Tom’s of Maine Creates Incubator for Next-Gen BIPOC Environmental Leaders

Tom's of Maine is introducing its first-ever incubator initiative to propel the next generation of BIPOC leaders driving environmental solutions. 

Communities across the US are experiencing the effects of climate change daily with record-high temperatures and devastating storms, and unfortunately, many of the communities most severely impacted are BIPOC communities. According to a 2021 Environmental Protection Agency analysis that quantifies six types of environmental impacts like air quality and extreme temperatures, Black and African American individuals are projected to face higher impacts of climate change, compared to all other demographic groups. However, the voices of those most affected by climate change are rarely reflected or engaged in finding the solutions. 

The seven-month program designed to propel the next generation of BIPOC leaders driving environmental solutions. The program provides funding, mentorship, exposure and support to young changemakers, helping them Do Good. For Real. Applications are open through Oct. 19, 2022, according to Tom's, which is part of Colgate-Palmolive.

“We believe in the power of younger generations to create a more sustainable world, and the Tom's of Maine Incubator is our opportunity to support their ideas and engage them in developing solutions,” said Cristiane Martini, general manager, Tom's of Maine. “Tom and Kate Chappell founded Tom's of Maine with a small $5,000 loan and a big dream, and today the company is still dedicated to the purpose of creating natural personal care products that are good for people and good for the planet. We believe that we can and will make an impact through our products and through our collective and community actions.”

The inaugural Tom's of Maine Incubator class will be made up of five selected changemakers who have a passion and vision for building and broadening environmental solutions. Each Incubator member will receive $20,000 in funding to help support their mission, plus ongoing mentorship from influential voices in sustainability and climate activism.

Tom's of Maine Incubator mentors include: Ciara Imani May, CEO and founder of  hair extensions company Rebundle; Kristy Drutman, a climate activist and co-founder of Green Jobs Board; Lizzie Horvitz, CEO and founder of Finch, a company that incentivizes consumers to make better purchasing decisions by rating products based on their environmental footprint; and  Isaias Hernandez, environmental educator and creator of QueerBrownVegan where he creates introductory forms of environmentalism through colorful graphics, illustrations and videos.

Incubator members will also have the opportunity to participate in the Tom's of Maine Incubator Kick-Off Summit in Kennebunk, ME this fall. The three-day event will provide one-on-one interactions with mentors and Tom's leadership as well as an opportunity to workshop each member's vision and action plan for creating impact.

“As a company that has a long history of being environmental stewards, we see climate change as the greatest threat to a healthy future for people and our planet. Our Giving for Goodness and Get Into Nature initiatives both focus on supporting our communities and spotlighting environmental issues, so the Incubator is an extension of that work,” said Michelle Theodat Waring, steward for sustainability and everyday good, Tom's of Maine. “The young changemakers we're seeking for this inaugural Incubator represent the future of environmentalism, and we look forward to both supporting them in their efforts and learning from them along the way.”