Taco Bell and the Taco Bell Foundation Name Gainesville’s BEING Inner Value a 2022 inaugural Ambition Accelerator Semi-Finalist

Press release from BEING Inner Value

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – BEING Inner Value from Gainesville is ready to make a positive impact in their community and drive the change they want to see in the world. The project is one of 25 inaugural semi-finalists of the Taco Bell Foundation Ambition Accelerator, an initiative to equip young people with the tools they need to tackle today’s pressing challenges and feed a better future. The program is fueled by the Taco Bell Foundation and nonprofit Ashoka and funded by Yum!’s Unlocking Opportunity Initiative, with the goal of driving a world where every young person is a changemaker.

The Accelerator called on young people ages 16 to 26 with creative, ambitious ideas for social change, supporting and championing these young innovators to be leaders. These individuals and teams submitted applications with bold, game-changing visions for the chance to receive mentorship and feedback on their idea; to gain access to a community of like-minded young people; and the opportunity to win seed funding and longer-term support.

“It is an honor to not only share my story with other young women through BEING, but to hear and impact theirs, as well. I am so excited to connect with other young changemakers who are just as committed to social innovation and initiative at the Ambition Accelerator Summit. I thoroughly enjoy engaging other young people in service related to their interests throughout my school and community and have no doubt that this Summit will expand my ability to do so.” – Sophia Vernon, BEING Founder, 17 years old

“BEING has completely changed my life. Through discussion and research, it has taught me many things about myself that I didn’t know I related to, or even had a comprehension that it existed within myself. I am incredibly proud to be a part of this organization and I hope it helps others the way it helped and continues to help me find my inner value.” – Eowyn Verhaeren, BEING Vice President, 16 years old

Each of the teams selected for this final round will receive $1,000 in seed funding and a trip to Taco Bell headquarters in November that will supercharge their endeavors. At the event, they will grow their abilities with the support of experts in social innovation, network with peers, and showcase the power of change-making in action.

At the Ambition Accelerator Summit from November 1-5 later this year, five finalists will have the opportunity to pitch their projects for the opportunity to win a grand prize of $25,000 in seed funding. Last month, 220 young people received $500 to power their projects.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for BEING Inner Value!