The Program
iMAGINE is a social impact program for young adults created by DiVERGE that aims to improve their employability skills and promote social inclusion.
iMAGINE starts with an intensive training program that introduces them to several disciplines related to communication, marketing and entrepreneurship in order to develop skills and increase self awareness.
This is the beginning of a long term partnership, as each participant then has the opportunity to tell their story to the world by creating their own sneakers and launch a micro-business with DiVERGE to practice the new earned skills, getting proceeds that result from the sales.
Throughout the program, ongoing mentorship is provided to enable that each participant can strive for a more meaningful future. DiVERGE directs 10% of its profits to further grow iMAGINE and we are formally committed to donate the equivalent of 5% or more of our time through pro-bono services every year.
We invite you to check their unique stories and buy their creations.
They deserve it.
IMAGINE
Meet the Team
Meet Tiago
Calm | Caring
I’m involved in a social project in my neighborhood, which allows me to help my community regularly and in meaningful ways.
Meet Daniel
Talkative | Helpful
I think see myself as someone who loves to talk, and I like helping others whenever I can.
Meet Bruna
Fun | Compassionate
I have a special fondness for the community where I grew up, and I feel very connected to the people in it.
Meet Linda
Empathetic | Curious
I’ve always seen myself working in a setting that allows me to help others.
Meet Elton
Confident | Reliable
I love the idea of expressing myself through music.
Meet Paulo
Loyal | Outgoing
I don’t force things and prefer to be authentic in everything I do.
Meet Joice
Fun | Helpful | Discreet
I am a very fun person who really likes helping others.
Meet Angélica
Social | Passionate
Although I don’t always show it, I am a very fun and sociable person, especially with those close to me.
Meet Catenin
Generous | Extroverted
I am quite an extroverted person with a big heart, always willing to help those in need without asking for anything in return.
Meet Lina
Charming | Helpful | Shy
I have a very peculiar nature, but at the same time, I can be a person with a charming and contagious smile.
Meet Laila
Cheerful | Positive | Leader
I consider myself a person with a very strong personality, who likes to take on responsibilities and lead.
Meet Serifo
Shy | Responsible | Resilient
To become better people and professionals, we must always strive for the best and yet accept that things don't always go as planned.
Meet Khadija
Persistent | Adventurous | Sporty
I am a very persistent person, who works hard to achieve the goals I set for myself.
Meet Iara
Fun | Social | Ambitious
I have always heard and been inspired by this Romani saying: “the most beautiful bonfire starts with small branches”.
Meet Pinto
Honest | Extrovert | Energetic
I am very talkative and I bring contagious energy to everything I do. I like to help others and frequently support people in my community with various tasks.
Meet Nuno
Methodical | Patient
My main standout characteristic is that I like to perform tasks and activities in my life with time and quality.
Meet Marcelo
Reserved | Good listener | Caring
People who know me say that I am a good listener and care about others.
Meet Adriano
Calm | Solitary | Analitical
I am a reserved and calm person who likes to observe contexts and, most of the time, enjoys being alone, which allows for my personal development.
Meet Miteram
Confident| Self-esteem| Reserved
I am a person with very high self-esteem and confidence, which allows me to stand out in presentations of work and projects.
Meet Braima
Positive | Good hearted | Caring
I have a motto that motivates me every day: "no time for drama". Life is too short to be spent lamenting.
Meet Ude
Dreamy | Emphatic
I consider myself a very understanding person with a lot of empathy, qualities that stand out in my personality.
Meet Sofia
Energetic | Funny | Curious
I consider myself a very funny person who always has a smile on her face.
Meet Alvaro
Leadership | Stay Fit
I aim to become a leader within my community, enhancing my skills and intervention capabilities in the process.
Meet Leandra
Persistence | Focus
I am sociable, like to give back and I am highly involved in my community. I am taking the first steps in entrepreneurship, which is hard but rewarding
Meet Fernando
Socialize| Competitive
What I enjoy the most is spending time outside with my friends, socializing and hanging out.
Meet Jessica
Entrepeneur| Determined
My favourite areas: marketing and advertising. Also the strong believe in the need to be more responsible in our consumption.
Meet Elias
Strong | Loyal | Dreamer
I have big ambitions for my future and I have long ago decided I want to become someone great.
Meet Luis
Friendship | Outgoing
I'm trying to launch my own project as a fitness coach and took the opportunity given by DiVERGE to gain additional marketing skills.
