VENT!
We hear you! We see you!
 
 

“Aid workers function in the context of an aid bureaucracy, while social entrepreneurs create their own context by starting a new organisation, company, project or movement to address a social problem in

a creative way”

(Nicholas D. Kristof)


“Just as entrepreneurs change the face of business, social entrepreneurs act as the change agents for society, seizing opportunities others miss and improving systems, inventing new approaches and creating solutions to change society for the better.  While a business entrepreneur might create entirely new industries, a social entrepreneur comes up with new solutions to social problems and then implements them on a large scale”

(Ashoka)


“Inspired Individuals are change agents whose unique vision has the capacity to transform the lives of

millions living in poverty”

(Tearfund)

I’m Heather Costaras.  I have a Greek surname - but I’m not Greek (I married one).  I’m a South African (based in Johannesburg... but really hoping to move to Cape Town).  I’m also a wife, mother, artist, musician and activist.  

And I’m a Creative Social Entrepreneur.  (If you’re not sure what that is - just read the cool quotes in red on the right hand side of this page).

I have conceptualised and launched a number of creative organisations and projects with the aim of addressing issues that are important to me.

I care deeply about this planet and the people on it.  I care about Africa (the land of my birth)… I care about orphans and vulnerable children… I care about the upliftment, education, emancipation and empowerment of women and girls... I care about sustainable development and fair trade… I care about the environment, the poor and I worry about the HIV/AIDS pandemic which carries such enormous repercussions for the people who share my continent.

 These, and many other causes are important to me.

In a nutshell, I come up with new, creative ways of addressing important social issues.  I create projects and design unique initiatives which seek to address the problems which concern me the most.

I am the person who asks:  ”But how can we change this situation?”… rather than the person who says:  ”This situation can never be changed”.

I always search for solutions.  I don’t bring a problem to the table, unless I have an idea for a solution.  I am an optimist and I dream BIG dreams.  I can see beauty, resources and potential in places where many people see hopelessness and despair (Africa is a case in point).

Apart from launching various projects and initiatives, I also work as a consultant – to companies or organisations who are interested in new, creative solutions to a particular social problem.  I am a generator of ideas… I churn them out… and many of these have successfully been put to good use.  

No single person can change the world alone… but if we collaborate, work together and dream together… imagine the possibilities!



Creative Social Entrepreneur & Founder of VENT!

Tearfund “Inspired Individual”


PS: If you interested in some of my work / thoughts / ideas - you can visit my blog here.  Or you can e-mail me.


PPS: Feel free to collaborate or communicate!

PPPS: Let your life shine!

Hi,
Heather x

Heather’s Other Projects:


  1. Bullet BEAUTIFUL LIFE PROJECT

Empowering women & girls through self-esteem and self-discovery workshops & creative initiatives.

(Visit the website here).


  1. Bullet TAPESTRY OF DREAMS

Bridging the gap between the Haves and the Have-Nots for the benefit of both.

(Visit the website here).


  1. Bullet WOODO (Women who DO!)

A diverse network of women who are determined to BE the change they want to see in the world. (Visit the website here).


  1. Bullet LOVE, AFRICA

Re-branding Africa as a place of creativity, resourcefulness and inspiration - rather than a place to be pitied and/or feared.






HEATHER’S FOUR VITAL CHANGE INGREDIENTS:


  1. BulletSTORIES


  1. BulletDREAMS


  1. BulletTHE ARTS


  1. BulletEXPERIENCES


Click on each one to understand why...