PLACE accelerates and leverages the innovation newcomers bring to Europe
European societies need more and stronger voices with a recent history of migration to bring their perspectives and make their contributions to key economic sectors

We accelerate talent and match it with opportunities for new talent in 4 sectors. Find out what role you can play!

Business

Upskilling for meaningful employment
in a shifting economy

PLACE creates a pipeline that is win-win for both newcomers and the private sector: newcomers master new skills and opportunities to access meaningful work and companies get matched with the diverse talent they seek.

Entrepreneurship

From a choice by default to a self-defined life project, entrepreneurship can be a way to find a place in a new society. 

PLACE offers a pathway to start and test entrepreneurial projects which takes newcomers further on their empowerment journey: successfully integrating a business incubator or starting their own business.

Public
Leadership

We need new voices of influence on the complex challenges our societies are facing. We need newcomer voices in the public sphere.

PLACE runs the first of its kind public leadership incubator, to create capacity and room for new voices on key topics and invent new leadership models. We create the conditions for eye-level interactions for emerging leaders, and provide new talent to established leadership networks for new conversations that need to happen.

Media &
the Arts

Our complex societies need new conversations and forms of dialogue that only new voices can catalyze. 

PLACE develops bold proposals with diverse voices who speak for themselves, to challenge mainstream views of migration, leadership and other conversations wanting to be born.

By unlocking this new talent and matching it with organisations looking for new players in the areas of business, entrepreneurship, public leadership, and media & arts, we are shifting the perspective of migration from a burden to a unique asset for the development and growth of Europe.

PLACE champions migrant-led innovation: since 2016, we offer transformative and innovative learning experiences to newcomers and host societies, while also giving newcomers space for self-determination to find their version of power.

We do this through designing and running programs and events, from our flagship pop-up innovation labs in European capitals to 9-month fellowships online, from public events to retreats, hackathons, training of trainers, exhibitions and more. Our formats are migrant-led, apply next-generation learning methodologies and ed-tech, and involve groups from 10 to 100 people. They all share one aim: create the link in practice between migration and innovation in the sectors concerned.

Facilitation services

Knowing how to facilitate a group and lead collaboration online and offline, is a form of power. PLACE trains past learners of its programs to be Facilitators for online and offline learning, experiences and events. All PLACE events are migrant-led, and we also facilitate external events.

Interested in facilitation services?

Become a coach or an expert

PLACE monitors all learning outcomes through external experts, who assess the participants’ learning journey. We also provide a personal coach to all our participants, to help them to reach their goals.

Interested in being a PLACE expert or coach?

%

of PLACE program participants are refugees or asylum seekers

%

of learners have gained innovation skills exceeding industry standards for the future of work

learners in PLACE programs since 2017

%

of learners receive training-of-trainers and train on average 30 more people through PLACE

PLACE is working towards 5 Sustainable Development Goals

The place team

 

8 nationalities, 4 continents and 14 languages… we come from all walks of life, but here are a few points we have in common:

We care above all about people

We are perfectionists, self-motivated and relentless until we get results

We communicate openly and honestly

We need playfulness and challenges

We breathe through feedback

We put results and the team first

We excel at working across locations and cultures

Sedera Ranaivoarinosy

Program Host & Facilitator

Selma Rassoul

Program Manager

Sophie Gholami

Community Animator & Social Media Manager

Karla Tijero

Program Manager

Shawgi Ahmed

Director

Sarra Saadi

Communications Manager

Catherine Raad

Designer & Producer

Michele Caleffi

Co-founder & Head of Design

Ismail Alkhateeb

Operations Manager

Charlotte Hochman

Co-founder & Head of Innovation

Jocelyn Maskrey

Program Manager

Gabriel Waked

Co-founder & Talent Expert

PARTNER WITH US

 PLACE gets its strength and impact from the power of community. Our work is heightened by the collaborative efforts of our partners: forward-thinking actors from different sectors and countries, who push the boundaries so new embodiments of power can arise. Together, we’re changing the narrative of migration and transforming it into a vision of innovation. Join us today: work with us to change the game on a sector-level as a strategic partner.

