Giselle founded EqualReach, a social enterprise that connects businesses with highly skilled tech teams from refugee backgrounds or other socially vulnerable populations.
EqualReach began in 2023, following a decade in which Giselle documented the journeys of refugees traveling from Syria to Germany and researched how digital work can help reduce the inequalities they face. She created the EqualReach platform to connect businesses with teams of tech talent for remote, project-based work. Businesses can post a project in under 10 minutes, after which EqualReach reviews it and matches it with one to three tailored proposals from suitable teams. The platform also manages contracts, payments, and tracks key metrics for impact reporting.
The social enterprise has provided contract employment for 200 refugees and internally placed people (IDPs), helping them support their families and, oftentimes, secure long-term employment. Through data from similar projects, it is estimated that, in addition to providing immediate income stability, the work experience gained through these contracts leads to a 26% increase in long-term employment. Tech teams are also often able to earn wages four to ten times more than local averages, providing economic stability as well as increased social impact for the hiring business.
At the 2024 Summit in Montréal, Giselle was challenged to envision the future of her social enterprise. She pictured herself sharing the EqualReach story and helping shape a positive narrative about refugees on a global scale. A year later as a Returning Ambassador, she spoke on the Summit presentation stage in Munich alongside Gary Shaughnessy, Chair of the Z Zurich Foundation, as well as hosting a booth for EqualReach in the exhibition hall, and secured grant funding. She describes One Young World as a turning point in her journey as a social entrepreneur.
“Full circle a year later, we had funding, a team, and knew what we were doing, with real conviction in what we were building. Being at One Young World was a massive launch point.”
Contributor
