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

Communications Manager

Selma Rassoul

Program Manager

Sophie Gholami

Community Animator & Social Media Manager

Karla Tijero

Program Manager

Shawgi Ahmed

Director

Jeannet Mopendza

Admin and Finance 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

Yazen 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.

Facebook feed

PLACE
PLACE16 hours ago
💢 PLACE Recommends 👉 Graphic Novel "Femme, Vie, Liberté" by Marjane Satrapi & co.

This gripping graphic novel serves as a response to the Iranian uprising sparked by the tragic death of Mahsa Amini. Arrested by the morality police for improper headscarf use, her story echoes through the pages, compelling us to confront the harsh realities of repression and human rights violations.

🌐 "Femme, Vie, Liberté" is also a call to action, with the goal of mobilizing Western opinion, combating indifference, and shattering the silence surrounding the Iranian struggle.

👩‍🎨 Marjane Satrapi is renowned for her autobiographical work "Persepolis," where she shares her deep commitment to supporting the Iranian revolt. For four months, her life was on hold as she tirelessly gathered information and support, emphasizing the urgency of the cause.

The graphic novel was released in French, and a Persian version will be published on numerous Iranian websites, highlighting its potential to reach a wide audience and contribute to the global conversation on the situation in Iran.

🔗 Read more about it here: https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2023/09/15/woman-life-freedom-marjane-satrapi-presents-graphic-novel-in-support-of-iranian-uprising_6135484_4.html

#PLACENetwork #PLACERecommends #Artivism #NewcomerTalent
PLACE
PLACE6 days ago
PLACE is part of 140+ organizations calling upon EU Leaders to demand an immediate ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian aid in Gaza. See the Open Letter here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeuraTngf03S4HVORYnWDFthJ4j_E7-hQJk0_umKSjPkb6bsg/viewform

Today, the European Parliament Delegation for Relations with Palestine is meeting in Strasbourg to discuss the current critical situation. We urge representatives to call for an immediate ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian aid into the region and avoid any more tragic loss of life.

#CeasefireNow
PLACE
PLACE2 weeks ago
Meet Djane Vasconcelos from this year's Fast Forward program! ✨

Fast Forward this year has combined with Up Collective to create a powerhouse of entrepreneurship and business and boost innovative leaders of tomorrow. Read Djane's insights into how this merge is important:

1) What is your background?
"My background is rooted in over 15 years of experience in business development, key account management, project management and fundraising. I've worked across diverse global markets, including Europe, the USA, Asia, Australia, and Latin America, giving me a well-rounded perspective on navigating the marketing and sales cycles in various cultural contexts. I am fluent in English, French, and Italian, and my native language is Portuguese (Brazil), with a working knowledge of Spanish. Throughout my career, I've honed my skills in building and managing relationships, driving sales, and successfully overseeing high-level projects. My ability to adapt and thrive in different regions and cultures has allowed me to excel in dynamic and challenging environments."

2) Why have you joined PLACE and the Fast forward program ?
"I've joined with a strong motivation to further enhance my global perspective and capabilities. Having worked across different continents and cultures, I recognize the value of continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends. PLACE offers a unique opportunity to connect with a diverse network of professionals and engage in high-impact projects. The Fast Forward program, in particular, aligns with my career goals of accelerating my growth and making a significant impact. By participating in this program, I hope to broaden my network, collaborate with talented individuals, and gain exposure to innovative ideas and solutions. I believe this experience will not only benefit me personally but will also allow me to contribute more effectively to the organizations I work with and the industries I serve."

3) What do you hope to achieve?
"My primary aim is to fuel my entrepreneurial spirit by continually broadening my expertise and expanding my global network. I intend to harness the knowledge and connections I acquire to drive sales, not just as a professional but as a strategic entrepreneur, and to lead ambitious projects with unparalleled effectiveness, navigating diverse markets with innovative approaches. In the short term, my ambition is to cultivate specific skills and strategies that empower me to conquer the ever-evolving challenges within today's dynamic business landscape. Looking further ahead, I aspire to assume leadership positions within international organizations, influencing their strategies and operations to achieve lasting success. By the culmination of this program, I aim to possess an in-depth understanding of emerging trends, along with a playbook of best practices, while fostering substantial entrepreneurial relationships. My ultimate aspiration is to emerge as a visionary and influential entrepreneur in my field, making meaningful contributions not only to my own organization but also to the greater entrepreneurial ecosystem."