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PLACE
PLACE6 days ago
📢 Appel à idées : espaces de coworking inclusifs en Île-de-France !
Saviez vous que environ un tiers des personnes en région parisienne ont un parcours migratoire, réfugié ou en sont d'origine? 🌍

Dans ce contexte, PLACE Network et nos partenaires du projet européen RES-MOVE Project, recherchons des initiatives innovantes pour transformer les espaces de coworking en véritables leviers d’intégration et d’autonomisation pour les personnes réfugiées, migrantes ou demandeuses d'asile.

👉 Qui peut candidater ?
Espaces de coworking souhaitant devenir plus inclusifs.
Projets innovants pour une meilleure intégration sociale et professionnelle.

✅ Pourquoi candidater ?
Recevez une subvention dédiée aux activités (formation, matériel, animation).
Bénéficiez d’un accompagnement complet par PLACE Network.
Rejoignez une dynamique européenne engagée pour l'inclusion.

📅 Candidatez dès maintenant et faites de votre espace un catalyseur du changement !

🔗 Tous les détails : www.resmove.eu
🔗 Formulaire de candidature : https://lnkd.in/ef_69ZBR
📧 Questions ? Contactez : chiara@place-network.org

hashtag#Inclusion hashtag#Coworking hashtag#RESMOVE hashtag#Paris hashtag#InnovationSociale hashtag#AppelÀProjets
PLACE
PLACE2 weeks ago
✨ Meet Talia, a French-Algerian youth advocate, educator, and founder of HANBITION, an association supporting young people with disabilities and those in the child welfare system. She shared with us her powerful journey as a changemaker, the impact of the ParticipAction program and being part of the PLACE Community on her work, and her vision for a future where every young person has the chance to thrive.🌟

Could you please introduce yourself in few words?
My name is Talia, I am 20 years old and currently training as a Child and Youth Care Worker. As a woman with a motor disability and a long-time volunteer, I founded the HANBITION association in 2023 to support young people with disabilities and those in child welfare. HANBITION promotes inclusion and equal opportunity through educational, cultural, socio-professional, and sporting initiatives. I also created an autobiographical short film, L'Empire des autres, to share my story and challenge stereotypes. My journey was strengthened by the ParticipAction program, which helped me grow my advocacy for social justice.

As part of the ParticipAction program, how do you work toward building a more inclusive society for youth with disabilities or from the care system?
ParticipAction has been a real springboard for me. It gave me the tools to give deeper meaning to HANBITION’s mission by developing workshops, refining my knowledge of nonprofit management, and connecting with other committed young people. Through HANBITION, I create safe spaces where everyone can speak freely and feel heard. I work to uplift the voices of marginalized youth, helping them build confidence and believe in their potential. I believe true inclusion is built through human connection, not just institutions and that young people must be at the heart of this change.

What are your hopes or ambitions for the future, for yourself, and for the young people you support?
My goals are to keep learning, stay committed, and help HANBITION grow so that more young people can pursue their dreams despite the obstacles they face. I want to break down barriers and fight exclusion by valuing each person's unique strengths and potential. I hope the association continues to evolve into a supportive, inclusive space where every young person feels seen, heard, and empowered. I may not change the world alone, but I believe every step counts when it helps someone find their path.

#YouthAdvocate
#Disability
#SocialJustice
#ParticipAction
#Inclusion
#EqualOpportunities
PLACE
PLACE3 weeks ago
🌍 Opportunities Digest – April 2025
Each month, PLACE shares handpicked opportunities. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, storyteller, or change maker, these opportunities are designed to elevate diverse voices and support your journey.
👇 Discover what’s happening this month:

🎤 Storytelling Basecamp – Netherlands 2025
Are you ready to challenge harmful narratives and share your story? Join Storytelling Basecamp, a unique training programme for people with a migration background to explore storytelling as a tool for change. Get professional mentorship, connect with others, and shift the public conversation.
📍 Format: 3 in-person & 3 online sessions
📝 Deadline to apply: April 30, 2025
🔗 Register via the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1mubOP_2bPJOyPEmeGO-jsOPVdGKIarXaUDoPav6RxMI/viewform?edit_requested=true&fbzx=6182346137040484770

