The two women had similar histories of living globally and shared a perspective that communities coming together can address challenges through dialogue. After talking, Trishala invited Pragya to join The Dialogue Xchange. Now, Pragya is a GreenHouse student, as well as doing an e-coop term focused on developing this venture.
In March, The Dialogue Xchange hosted a gender equity dialogue and plans a mental health dialogue in November. Participants apply to attend — with numbers deliberately kept small to allow full participation. Dialogues are videotaped with the hope that people around the globe can see them and modify solutions for their own communities.
Pragya describes “overwhelming positive response and emotional reactions” to the first dialogue, and she and Trishala were also able to participate in Communitech’s Fierce Founders Bootcamp. Pragya recently won $5,000 in an e-Coop e-Launch pitch competition and says, “I didn’t come in with business skills, but I’ve learned so much at GreenHouse already that now I’m looking for opportunities to pitch.” She adds, “To think we might have to stop doing this keeps me up at night — I hope we can make this a continued success.”
For now, she is surprised to be enjoying living back on campus after two years living with good friends, and is enjoying the opportunity to focus on her venture.
”The live-in community of GreenHouse is one of its biggest advantages. I enjoy being surrounded by people who are so motivated and I’m always learning something new.”
- by Susan Fish