#PLACENetwork #PeopleofPLACE #FastForward #NewcomerTalent #Entrepreneurship #Employment #UnlockYourPotential #UpCollective
PLACE
PLACE2 weeks ago
Newcomers bring a treasure trove of ideas for fostering greater inclusion and participation for migrants in host societies. Too often, these invaluable insights go unheard and undocumented.

With EMBRACE, we've amplified the voices of newcomers, turning their ideas into innovative solutions for a more inclusive society. Today, we are showing what recommendations the most concerned individuals propose when it comes to accessing vital services, information, and bureaucracy. 🔍

What other solutions can you think of? 🤔

Scan the QR code or click here to find out more information 👉👉👉 https://place-network.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/European-Booklet-.pdf

#PLACENetwork #EMBRACE #EmergingLeaders #NewcomerTalent #UnlockYourPotential #ActiveMigrantParticipation #InnovativeSolutions
PLACE
PLACE3 weeks ago
3 weeks ago our Head of Design Michele Caleffi and Program Manager Jocelyn Maskrey attended the 6th Annual Summit of the Refugee Entrepreneurship Network in Izmir, Türkiye!

Being surrounded by committed individuals and organisations boosting Refugee Entrepreneurship worldwide was a privilege. Especially discussing Forward Inc's innovative practices in the Netherlands, learning about NaTakallum's practical approach to utilising languages, and connecting with Startup Refugees in Finland. And of course it was great to see our Up Collective friends at Ben & Jerry's, TERN and DeliteLabs as always!

A special highlight was hearing from Laila Majeed about the co-creation of Ben & Jerry's (soon to be released in France!) new ice cream 'Sunny Honey Home' through Up Collective. Read about it here: https://www.benjerry.co.uk/flavours/sunny-honey-home-ice-cream

Our 3 Key Takeaways from the summit are:
1️⃣ - Impact measurement is crucial but hard to measure quantitatively. New means of measuring success could be thought of qualitatively
2️⃣ - Collaboration and networking in host countries is essential to enhance opportunities for entrepreneurs when they are just starting out
3️⃣ - A common need for practitioners is to have a reliable system for monitoring and evaluation, and data gathering more widely.

We cannot wait to return next year to keep refugee entrepreneurship thriving! Thank you Centre for Entrepreneurs 🌟

#PLACENetwork #UnlokYourPotential #NewcomerTalent #RefugeeEntrepreneurship #UpCollective #REN #IzmirTürkiye
PLACE
PLACE4 weeks ago
Join us this December for our second-ever Entrepreneurship Fest 🎉

📅 Date: 6th December 2023
🕖 Time: 19:00
🌆 Location: Volumes Lab (78 Rue Compans, 75019 Paris)

🔗 Register here via this link:https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/entrepreneurship-fest-2023-tickets-742143821147?aff=oddtdtcreator

This year, we're bringing together the best of both worlds – entrepreneurship and business – to empower the leaders of tomorrow. Our Fast Forward program participants will showcase their entrepreneurial projects developed through Up Collective and connect with recruiters and incubators. 💡

Get ready to immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere filled with talented individuals from various sectors and walks of life. Expect a Project Showcase, Speed Networking, free drinks, and much more! 🥂

Save the date, and let's make this year's Entrepreneurship Fest a night to remember! 🗓️

Want to get more involved? Email jocelyn@place-network.org

#PLACENetwork #UnlockYourPotential #NewcomerTalent #EntrepreneurshipFest #UpCollective #FastForward

Instagram

16 hours ago
4 days ago
5 days ago
6 days ago
2 weeks ago
2 weeks ago