she leads youth-focused initiatives centered on empowerment through entrepreneurship. Outside of work, Danae enjoys yoga, exploring the mountains, kayaking, and spending time with her partner and their three pets.
Originally from California, Danae brings a unique blend of experience in education and project management. After earning her BS in Child Development from CSU Sacramento and working as a preschool educator, she transitioned into project management, where she discovered her passion for leading teams and creating impactful programs. Now based in Durham, NC, Danae has cultivated deep ties within the Durham and Triangle communities, where she is passionate about leaving a positive mark. As the echoReverb Program Manager, she leads youth-focused initiatives centered on empowerment through entrepreneurship. Outside of work, Danae enjoys yoga, exploring the mountains, kayaking, and spending time with her partner and their three pets.
Diana is from Colombia and has over 12 years of experience in designing and monitoring public policies and programs for the public sector in Colombia, as well as for NGOs in North Carolina. She holds a Master's degree in International Development Policy from Duke University. Diana firmly believes in entrepreneurship and innovation as powerful tools for achieving social mobility and supporting minorities in uplifting themselves.
Diana is from Colombia and has over 12 years of experience in designing and monitoring public policies and programs for the public sector in Colombia, as well as for NGOs in North Carolina. She holds a Master's degree in International Development Policy from Duke University. Diana firmly believes in entrepreneurship and innovation as powerful tools for achieving social mobility and supporting minorities in uplifting themselves.
Ramon is a social entrepreneur and consultant focused on improving the quality of life for all. He has worked in a variety of settings in public health and healthcare since 2005.)
Ramon is a social entrepreneur and consultant focused on improving the quality of life for all. He has worked in a variety of settings in public health and healthcare since 2005.)