In a remarkable gesture of generosity and support, Pinky Cole Hayes, the powerhouse behind Slutty Vegan, on May 3, 2024, announced an initiative to empower the graduating class of Savannah State University.
During her address as this year’s commencement speaker, Cole Hayes unveiled plans to provide each graduate with an “Entrepreneurial Starter Pack” valued at $8.75 million.
Partnering with Operation Hope and One Million Black Businesses (1MBB), Cole Hayes is offering graduates a comprehensive array of resources valued at $25,000 each. This includes a membership to 1MBB, granting access to financial guidance, small business training courses, and a 3-month subscription to Shopify.
Expressing her commitment to nurturing future leaders and entrepreneurs, Cole Hayes spoke about the importance of mentorship and belief in one’s dreams.
Recognizing the resilience of the graduating class, she praised them for their ability to overcome adversity and emerge stronger from challenging circumstances.
“This graduating class has experienced so much adversity. Their college years began with a global pandemic and they have had to navigate their lives through unprecedented events. Through it all, they have thrived and are ready to enter the ‘real world’ with more experience and the confidence to face life’s new challenges. I believe in these graduates, and I hope that this gift will help them as they transition into this next phase of their lives,” she said in a statement.
Cole Hayes, renowned for her vegan cuisine and philanthropic initiatives, has previously supported educational and business endeavors. Her collaboration with Operation Hope and 1MBB aims to provide aspiring Black entrepreneurs with invaluable opportunities for success.
John Hope Bryant, the founder of Operation Hope, lauded Cole Hayes for her unwavering dedication to community upliftment. Through initiatives like 1MBB, they aspire to foster a culture of entrepreneurial excellence and empower individuals to realize their full potential.
This extraordinary gift from Pinky Cole Hayes reflects her profound commitment to creating pathways for success and transforming lives for the better.
Thanks to Pinky Hayes, Savannah State graduates are embarking on their journey into the professional world equipped with the tools, resources, and unwavering support needed to thrive in their entrepreneurial endeavors.
