Pinterest Impact Lab concludes 2024 cohort experience and annual alumni program

The Pinterest Impact Lab is one of many ways we mobilize resources to advance emotional wellbeing. The program, designed to support the organizational and leadership capacities of emerging-stage organizations within Pinterest's Impact Fund portfolio, recently brought together 17 inspiring leaders from 10 community- and BIPOC-led Impact Partners.

Over the past few months, Pinterest Impact Lab co-designed a unique cohort-based learning experience focusing on areas critical to personal and organizational success, such as communications, fundraising, leadership development and operations. This year’s program centerpiece was an in-person Community Coaching Day, where cohort members presented on their organizations’ missions and work and received feedback from volunteer coaches made up of external experts and Pinterest employees, including our Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, Nichole Barnes Marshall.

"Pinterest Impact Lab is an innovative program that provides resources and a platform for emerging leaders to further develop their organizations and make a deeper long-term impact," said Wanji Walcott, Pinterest Chief Legal and Business Affairs Officer. "I was honored to join Community Coaching Day and witness the incredible work of this year's cohort. Their dedication to fostering emotional wellbeing and community resilience is truly inspiring.”

This year, Pinterest Impact Lab also launched an alumni program to continue building on the success of last year’s inaugural cohort and create a deeper community within the Impact Lab network. "We are thrilled to see the continued growth and success of Pinterest Impact Lab," said Kathy Gu, Sr. Lead for Pinterest Impact Fund. "Our goal is to support emerging-stage organizations at the forefront of building new and effective mental health solutions, and we believe this program is an important step in that direction."

To date, 18 emerging-stage organizations have participated in Pinterest Impact Lab’s cohort experience and 68% of participating leaders are BIPOC. In 2024, 100% of surveyed participants rated the Community Coaching Day event as extremely valuable, and 100% of alumni felt more connected to Pinterest in being seen, heard and supported beyond funding support. 

“I think the Impact Lab has been one of the most intentional programs I have been a part of,” said Lee Johnon, co-founder of Our Own. “The virtual sessions mixed with the in-person programming has not only sharpened my skills as a leader, but it has also reminded me that Our Own isn’t alone in the struggles of building a non-profit business. The program has also helped us to face hard truths about internal practices that needed to be implemented or scaled to create a stronger foundation for the organization. It made us better.”

Pinterest Impact Lab is a testament to Pinterest's commitment to advancing emotional wellbeing for all so that everyone is inspired to create a life they love. By investing in the leadership and organizational capacities of our Impact Partners, Pinterest is helping to create a more equitable and resilient world.

About Pinterest Impact Fund 
Pinterest mobilizes resources and partnerships to advance emotional wellbeing for all, so that everyone is inspired to create a life they love. Through Pinterest Impact Lab, Pinterest elevates the work and impact of our Impact Partners by bolstering their organizational and leadership capacities. Learn more in our 2024 ESG Impact Report.