Welcome Savvoula, our EU fundraiser!

This post features the one and only Savvoula Oikonomou—Venopi's EU Fundraiser.

 

Originally from Athens, Greece, Savvoula is the founder of Huemaniser. They provide consulting services for equality, working with women entrepreneurs, NGOs/CSOs, local grassroots organisations, and SMEs to help them access funding and capacity building, diagnose gender bias in the workplace, and provide administrative services on project management and institutional funds' management.

 

Huemaniser believes in empowering women and marginalised communities by creating a safe and equitable workplace prioritising diversity, equity, and inclusion. Therefore Venopi is honoured and thrilled to have Savvoula in our team as our EU fundraiser. Let's get to know her more:

 

 

Hi Savvoula, please briefly tell us about your background

Hello there! I am Savvoula! I'm passionate about helping individuals and organizations access funding and capacity-building opportunities that will enable them to achieve their goals. Over the years, I've worked with diverse clients – from women and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs to non-governmental organizations, activists, local organizations, and Small & Medium Enterprises. Beyond my work, I love music, spending time outdoors, and always looking for new experiences.

 

Why did you decide to pursue "Huemaniser"?

My mission is to promote gender & environmental justice by helping women-led and LGBTQ+ companies grow and access institutional funding. Institutional funding can be risky and competitive, and small businesses and local organizations are usually excluded, even though they are the ones that need it the most.

 

For women entrepreneurs and/or entrepreneurs facing multiple oppressions (based on gender, sex, race, etc.), accessing loans and private funding can be an even more significant challenge. In the US- and Europe is not different- for every 1 dollar women entrepreneurs received, men received 23. I wanted to be part of the solution to this.

 

 

What is the hardest part of the journey so far? 

Entrepreneurship can have a toll on mental health. For me, it has been lonely and very stressful at times. Being a part of a community, practising self-care and focusing on the things that motivate me have benefited me not only on a personal but also on a professional level.

 

 

How about the best part? 

Working on topics that I am genuinely passionate about, such as helping women entrepreneurs achieve their mission. The social impact of my work is the best part of what I do.

 

Do you have any crazy, fun, nearly impossible milestones you wish to achieve in the coming years?

Well, I would like to destroy patriarchy 😊

 

What advice would you give to someone just starting their own business?

You are the most valuable resource of your company, so take good care of yourself. Find your community, meet other entrepreneurs, and discuss. We are all struggling with similar things.

 

What are some of your greatest learning experiences in running a business?

Ask for help and input from the people that make you feel safe. No one can do it alone. It took me some time to realize that.

 

Closing thought

Thank you so much for sharing, Savvoula! Your contribution to LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, non-governmental organisations, Higher Education Institutions, activists, local organisations, and Small & Medium Enterprises is inspiring! We are super grateful to have you in our team.

 

My favourite part of this interview is that you stated, "You are the most valuable resource of your company, so take good care of yourself". At times, we could forget to be kind to ourselves, which is one of the essential ingredients to be healthy mentally and physically.

 

As a closing, I want to share a quote that reminds me of Savvoula. It's from one of my favourite LGBTQ+ activists and prominent figure in legalising the same-sex marriage movement in the United States, Edie Windsor: "...I think that the truth is that if you really care about the quality of somebodys life as much as you do your own you have it made."