Date of Award
Spring 2012
Degree Type
Professional Project
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Public Service
Department
College of Professional Studies
Abstract
Few theoretical models clarify the ways in which a learning experience contributes to entrepreneurial behavior or directly pursuing entrepreneurism. The purpose of this research is to better recognize how women use values, motivations, and desires, through learning experiences, to start a nonprofit organization. Results reveal that, in order to increase the likelihood of females becoming entrepreneurs, they must put themselves in positions where they can have many different experiences. They must be willing to establish networks, overcome societal barriers as well as self-imposed barriers, and reflect upon the experiences they find themselves in, whether they are positive or negative. Such learning experiences were key to accelerating entrepreneurial endeavors by providing a forum for personal accountability, skill development, and inspiration.