Meet Erika Estudillo, Kavita Patel, & Ryan Bangsund | Co-Founders – NowUs Foundation

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erika Estudillo, Kavita Patel, & Ryan Bangsund and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erika, Kavita, & Ryan, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
At NowUs, our passion for empowering dreamers and doers fuels everything we do. Born from the inspiring collaboration of our three founders, we’ve witnessed the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, especially those from underrepresented communities. Our goal is clear: bridge the economic gap and uplift these remarkable women. Having personally witnessed the post-pandemic surge of female entrepreneurs in our communities, we were driven to establish a platform that empowers these women through education, funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities. NowUs is dedicated to nurturing their success and making a positive impact on their lives and their communities. We invite everyone to join in empowering these incredible women and shape a more promising future!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
NowUs Foundation is a nonprofit organization that empowers women entrepreneurs in the Gateway Cities of Los Angeles. What sets us apart is committing to one-on-one, or sometimes three-on-one, interviews in which we provide our full attention to understand specifically what potential clients need regarding training, support, and funding. We aim to provide a nurturing and inclusive environment where women entrepreneurs can readily access education, funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities. We take immense pride in the incredible women entrepreneurs who trust us and serve as an endless source of inspiration, driving our mission forward.

Challenges have marked our journey, but we’ve overcome them through determination and passion. Building the foundation and gaining support requires hard work and dedication from our team, volunteers, and partners. We embraced each obstacle as a chance to learn and grow, recognizing the transformative power of mentorship and the impact of providing resources for women in business. These lessons have fortified our belief that when women entrepreneurs thrive, they create positive ripple effects that extend through their communities and will have generational transformations.

Our story is rooted in the vision of creating a more equitable society. We want the world to know that NowUs Foundation is a platform of opportunity and a catalyst for change. Empowering women entrepreneurs contributes to a brighter future where every woman rises to her fullest potential and opportunities know no bounds.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Our team members highly value the rejuvenating power of spending time outdoors during our private moments. When we’re not dedicated to family, continuing education, NowUs, or our professional careers, we often enjoy exploring the great outdoors. Therefore, a probable scenario would involve taking our friend to Joshua Tree, our local National Park, or embarking on a coastal trip to one of Southern California’s charming beach towns, which we are fortunate to have easy access to. Along the way, we can’t resist supporting small-local businesses like Plantiitas or The Hangout in Long Beach, Horchateria Rio Luna or Antojitos Mexicanos in Paramount, or the Crossroads Cafe in Joshua Tree, which is always a must-stop when we venture into the desert. The Los Angeles area is abundant with numerous other small businesses, and one of our favorites is Three Weavers in Inglewood, known not only for their fantastic beer but also for their inspiring story and mission!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
As co-founders of the NowUs Foundation, we extend our heartfelt shoutout to the incredible women entrepreneurs whose strength, bravery, and inspiration fuel our mission. Our deep appreciation also goes to our dedicated team members, volunteers, and partners for their unconditional support and efforts in empowering women entrepreneurs. Moreover, we are immensely grateful to the mentors and supporters who have guided and encouraged us, playing a crucial role in our success and, more importantly, in the positive impact on the community we serve. Together, these remarkable individuals and groups truly deserve recognition for shaping the story of the NowUs Foundation.

Website: https://nowusfoundation.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowus.foundation/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nowus-foundation/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NowUsFoundation/

Image Credits
Photography By: Ryan Bangsund, LA Mission, Sravani Patel