Episode description

Startup LAWnchpad is the podcast that educates entrepreneurs about forming, growing and protecting a startup. Startup LAWnchpad is produced by the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic at Fordham University School of Law in New York City.

Episode Description: Julian Constain (Fordham Law ‘20) interviews Ana Demel, Vice-chair and Secretary of the Board of Directors of Pro Mujer, Inc. about the origins of this social enterprise, its history and current mission, and the legal matters that can arise out of such a unique corporate structure.

• [:30] Julian Constain introduces himself and Ana Demel, who shares the origin and mission of Pro Mujer as well as a snapshot of the successful organization, which helps poor women in Latin America.
• [7:03] An overview of the three-pronged empowerment mission of the company, including financial services, health, and training.
• [10:30] The complexities and strategic points of operating in six different countries throughout North and South America, and what it means to be a social enterprise.
• [14:25] The benefits of claiming 501(c)(3) federal tax exempt status and the ways in which profits of for-profit subsidiaries can be invested into the mission of a tax exempt organization.
• [21:37] Responding to regulatory changes and planning for the future with corporate restructuring, in order to maximize the organization’s mission.
• [23:13] Legal challenges that companies might face when meeting corporate governance regulations in the international finance and health sectors.
• [28:07] Examples of balancing Pro Mujer’s company vision while also complying with corporate governance.
• [34:25] The process of introducing Pro Mujer’s services into new countries and the challenge of moving capital from country to country.
• [40:16] A look at what’s next as Pro Mujer works to fulfill its mantra of empowering women in Latin America.

• “I realized that every improvement in how the organization was run meant an improvement in the way it could serve these women in Latin America.” — Ana Demel

• “Microfinance involves lending micro amounts, primarily to women, to help them in their businesses….You help them help themselves.” — Ana Demel

• “Three years ago we took a really hard look at what we were doing as an organization, and we came up with a strategic plan that envisions Pro Mujer as a platform for many different services.” — Ana Demel

• “We want to impact more women in a more impactful way, and it’s not just a matter of growing the number of our financial services clients. It’s knowing that we’re growing what we’re doing for all these clients.” — Ana Demel

• “The key to being tax-exempt is that all the work we do is for the purpose of furthering our charitable mission, which is to help women in Latin America.” — Ana Demel

• Pro Mujer

• Fordham’s Entrepreneurial Law Clinic
• Follow us on Twitter @FordhamELC

• Nasdaq Educational Foundation
• Fordham’s Entrepreneurial Law Advisory Council

Disclaimer:

The information contained in the Startup LAWnchpad podcast and any materials associated therewith (the “Podcast”) is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or tax advice with respect to any particular circumstance. The Podcast is not a complete overview or analysis of the topics presented and may contain information that varies in different jurisdictions and is subject to revision, interpretation, or nullification after the date of recording. The transmission of information to you does not create a lawyer-client relationship between you and any host, guest, or their respective employer, including but not limited to Fordham University School of Law and Lincoln Square Legal Services, Inc. None of these parties shall be liable for any loss that may arise from any reliance on the Podcast. You should not rely upon the Podcast or treat it as a substitute for legal advice. You should consult a lawyer familiar with your particular circumstances and licensed in your jurisdiction for legal advice.