Our Why
the mission
Innovators for Purpose (iFp) is a BIPOC-led nonprofit design and innovation studio in Cambridge, MA, reimagining STEM education to empower youth, especially those from underrecognized communities. Through hands-on projects, students leverage design and STEM to drive social impact, developing creativity, leadership, and technical expertise. iFp prepares young people to excel in impactful careers and become changemakers, shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone.
Youth empowerment is why we exist, but our work doesn’t stop there. Simultaneously, we are committed to raising awareness within the innovation community about the untapped wealth of talent and potential within their midst. By investing in and nurturing our young talents, the innovation community can cultivate the desired inclusive talent pool they seek.
It’s often said that youth are the future at Innovators for Purpose (iFp) we believe they are the now as well.
iFp Programs
While STEM continues to garner significant attention, actual participation in these fields remains stagnant and narrow. At iFp, we're reimagining STEM education to focus not just on global competitiveness, but on empowering students to use these skills for societal betterment. Our approach resonates with today’s youth, eager to address pressing issues like equity and social justice. By reimagining STEM education, we are not just expanding student interest, but actively creating inclusive and transformative pathways for diverse young talents.
iFp Labs | grades 7-8: Serves as the gateway into iFp programming. Students are introduced to our methodologies using an unconventional approach integrating emerging technologies such as AI and robotics with empathy, equity, and social justice.
iFp Studios | grades 9-12: Our flagship program brings together aspiring creatives, technologists, and change-makers with experienced professionals for real-world, student-initiated, and client-sponsored projects. This highly experiential work-based learning environment requires constant new skills development, from coding to emerging technologies and innovative research methods. Organized as a paid internship, iFp Studios expects participants to maintain professional workplace standards, including responsibility, punctuality, and accountability.
iFp Next | Alumni: Recognizing the enduring value we provide to our alumni, iFp Next focuses on mentorship and fostering social capital, assisting iFp graduates in obtaining internships and job opportunities. Additionally, we provide paid hands-on work experiences in iFp Studios, both during the academic year and summer, to ensure ongoing skill development for our graduates.
Looking Glass, Designed in 2017 by iFp Teens
This Should Not Be, Designed in 2020 by iFp Teens includes 5 Augmented Reality Stories chronicling the first six months of 2020.
Our Beginnings | March 2014
Innovators for Purpose (iFp) was started by a group of friends who, after finding success in their careers, found themselves pondering purpose rather than the next high-paying job. Concerned about the quality of life in the communities they came from, the founders thought, “How might we help?” They united on the belief that education is a tool that equips, and thereby empowers, people to be innovators for change in their own communities.
Having previously established a successful nonprofit that encouraged youth of color to pursue math and science-based careers, these friends recreated and expanded this idea to include other methods of innovation to empower marginalized youth.
In March 2014, without any institutional or major financial backing, Innovators for Purpose (iFp) was born. Our first program was located at Fletcher Maynard Academy in the most economically challenged neighborhood in Cambridge, MA. The neighborhood has seen little change amidst the innovation boom. Students used our design process to examine the question “How might we be part of the changing neighborhood?” iFp has since added more programs throughout Cambridge and Boston that not only help youth discover their own “How might we…” questions, but also bring their innovative ideas to life.
iFp was incorporated as a 501c3 nonprofit in March 2014.
Co-Founders: William Bagley, Donna Dawson, Michael Dawson, James Grigsby, Edward Johnson, Dana Thompson
Our Leaders
Michael Dawson, Co-founder and CEO, career has spanned engineering, marketing and sales in High Tech as well as entrepreneurial endeavors resulting in a hybrid of technical skills, business acumen, design savviness, relationship building abilities and an undeniable entrepreneurial spirit. Holds Bachelor & Master in Electrical Engineering Degrees from the University of South Florida and an MBA from Babson College.
Donna Dawson, Co-founder, VP Youth Empowerment, visionary thinker with a zeal for art and the art making process. Inventive art educator with a proven capacity for promoting a respectful, caring, safe and inclusive classroom. Creates engaging learning experiences focused on Human Centered Design Principles, Character Development and Professional Identity that inspires youth to pursue Design and STEM careers. Holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art Education with over 20 years teaching experience and a certified K-12 instructor.
Our Board
Donna Dawson
Innovators for Purpose
Co-Founder & VP Youth Empowerment
Jess Pina
Tank Design
HR, Talent Director
Chokdee Rutirasiri
Broad Institute
Associate Director / Head of UX Design
Michael K. Dawson
Innovators for Purpose
Co-Founder & CEO
Amon Millner
Olin College
Associate Professor of Computing & Innovation
Ron Walker
COSEBOC
Founder & Executive Director
Kristina Lamour Sansone
Design Instinct Learning
Principal
Larry Myatt
Education Resources Consortium
Co-Founder & President