{"id":13150,"date":"2023-10-18T20:27:29","date_gmt":"2023-10-18T20:27:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lemonerdy.com\/web\/?p=13150"},"modified":"2023-10-27T13:30:19","modified_gmt":"2023-10-27T13:30:19","slug":"lemonerdy-university-is-a-t-mobile-changemaker-challenge-grand-prize-winner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lemonerdy.com\/web\/lemonerdy-university-is-a-t-mobile-changemaker-challenge-grand-prize-winner\/","title":{"rendered":"Lemonerdy University is a T-Mobile Changemaker Challenge Grand Prize Winner"},"content":{"rendered":"

Earlier this year, David, my Lemonerdy University co-founder and I were named finalists in the T-Mobile Changemaker Challenge and the Digital Empowerment Category winners. That meant that we were invited to the T-Mobile Changemaker Lab to meet the other changemakers, tour T-Mobile, see Seattle, learn how to grow Lemonerdy University from top mentors at Ashoka and T-Mobile, and pitch our Lemonerdy University to T-Mobile executives this October. <\/p>

Day One<\/h2>
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David and I flew almost five hours from Chicago to Seattle early Sunday morning, were greeted with a sign with our names on it just like in the movies, and quickly got checked in. We met the team from Ashoka and T-Mobile, and they handed us backpacks full of goodies that we would use during the week and when we got home. My favorite piece of T-Mobile swag (stuff we all get) was definitely the hoodie. Soft perfection.<\/p>

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After we spent some time in the hangout room that T-Mobile and Ashoka set up for us with games, snacks, and drinks, we headed to dinner at Bake’s Place Bar & Bistro for the welcome dinner where the food was phenomenal. After the welcome dinner, we played games outside and got to know each other.<\/p>

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After the welcome dinner and games, we headed back to the hotel to practice for the pitch. It reminded me of practicing with my parents for SXSW EDU<\/a> but much more relaxed. We knew we had a long day coming up so after we practiced and hung out a little with the other finalists, we went to bed.<\/p>

Day Two<\/h2>
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On day two, we woke up early for breakfast and then boarded the bus to go to T-Mobile headquarters. We were greeted by Ashoka, T-Mobile, and Augeo staff. The greeting felt so special! <\/p>

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The day started with David and I sitting down with different experts and mentors from T-Mobile to present problems we were struggling with during the World Problem Solving Cafe. We did a short overview\/elevator pitch of Lemonerdy University, and the experts suggested ways that we could solve any problems or issues that we were working on. After the cafe, we connected with other Changemakers through lots of activities and games.<\/p>

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We also did icebreakers, activities, and competitions that helped us to get to know each other. I enjoyed getting to know the Changemaker finalists and hearing more about their projects.<\/p>

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After hanging out at T-Mobile headquarters, we got back on the bus and went out to explore the Space Needle. Our inner elementary school kids came out, and we had a great time on the playground before getting our tickets and going up the 600-foot structure. It was raining (hence the ponchos) so we couldn’t see much, but it was still an awesome experience.<\/p>

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We had a fantastic time at the Space Needle, and after that, we went over to the Forum House where we had the whole place to ourselves, played games, and had great food – as usual. I realized that I’m not a great golfer. I’ll have to work on that!<\/p>

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After a great time at Forum House, we went back to the hotel to hang out and work on our pitch. It was a long day, and we had a fantastic experience. Everything was so well organized, and they made sure that we felt like we were part of something super important.<\/p>

Day Three<\/h2>

It is pitch day! Another early morning breakfast and then off to T-Mobile Headquarters. We visited 5G & Me and took a peek into the future. David and I and the other Category winners practiced our pitches and then changed into our “uniforms” to get ready for the pitch. The coffee had worn off, BUT I was still ready to go.<\/p>

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The Pitch<\/h2>

Thanks to our mentors, WE KILLED IT! Not perfect, but it was pretty close for us as far as pitches go.<\/p>

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