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About Us

Read more about the minds and hearts behind Doorways and our vision, mission, and values

WHAT WE BELIEVE IN

Our Vision

To open doors and empower individuals to actively shape their own paths.

WHAT WE DO

Our Mission

Provide evidence-based, action-oriented training and build a network of global training partners that share and support our vision.

WHO WE ARE

Meet Our Team

  • We are a team of seasoned experts, consisting of three co-founders with over 20 years of combined experience in designing, delivering, and evaluating training programs for entrepreneurs (especially PI Training and STEP Training), with an emphasis on the Global South.

  • Our team is culturally and linguistically diverse, with members from Brazil, Germany, and Mexico.

  • We have diverse academic backgrounds (psychology, business & management, economics, development studies) and three of our team members have completed or are completing PhDs in entrepreneurship.

  • To enhance our capabilities, we enlist other training experts and maintain a global network of trainers (especially, but not exclusively in Africa).

  • With a vast experience of delivering training programs in over 10 countries worldwide, including regions such as Africa, Southeast Asia, Middle East, and Europe, we have a strong track record in project implementation. Our collaborative efforts have been supported by esteemed partners like the World Bank's Africa and South Asia Region Gender Innovation Labs, IFC, FAO, German Commission for UNESCO, German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), microfinance institutes, universities, and local implementing partners. Through this broad network, we are able to draw upon diverse expertise and resources, ensuring the effective delivery of programs and fostering sustainable development. Our wealth of experience has provided us with valuable insights and strengthened our ability to deliver impactful initiatives on a global scale.

FOUNDER AND CEO

Jakob Weers

FOUNDER AND CEO

Carina Bohlayer

FOUNDER AND CEO

Benjamin Scharweit

 
benjamin.scharweit@doorways-training.org

PROJECT MANAGER

Thiago Garcia

Rita Diaz Quadrat.png

PROJECT MANAGER

Rita Diaz

WHO SUPPORTS US

Scientific Advisory Board

Doorways' established training programs (PI Training and STEP Training) were initiated by Prof. Dr. Michael Frese, Prof. Dr. Michael Gielnik and further developed in global projects. Both, Prof. Dr. Michael Frese and Prof. Dr. Michael Gielnik are part of our scientific advisory board.

WHERE WE WORK

Our Projects

CONTACT

Get in Touch

EVIDENCE-BASED

Implement what works

We use evidence to create and implement effective training programs and services. Through our actions and via our network, we help build new (scientific) evidence, which in turn improves our understanding of how to best train people.

IMPACT

Make a difference

We embrace opportunities for creating positive and lasting impact. Our training programs and services provide participants and clients with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to take self-empowered actions that better their own (and other people’s) lives in a sustainable way.

INTEGRITY

Do what is right

We are a non-profit company for a good reason. Acting with strong ethics is a priority and we are loyal to our principles. High professionalism and transparency are important for us in our own work and with regard to our network of global partners – we want to lead by example.

RESPECT

Thrive together

We work together, across boundaries, and appreciate each other’s opinions and backgrounds. We approach everyone with an open mindset, value differences, and encourage others to express and involve themselves.

WHAT IS IMPORTANT FOR US

Our Values

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