Our Founder
C Luisa Bracamonte
Our Founder’s Story
Greetings! I'm the founder of the NXTWave. A charitable foundation with a mission serving as a vehicle to build inclusive, inter-generational wealth, reshaping a healthier future. It is our goal to address the green infrastructure crisis to help mitigate the effects of climate change, foster engagement in our diverse democracy, and empower sustainable communities through the green economy, gender equality, responsible tourism, and education.
After retiring early from a successful career during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, I felt compelled to make a difference. Witnessing the struggles of small, brick-and-mortar businesses during the mandated lockdowns opened my eyes to the deep-seated disparities in our nation. It was like peeling back layers to reveal a reality I'd never fully seen before. This powerful revelation drove me to establish the Foundation, with a heartfelt mission to support and uplift those most impacted by these challenges.
With the support of local SBAs and digital marketing experts, Clara was encouraged to participate in one of our Hackathons aimed at helping mom-and-pop shops transition into the online marketplace. Following her participation, Clara successfully launched a small e-commerce platform selling spices, ensuring her business thrived in the digital era. Clara did not break even but the sole idea of making a bit of money, used to bring tears to her eyes when she told me:
Her words burned my soul. Clara thanking me for thinking of them was enough of a challenge for me. It made me realize how many others are in Clara's shoes—unbanked, unskilled, desperate to survive.
Since its inception, the Foundation has been dedicated to testing various models in frontier communities, supporting schools and small businesses facing inequities. Over the past three years, we have forged a path dedicated to supporting grassroots initiatives that not only enrich individual lives but also enhance community well-being within the green economy.
Our Foundation exists with a steadfast belief in integrating finance and social capital, offering grants and technical assistance to foster generational wealth through sustainable business ownership, job creation, and accessible housing solutions.
We are committed to rectifying historical injustices through collaborative efforts with global communities, striving to advance fair and inclusive approaches.
Fueled by my deep passion for sustainability, I am committed to tackling climate challenges creatively and inspiring others to make thoughtful choices. Through initiatives like the 'GreenStrides Project,' I integrate responsible tourism with environmental stewardship to maximize our impact, benefiting individuals, communities, and the planet.
I warmly invite you to join us on this journey and extend my heartfelt thanks in advance for deciding to be part of it.
Gratefully yours,
C Luisa Bracamonte
Founder
Our Volunteers
Everything we do produces a ripple effect by harnessing the power of our army of volunteers through our partnerships with the Academia, Corporations and NGOs.
Theory of Change
Inputs
- Formation of cross-sector task forces involving EPA, local banks, and grassroots organizations. Metric: Number of partnerships established and collaborative projects.
- Accessible unrestricted grants, low-interest loans, and impact investment funds. Metric: Amount of funding secured by diverse sources.
Outputs
- Collaborative networks engaging diverse stakeholders. Metric: Number of cross-sector organizations involved.
- Allocation of financial resources to desinvested entrepreneurs and communities. Metric: Total amount of funding disbursed and the proportion allocated to marginalized individuals.
Outcomes
- Increased participation of marginalized people in project planning and implementation. Metric: Percentage of projects with diverse representation and level of involvement of underrepresented communities.
- Advancement of environmental equity and economic growth within communities. Metric: Local, greener, job-creation and increased income levels.