About Second Circle
Building a sustainable future for Charlottesville, one connection at a time.
Our Mission
Second Circle exists to make sustainable living accessible, connected, and enjoyable for everyone in Charlottesville. We believe that by bringing together individuals, businesses, and organizations committed to sustainability, we can create a thriving circular economy that benefits our community and our planet.
Our platform serves as a hub for education, connection, and commerce, empowering residents to make environmentally conscious choices in their daily lives and supporting local businesses that prioritize sustainability.
Through Second Circle, we aim to reduce waste, promote resource sharing, and foster a sense of community around sustainable living practices.
Our Values
Sustainability
We are committed to promoting practices that meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Circularity
We believe in creating systems where resources are shared, reused, and recycled, minimizing waste and maximizing value.
Community
We foster connections between individuals, businesses, and organizations, creating a network of support for sustainable living.
Accessibility
We strive to make sustainable living accessible to everyone, regardless of background, knowledge level, or resources.
Our Story
Second Circle began with a simple observation: while many Charlottesville residents wanted to live more sustainably, they often struggled to find the resources, connections, and knowledge needed to do so effectively.
Our founders, passionate about environmental sustainability and community building, recognized the need for a centralized platform that could connect the dots between sustainable businesses, educational resources, and community initiatives.
In 2023, after months of research, community outreach, and planning, Second Circle was born. What started as a small directory of sustainable businesses has grown into a comprehensive platform that serves as a hub for all aspects of sustainable living in Charlottesville.
Today, Second Circle continues to evolve based on community feedback and needs, always staying true to our mission of making sustainable living accessible, connected, and enjoyable for everyone.
Meet Our Founders
Jane Doe
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Jane brings over 15 years of experience in environmental advocacy and community organizing to Second Circle. With a background in environmental science and a passion for sustainable urban development, she has dedicated her career to creating more resilient and environmentally conscious communities.
Prior to founding Second Circle, Jane worked with several environmental nonprofits and led sustainability initiatives at the local government level. She holds a Master's degree in Environmental Management from the University of Virginia.
John Smith
Co-Founder & Technology Director
John combines his expertise in technology with a deep commitment to sustainability. As a software engineer and entrepreneur, he has developed innovative solutions for environmental challenges throughout his career.
Before co-founding Second Circle, John launched several successful tech startups focused on resource efficiency and sustainable consumption. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and an MBA with a focus on sustainable business practices.