Meet Diogo
Sneakerhead | Ambitious
I consider myself strong willed, determined and persistent and I always fight to get what I want.
Meet Sara A.
Extroverted| Family
Given how extroverted I am and how much I enjoy having new experiences, I decided to start an education in Tourism and look forward to a career in that industry.
Meet Bruno
Simplicity | Strong | Character
I want to be someone my family is proud of but, above all, keep fighting for my future and the things I love.
Meet Sara Q.
Languages| Movies
Many have told me I have a big heart, and I take pride in being a loyal and supportive friend to those closest to me.
Meet Martim
Adventurous | Hard worker
My main goal is to find out what my main goal is and then accomplish it.I believe we can all contribute to a better world. It deserves it, and so do we.
Meet Kennedy
Thoughtful | Eager
I wanted something that would reflect who I am, something I would be proud to wear. Since I'm passionate about high-top shoes and black and red are my favorite colors, this style felt perfect.
Meet Letícia
Aspiring | Fashionista
My parents are my biggest inspirations and supporters of my dreams and ambitions. For example, I joined this incredible project because of their encouragement. And guess what? I LOVED it!
Meet Ricky
Thoughtful | Positive
I try to see the good in every bad situation and vice versa. However, I believe that life should have more positivity than negativity and that can be achieved if we choose to be good to one another.
Meet Mingo
Determined | Confident
I want to keep improving and I challenge everyone to value themselves and the opportunities life gives them.
Meet Márcia
Peaceful | Romantic
I like to think that I am peaceful, romantic and joyful but I am also a bit fearful and sometimes too naive, as I always tend to just see the good side of people and situations.
Meet Rita
Extroverted | Outgoing
I am outgoing, extroverted and I try to make the best out of life. I believe that everything happens for a reason and being a part of this project strongly reaffirmed my belief.
Meet Soraia
Demanding | Straightforward | Impartial
I am extroverted and always try to look for the positive things in life. I have also learned that I have to be proactive and work really hard to reach my goals, therefore I put my heart and soul in everything I do.
Meet Samuel
Partier | Dreamer
Growing up, I used to go to the beach with my friends, diving into the blue sea waves, watching the sunshine in the blue sky and seeing my friends laugh and smile...These memories inspired my sneaker's design.
Meet Rafa
Persistent | Artist
I learned to face my problems and handle the less positive things in life.
Meet Roni
Grateful | Loving | Peaceful
I believe everyone has potential and something to add if granted the opportunity and I think one of the most troubling things in the world today is that people get judged and labeled too easily.
Meet Joana
Dreamer | Enthusiastic
I never wanted to let go of my childhood dreams, which is why I joined this project with a lot of enthusiasm, as it gave me the opportunity to explore a completely different world from what I have been following.
Meet Daniel
Fighter | Dreamer
I have been able to stay clear from those dangerous paths and dedicated myself to fight for my dreams and goals.
Meet Chrys
Outgoing | Curious
Ever since I can remember, I have had an outgoing personality: I like to have fun, I am always trying to make new friendships and I love to dance.
Meet Dário
Special | Generous | Strong
I still dream like a young kid and one of my biggest dreams is to convince the world that everyone can succeed in life if given support and access to opportunities.
Meet Sofia
Persistent | Focused | Challenger
To make the sneaker stand out, I used a darker shade of lilac. I wanted colours that represent me and that I could wear in my daily life, and I believe I achieved a great result.
Meet Mónica
Friendly | Funny
I like to think that I am friendly and fun to be around.
Meet Nuno
Funny | Creative
I am a funny and happy young man that manages to create a good atmosphere where ever I go. I believe life is about growing and evolving.
Meet Miguel
Lively | Calm
The colours I chose reflect my personality, as I wanted something eye-catching that represents both my lively and introverted sides.
Meet Eduarda
Impartial | Fashionista
Ever since I was a little girl, I am really into fashion. I have always felt attracted to that universe and I see myself working in the industry at some point.
Meet Tiago
Humorous | Joyful
I think that, if you asked people around me what I am like, they would probably say that I am joyful, fun and humorous (at least I hope so!)
Meet Ana
Creative | Fun
What I aimed to convey in my sneakers was a sense of fun with various colors, along with comfort and a sporty style.
Meet Thierry
Strong Willed | Determined
I consider myself strong willed, determined and persistent and I always fight to get what I want.