🚀 Forward Incubator Demo Day – 2025
eady to discover the next wave of innovative startups? Join Forward Incubator’s annual pitch event and watch 18 entrepreneurs present the businesses they've built over 5 months with the support of student consultants and expert coaches.
🎤 Vote for your favorite pitch, connect with a global community, and support migrant-led innovation.
📅 Date: Wednesday, May 22nd, 2025
🕒 Time: 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM CET
📍 Location: Online (Zoom)
🔗 Register for free: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ZuXD0_7eROK8VkwXDxWLuA#/registration

Artivism:
🎨 Call for Artists – Mural Commission in Ireland
Are you a visual artist passionate about the ocean and sustainability? BlueMissionAA is commissioning a mural to be unveiled at University College Cork during the Cork Harbour Festival on June 1, 2025.
🌊 The theme: ocean restoration, marine biodiversity, and our deep connection with water.
📍 Location: Cork, Ireland
💶 Budget: Up to €6,000 (including fees, materials, logistics)
✅ Who can apply:
Artists based in Europe
18+ years old
✨ Bonus if you have mural/public art experience or are based in Ireland!
🗓️ Apply by May 7
🔗 Application link: https://bluemissionaa.eu/2025/04/bluemissionaa-launches-call-for-artists-to-create-ocean-restoration-mural-for-cork-harbour-festival/
PLACE
PLACE4 weeks ago
🎯 Including international residents in civic life: a success in Lyon!
As part of the Resilient Cities program and with the City of Lyon, a diverse group (residents with migration backgrounds, city officials, civil society, and democracy professionals) came together to explore:

👉 How can we ensure that the voices, concerns, and experiences of people with migration backgrounds are truly reflected in public policies and the life of the city?

🧪 Micro-experiment:
In Feb 2025, an Enhanced Citizens’ University (UC+) on the Wellbeing Compass welcomed a dozen international residents to join local dialogue.
💬 Participatory workshops, accessible presentations, and a world map icebreaker 🌍 created a space where everyone felt confident to speak up.

📌 3 Key takeaways:
1️⃣ Sustainably involve international residents
2️⃣ Adapt formats for inclusive participation
3️⃣ Use dedicated channels (e.g. WhatsApp)

💡 Ready to inspire other cities!
👉 Want to be part of this change? Let’s connect! 🤝

---------------------------

🎯 Inclure les résident·es internationaux·les dans la participation citoyenne : une réussite à Lyon !
Dans le cadre de Resilient Cities, et avec la Ville de Lyon, un groupe de résident·es internationaux·les, élu·es, associations et professionnel·les de la démocratie locale a participé à une expérimentation :

👉 Comment permettre la prise en compte des problématiques et expériences
des personnes avec un parcours de migration dans les politiques publiques et la vie de la cité?

🧪 Micro-expérience :
En février 2025, une Université Citoyenne+ (UC+) autour de la Boussole du Bien-Être a permis à une dizaine de résident·es internationaux·les de rejoindre les échanges citoyens.
💬 Ateliers participatifs, présentations pédagogiques, brise-glace avec carte du monde 🌍 : tout pour un vrai climat de confiance.

📌 3 recommandations clés :
1️⃣ Intégrer durablement les résident·es internationaux·les
2️⃣ Adapter les formats pour une participation inclusive
3️⃣ Créer des canaux spécifiques (WhatsApp…)

💡 Une expérience à partager pour inspirer d'autres territoires !
👉 Envie de faire bouger les choses ? Prenons contact ! 🤝

#ParticipationCitoyenne #Inclusion #DémocratieLocale #ResilientCities #Wellbeing #Migrations #LocalDemocracy #InnovationDémocratique #CityOfLyon
PLACE
PLACE1 month ago
🎯 Including international residents in civic participation a successful experience in Lyon!
Through the Resilient Cities program, and in partnership with the City of Lyon, a diverse group — including city officials, residents with international backgrounds, local democracy professionals, and civil society actors — came together to take part in the Policy Labs experience. Together, they explored one central question:

👉 How can we ensure that the voices, concerns, and experiences of people with migration backgrounds are truly reflected in public policies and the life of the city?

