Amplifying Sustainability through Reuse

Join host Natalie Benamou for an inspiring episode with Jessica Gonzalez, CEO of Happen Ventures. Jessica shares her remarkable journey from facing near-bankruptcy during the COVID-19 pandemic to building a successful business dedicated to sustainability and reuse. Learn how she transformed personal and professional challenges into opportunities, pivoting from event management to waste management innovation. Jessica's innovative approach ensures no resource is wasted while minimizing costs and amplifying sustainability.

Key Takeaways

Empowering Sustainability Through Reuse

Jessica shares her journey of turning near-bankruptcy and personal challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic into a successful business focused on sustainability and reuse.

She discusses how she repurposed excess COVID-related waste, such as hand sanitizers and face masks, to help communities in need, leading to the founding of Happen Ventures.

Connecting Nonprofits to Surplus Resources 

Jessica explains how leveraging AI and technology can efficiently match surplus products from retailers with the needs of local nonprofits.

The hyper local approach minimizes logistical costs and maximizes sustainability, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional recycling.

Balancing Growth and Personal Life

Jessica discusses the remarkable growth of her company and how she balances professional success with personal life.

She shares insights into managing rapid expansion, undergoing IVF, relocating to Puerto Rico, and redefining success through quality time with her family.

Inspiring Women in Business

Jessica's story is a testament to the power of adaptability and creativity in challenging times.

She encourages listeners to rethink recycling and consider reusing materials, aiming to inspire sustainable and proactive approaches in their own lives and businesses.

Favorite Quotes

Empowering Sustainability Through Reuse

“Reuse is helpful for all people, it’s less expensive than recycling, better for the environment and has tax benefits. I'm proud to say that we are pushing for the new frontier of sustainability with both companies and homes, through reuse first as an option when it comes to finding homes for products that you no longer want.” – Jessica Gonzalez

 “We've been able to have our nonprofit partners go and pick it up. We do it hyperlocal. Our AI tech platform connects the needs with thousands of nonprofits.” Jessica Gonzalez

“Using our AI platform, we know what nonprofits need, we know their location and we're able to hyper-localize where these things are placed, based on nonprofits' capabilities and needs.
We make what a store doesn’t need anymore match instantaneously”

– Jessica Gonzalez