Name:
Rebekah Neumann
How your clients refer to you:
Founder, CEO, & Mom (WeGrow School - www.wegrow.com)
Company:
WeGrow
Contact info:
Website: www.wegrow.com Instagram: @wegrow
How many years have you been in business in NYC?
Well in 2010, my husband and I, along with Miguel McKelvey founded WeWork in New York City. Over the past year I’ve been focused on starting our very first school, WeGrow which will open this coming Fall at WeWork’s Headquarters in Chelsea, NY for ages 3 through 4th grade, and adding a grade every year after through high school.
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
When my husband and I started searching for an elementary school for our eldest daughter we had a really clear vision of the type of school we wanted her to attend. We were looking for a place that would not only nurture growth in her mind but also her spirit, a place that had a real culture of kindness, a place where she would have a deep connection to nature, and a place where her individual gifts, talents, and passions would be recognized and supported. After touring many schools on both the East and West coasts, and not finding such a place, I decided to start WeGrow.
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
My spiritual practice. I am always working on myself as a human being as much as I am professionally.
How do you positively impact the children/families you serve?
By practicing what we preach – actually living the values and the constant state of evolution that we’re talking about at WeGrow. And by creating a community that redefines success as happiness, fulfillment, and the ability to share in meaningful ways with others. We also help the children at WeGrow understand how they can use their unique passions and superpowers to best serve others.
What is your favorite part of your job?
That I get to create something that will not only meaningfully impact the world but also my own children. That I get to work with a team of unbelievable human beings. And that we are getting to see the energy of We permeate through a new generation that will help humanity grow in a positive way.
What is your favorite secret NYC spot?
Love Cafe Mogador and Jivamukti Yoga Studio.
How do you benefit mamas?
We are equally committed to creating a community of kindness and growth for our parents as well as our students. We all grow together – grownups and children alike.
What is the most memorable feedback a family has given you?
I’ve heard many times parents saying they wish they could’ve gone to a school like WeGrow themselves. But even more meaningful, they’ve told me that they didn’t know it was possible to find a community for their child to grow up in that was consistently kind.
Pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field:
John Hardy is doing truly amazing things with the school he has created in Bali called the Green School. Their school has no walls, is deeply connected to nature and the world that surrounds them, and is very environmentally responsible. Their mission to cultivate a generation of children who care about the world and others is inspiring.
What is the best advice anyone's ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
Although it sounds cliche, the journey really is inwards – which is why I strive to be in a constant state of personal growth.
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
I actually think I need some help with this to be honest!