🧪 Their Micro-Experiment:
➡️ In February 2025, the team organized an “Enhanced” Citizens' University (UC+), focused on the theme of the Wellbeing Compass.
Citizens' Universities are usually spaces where neighborhood councils, civic committees, and local groups gather to explore public policy topics through open discussion.
For the first time, a group of a dozen residents with international backgrounds joined the dialogue — alongside neighborhood council members, local residents, city officials, and city staff.

➡️ An interactive workshop, a clear and accessible presentation, and a fun icebreaker using a world map helped create a welcoming atmosphere where everyone felt confident to share their views freely.

📌 Key Lessons from the Experience:
1️⃣ Actively and sustainably involve residents of international backgrounds in existing civic engagement spaces.
2️⃣ Design participatory spaces that are inclusive, interactive, and encourage genuine exchange.
3️⃣ Set up dedicated communication channels (such as WhatsApp) to maintain engagement and build lasting relationships.
💡 The group is proud to share their experience to inspire more cities to strengthen inclusion and rethink civic participation!
👉 Want to be part of this change?
If you're a city leader, community organizer, or simply passionate about building more inclusive cities, let's connect and together create spaces where every voice truly matters.

#CivicParticipation #Inclusion #LocalDemocracy #Wellbeing #WellbeingCompass #LivingTogether #CityOfLyon #DemocraticInnovation #ResilientCities #PublicPolicy #Migration

---------------------------

🎯 Inclure les résident·es internationaux·les dans la participation citoyenne : une expérience réussie à Lyon !

Dans le cadre du programme Resilient Cities et en partenariat avec la Ville de Lyon, un groupe de personnes a participé à l’expérience des Policy Labs – composé de résident·es internationaux·les, d’élu·es de la Ville, de professionnel·les de la démocratie locale et d’acteurs associatifs et ont réfléchi ensemble à une question essentielle :

👉 Comment permettre la prise en compte des problématiques et expériences
des personnes avec un parcours de migration dans les politiques publiques et la vie de la cité?

🧪 Leur micro-expérience :
➡️ En février 2025, une Université Citoyenne "augmentée" (UC+) a été organisée autour du thème de la Boussole du Bien-Être. Les Universités citoyennes sont des événements généralement destinés aux conseils de quartiers, aux conseils citoyens et aux comités d’intérêt locaux pour découvrir une thématique et/ou une politique publique tout en favorisant le dialogue de manière participative.

➡️ Pour la première fois, une dizaine de résident·es internationaux·les ont été invités à participer aux échanges aux côtés de membres de conseils de quartier, citoyens, élu·es et agent·es de la Ville.

💬 Ateliers participatifs, présentations pédagogiques, brise-glace original avec une carte du monde 🌍 : tout a été mis en place pour créer un vrai climat de confiance et permettre à chacun·e de s’exprimer.

📌 Les recommandations issues de cette expérience :
1️⃣ Intégrer durablement les résident·es internationaux·les dans les instances participatives existantes.
2️⃣ Adapter les formats des événements participatifs pour favoriser une participation active et inclusive.
3️⃣ Créer des canaux de communication spécifiques (comme WhatsApp) pour maintenir le lien et encourager l'engagement.

💡 Le groupe est prêt à partager son expérience pour inspirer d’autres territoires!

👉 Vous voulez faire bouger les choses ?
Que vous soyez un·e élu·e local·e, un·e acteur·rice de terrain ou simplement passionné·e par le développement de villes plus inclusives, prenons contact ! Ensemble, nous pouvons créer des espaces où chaque voix compte vraiment.

