My fiance and I hosted Marsya from Indonesia for three weeks and truly had far better of an experience than we could have ever imagined. We learned so much from each other, spending hours at night talking about our families, friends, businesses, communities, etc. We certainly made a new friend over the course of the three weeks and were sad to see her go. We also marveled at the amazing ideas and presentations that we observed at the Showcase. I've never been more impressed with the creativity and dedication of all of the individuals in the program.
Jolkana staff were incredibly respectful, organized and responsive before, during and throughout our experience hosting one of their entrepreneurs. The schedules, updates and events were shared in a timely manner, leaving no surprises or room for undue challenges. The two women heading up this ship are remarkable in their vision and dedication! Big, big props!
Jolkona Foundation is a terrific organization. The entrepreneurs I met with via the workshop I facilitated came from various cultures and had unique experiences and backgrounds. But, they all shared a common feature that all entrepreneurs have- a burning desire to "build something." Jolkona Foundation is helping give them the resources and support needed to achieve this goal.
I helped Jolkona with their 2015 catalyst cohort. They had 15 entrepreneurs from Bangladesh and Indonesia all of whom I found to be some of the strongest start-up entrepreneurs I've met.
I gave two presentations and two mentoring sessions. Jolkona, based on my experience, does an outstanding job of recruiting and screening potential participants in their accelerator to find the best.
I look forward to working with their next cohort.
It started with a great concept, but Jolkona never got past the start-up phase. Seven years later, it's now rife with conflict of interest and incompetence. With no board oversight of the founders, everything -- mission, staffing, finances -- is continuously misrepresented to donors and funders.
If you're looking for an organization that works on millennial engagement or crowdfunding for local and global causes, Jolkona no longer does either of those things. If you're looking for an organization working with social entrepreneurs from Asia, there are much better options out there. Good luck!
Jolkona Foundation 08/27/2015
Dear Nicole, I appreciate the time you took to share your thoughts as a former Jolkona staff member. I am sorry that I did not get a chance to meet you since I just came on board as the executive director in October 2015 long after your departure in 2014. However, I am definitely available if you'd like to chat in person. Transparency is so important to me and I am happy to address any concerns you may have or answer any questions you may have about how Jolkona operates today. I'd love to tell you more about the great work we've been doing as we continue to develop our social entrepreneurship program too. We've been host to so many inspiring young leaders! You are welcome to stop by anytime and I look forward to meeting you soon. Sincere regards, Monica Mendoza, Executive Director
Review from Guidestar
Great concept and a very decent platform. The board, leadership and reporting leaves a lot to be desired - there is a lack of transparency, mismanagement of funds and resources, and a general lack of interest to address any problems. The organization uses volunteers from Microsoft, who all joyfully report fudging the number of hours volunteered, so the organization can get a larger amount in donations.
Last spring the staff voiced concerns to the board, which lead to zero changes.
All in all, a very disappointing organization when you know the inner workings.
Jolkona Foundation 08/27/2015
Dear Aparna, I also appreciate the feedback you have shared. Since I joined Jolkona as the executive director in October 2014 several months after you had left I did not get a chance to meet you but I would be happy to meet with you. As I mentioned to Nicole, I take transparency very seriously and I extend the same offer to address any concerns you may have or answer any questions you may have about how Jolkona operates today. I have had the opportunity to grow our social entrepreneurship program and you would be inspired by the entrepreneurs we've hosted! Please stop by anytime and I look forward to meeting you soon. Sincere regards, Monica Mendoza, Executive Director
Review from Guidestar
My journey has been great so far.My first stint with non-profit field began with Jolkona.Since the time I have joined(2013) every day has been a great learning experience.The team and the management is great.They are extremely supportive of new ideas and truly appreciative of all the work done.
Very flexible with the timings and you actually see the tangible results for all the works done.
I am a supporter of Jolkona,and I like it`s affordable and uncomplicated way very much. The website is very user friendly, and you can choose from a world map which project you wish to support with your donation. It is easy,and you get a feedback ,which in my opinion is an incentive to do more. The other thing that I like about this charity ist that 100% of the money goes to the project. Although they are doing a great job and I am very happy with their work, I hope more ways of giving will be included soon in the near future to make the experience even more enjoyable.
Review from Guidestar
Jolkona's website is very user-friendly and makes giving easy. Plus, 100% of each gift goes directly to your project of choice. The donor then receives personalized feedback of how the donation impacted the life of one of the world's most poor. I highly recommend giving to Jolkona. You couldn't ask for an easier website, more variety in types of projects or greater transparency from a non-profit.