Last Thursday was the first ideas competition reception held by SHiFT Boston at the ICA Boston, an ideas competition based on re-energizing Boston’s urban environment.

“We seek to drive a SHIFT in thinking, perception, attitude, definition, process, method, planning, and organization in order to re-energize Boston’s urban environment.”-SHiFT Boston website

In less than a year, using social media and door to door networking, SHiFT Boston received over 700 RSVP’s for the unavailing of winners in their first ever ideas competition!  Long lines for SHiFT attendees to get into the reception area had a powerful effect on other museum onlookers. How did a few young professionals pull this off in such a short time?

The obvious answer is lots of hard work, creativity and determination. What is not so obvious is that my long time friend and former tennis teammate Dunja Vujinic is one of the passionate young professionals who started this non-profit based on the simple question, What if? Instead of doing something as an individual she helped in developing a network that opened the discussion for others to participate and get noticed.

After being immediately sold on the idea and entering, I was not one of the top finalists but I am happy to say that after seeing all the hard work that others put into their ideas and projects it was an inspiration to be part of it. The ability of a few young professionals to have such an effect on an entire city shows that our generation does have what it takes to be noticed and taken seriously. SHiFT Boston sets a great example for what others who have determination, creativity, and passion can do.

Here is a shout out to another friend and top finalist Anna Engstrom and team for their Beantown Beanshare submission, one of the most cheerful and uplifting entries displayed!