#ParticipationCitoyenne #Inclusion #DémocratieLocale #BienÊtre #BoussoleDuBienÊtre #VivreEnsemble #VilleDeLyon #InnovationDémocratique #ResilientCities #politiquespubliques #migrants
PLACE
PLACE1 month ago
🎯 Including international residents in civic participation a successful experience in Lyon!
Through the Resilient Cities program, and in partnership with the City of Lyon, a diverse group — including city officials, residents with international backgrounds, local democracy professionals, and civil society actors — came together to take part in the Policy Labs experience. Together, they explored one central question:
👉 How can we ensure that the voices, concerns, and experiences of people with migration backgrounds are truly reflected in public policies and the life of the city?
Their Micro-Experiment:
In February 2025, the team organized an “Enhanced” Citizens' University (UC+), focused on the theme of the Wellbeing Compass.
Citizens' Universities are usually spaces where neighborhood councils, civic committees, and local groups gather to explore public policy topics through open discussion.
For the first time, a group of a dozen residents with international backgrounds joined the dialogue — alongside neighborhood council members, local residents, city officials, and city staff.
An interactive workshop, a clear and accessible presentation, and a fun icebreaker using a world map helped create a welcoming atmosphere where everyone felt confident to share their views freely.

📌 Key Lessons from the Experience:
1️⃣ Actively and sustainably involve residents of international backgrounds in existing civic engagement spaces.
2️⃣ Design participatory spaces that are inclusive, interactive, and encourage genuine exchange.
3️⃣ Set up dedicated communication channels (such as WhatsApp) to maintain engagement and build lasting relationships.
💡 The group is proud to share their experience to inspire more cities to strengthen inclusion and rethink civic participation!
👉 Want to be part of this change?
If you're a city leader, community organizer, or simply passionate about building more inclusive cities, let's connect and together create spaces where every voice truly matters.

🎯 Inclure les résident·es internationaux·les dans la participation citoyenne : une expérience réussie à Lyon !

Dans le cadre du programme Resilient Cities et en partenariat avec la Ville de Lyon, un groupe de personnes a participé à l’expérience des Policy Labs – composé de résident·es internationaux·les, d’élu·es de la Ville, de professionnel·les de la démocratie locale et d’acteurs associatifs et ont réfléchi ensemble à une question essentielle :

👉 Comment permettre la prise en compte des problématiques et expériences
des personnes avec un parcours de migration dans les politiques publiques et la vie de la cité?

🧪 Leur micro-expérience :
➡️ En février 2025, une Université Citoyenne "augmentée" (UC+) a été organisée autour du thème de la Boussole du Bien-Être. Les Universités citoyennes sont des événements généralement destinés aux conseils de quartiers, aux conseils citoyens et aux comités d’intérêt locaux pour découvrir une thématique et/ou une politique publique tout en favorisant le dialogue de manière participative.

➡️ Pour la première fois, une dizaine de résident·es internationaux·les ont été invités à participer aux échanges aux côtés de membres de conseils de quartier, citoyens, élu·es et agent·es de la Ville.

💬 Ateliers participatifs, présentations pédagogiques, brise-glace original avec une carte du monde 🌍 : tout a été mis en place pour créer un vrai climat de confiance et permettre à chacun·e de s’exprimer.

📌 Les recommandations issues de cette expérience :
1️⃣ Intégrer durablement les résident·es internationaux·les dans les instances participatives existantes.
2️⃣ Adapter les formats des événements participatifs pour favoriser une participation active et inclusive.
3️⃣ Créer des canaux de communication spécifiques (comme WhatsApp) pour maintenir le lien et encourager l'engagement.

💡 Le groupe est prêt à partager son expérience pour inspirer d’autres territoires!

👉 Vous voulez faire bouger les choses ?
Que vous soyez un·e élu·e local·e, un·e acteur·rice de terrain ou simplement passionné·e par le développement de villes plus inclusives, prenons contact ! Ensemble, nous pouvons créer des espaces où chaque voix compte vraiment.

@Ville de Lyon, @Mission Démocratie Ouverte, @Mission Budget Participatif, @Synergies Migrations

#ParticipationCitoyenne #Inclusion #DémocratieLocale #BienÊtre #BoussoleDuBienÊtre #VivreEnsemble #VilleDeLyon #InnovationDémocratique #ResilientCities #politiquespubliques #migrants

#CivicParticipation #Inclusion #LocalDemocracy #Wellbeing #WellbeingCompass #LivingTogether #CityOfLyon #DemocraticInnovation #ResilientCities #PublicPolicy #Migration

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