Article Topics

Blog

02-16-24

What’s Chef Farrell’s Why? Creative Freedom: Finding Joy and Purpose in the Culinary Arts

ICIC

Chef Saidah Farrell is the founder, CEO, and owner of Olivia Rose Confections, best known for their Marshmallow of the Month Club subscription box. The box is described as a s’more survival kit and includes chocolate bars, a house-made gourmet hot chocolate mix, freshly baked graham crackers, and the marshmallow of the month. Made from the freshest ingredients, Farrell has crafted 50 different flavors of these artisan marshmallows, spanning from traditional favorites like lemon, chocolate, and strawberry to decadent combinations like butter brandy, ginger cinnamon peach, and raspberry lime prosecco. Motivated by a desire to maintain creative freedom, the success that Chef Farrell has experienced over the last decade is the result of an unrelenting positive attitude and a willingness to learn, pivot, and adapt. A graduate of the Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women: Black in Business and the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses programs, Farrell’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and a supportive community. Read More


01-18-24

Cube Care Receives Special Recognition Award Sponsored by FedEx

ICIC

Cube Care, under the leadership of CEO Susana Robledo, reflects the transformative power of global trade, diversity, and community empowerment. Recognized as the 2023 Inner City 100 FedEx Champion of Global Entrepreneurship Award winner, Cube Care's journey embodies the FedEx commitment to diversity and empowering entrepreneurs. The company's impact begins with its community engagement, from providing jobs to prison inmates to creating a supportive environment for single mothers. Robledo emphasizes a people-centric approach, fostering a diverse, self-driven, and family-oriented culture. Robledo's vision goes on to extend beyond borders in a thriving collaboration with FedEx Express Latin America & Caribbean HQ to enhance healthcare interiors internationally. Steve Grossman, CEO of ICIC, celebrated Cube Care's journey as a profound illustration of global entrepreneurship and community impact. Cube Care’s recognition as a multi-year IC100 Award winner reflects its commitment to inclusive economic development, celebrating resilience, collaboration, and the positive impact of entrepreneurship. The company's story is an inspiration, showcasing that success is measured not just in profits but in the transformative impact a company can make locally and globally. Read More


01-18-24

Follow Your Passion: 2023 IC100 Chevron Dorothy A. Terrell Community Impact Award Winner

ICIC

Omoné O. Livingston, driven by her passion for engineering and community impact, founded O2EPCM, Inc., which recently received the 2023 Inner City 100 Chevron Dorothy A. Terrell Community Impact Award. O2EPCM specializes in providing comprehensive solutions in project management, construction management, project controls, QA/QC, inspection, staff augmentation, and design/engineering support. Beyond professional services, the company actively contributes to community development through impactful scholarships, internship initiatives, and involvement in community development events. O2EPCM's commitment to diversity is reflected in its hiring practices and participation in programs like the South Bay Workforce Program, transforming lives through meaningful careers. The company's dedication to employee growth, including benefits like tuition reimbursement and career counseling, results in a skilled and empowered workforce that benefits the communities it serves. Omoné's recognition reflects her unwavering commitment to her community and workforce. Read More


01-18-24

Printfresh: A Story of Growth and Social Responsibility

ICIC

Printfresh, co-founded by Amy Voloshin in 2016, started as a pajama-focused brand and has experienced remarkable growth, winning the 2023 Inner City 100 Business Growth Award for the second consecutive year with a staggering 5,280% growth since 2018. The brand's success lies in its dedication to distinctive prints, brand consistency, and a focus on sustainability, size inclusion, and social responsibility. Printfresh has expanded beyond sleepwear into a versatile lifestyle label, emphasizing a commitment to organic plant-based fabrics and contributing to the community through initiatives like Pledge 1%. The company's growth journey reflects the impact of hard work, customer focus, and a steadfast adherence to its values, positioning Printfresh not just as a business success but as a socially responsible brand making a real difference. Read More


01-18-24

Navigating Entrepreneurial Perseverance and Success: Diana Villegas and Nova Driving School

ICIC

Diana Villegas's entrepreneurial journey is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and a strong commitment to community impact. Founded by her parents in 2003, Nova Driving School has flourished under Diana's leadership, now boasting a fleet of 60 vehicles with advanced technology for driving education. Diana's resilience and work ethic, shaped by her mother's diverse business pursuits in Ecuador, drive her success. Nova Driving School stands out not only for its quality and safety but also for its dedication to making a positive impact on the community. Through partnerships and initiatives like donating to organizations and engaging with underprivileged communities, Nova has experienced significant growth. Participating in programs like the ICCC Latinx cohort has further enriched Diana's insights, emphasizing the importance of self-motivation and employee support. Nova Driving School's accolades, including the Inner City 100 award and Inc. 5000 recognition, showcase its remarkable success and commitment to community engagement. As Nova continues to grow, Diana's unwavering dedication to giving back remains a guiding force for the future. Read More



ICIC Icon

ICIC drives inclusive economic prosperity in under-resourced communities through innovative research and programs to create jobs, income, and wealth for local residents.

Contact

PO Box 191297
Roxbury MA 02119
Phone: 617-238-1740

Stay Connected

Sign up for our mailings and stay up-to-date on all research, commentary, and news related to ICIC as we continue to drive inclusive economic prosperity in America’s under-resourced communities.

Sign Up

© 2025 ICIC. All rights reserved.

Terms of Use    Privacy Policy