Hello, I’m Gen Baxter Founder @ Aula Future in the Venture Cafe Philadelphia-community! I’m working on building a business that will improve the way designers learn online. Aula Future is a design academy that focuses on helping its students to develop skills for the Green Economy. Our online and in-person design challenges generally specialize in “green skills” like biodesign and digital technology, with a strong emphasis on circular, regenerative, and ethical design, for the mission of developing the innovators we need to reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

LEARN

I do what I do because I have personally met designers and creators who want to do good and who want to create a positive impact in the world, but don’t know where to start. I have been that person. I do what I do because I wish that a platform like Aula Future existed when I was going to school. I have yet to see a marketplace quite like ours where learners at any level can jump in and learn through real-world design challenges with actual companies, and develop projects that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

CONNECT

As a visitor at Venture Café I’d like to recommend first time visitors to get involved! Venture Cafe is a wonderful place to not only connect and learn but to also gain feedback and develop your ideas. Whether it’s a pitch night or becoming an ambassador, there are plenty of ways for you to get involved with the community. Do you have a business you want to share or have skills that you want to teach others? Maybe you can table at one of their Thursday Gatherings or host a session. In doing so, you will learn more about yourself and open yourself up to new opportunities. You never know who will see you speak!

SHARE

I’m hoping to find innovative companies or small businesses who want to co-create a design challenge. I would love to connect with those that are passionate about doing better, whether that be developing a more sustainable product or system, reducing emissions, or starting an impactful project for their customers. Design challenges are a wonderful opportunity for you to pose a question or a challenge and open it up to your community! In the process, you will gain valuable research and answer important questions, all while providing an educational opportunity for aspiring and professional designers.

Learn more about what I do on my website!