One of the most important ways to have a large impact in life is by focusing on communities that are ignored and overlooked. These communities are often the ones most in need of help, tools, and services but for a variety of reasons the largest players in most industries chose not to work on serving them. We’ve been so touched by the thousands of members of our community who are working on serving the underserved from tackling food deserts to building empowering solutions for the neurodiverse. Each week, you’ll find us highlighting folks serving underserved communities.

Ismael Pohlert

Most recently, I have had the privilege of working with MiraCosta College and their students. I have worked closely with the UPRISE program, which provides resources for undocumented students. I have also worked closely with the Transitions Scholars program, which provides nurturing support to formerly incarcerated students. Being able to work with underserved students and hear their stories, has allowed me to remain on my life’s path and make a positive impact in my community. Read more>>

Neriah Kharece

In my years of working in this industry what I have realized is the number one thing that I do when I work with other fellow filmmakers is resourcing things for people and connecting them to other artist that can help. This was something that became a unique selling point as everyone always shared with me how rare it was to get that much help and assistance from their DP. Kharece productions is all about helping up and coming artist. Its really important to me and is embedded in our mission, vision and value statements. Serving the underserved is our number one mission! Read more>>

Mark Peterson

We built Ziscuit to help the 49M underserved food insecure shoppers who currently spend 2+ hours per week clipping coupons, reading flyers, and making multiple stops at different grocery retailers. Ziscuit seeks to bring actionable information to those who need it the most. Ziscuit’s grocery search engine will help 49M food insecure shoppers put more food on the table and will eventually help improve nutritional diversity in underserved communities. Read more>>

Joseph McMullen

Our Impact in the Community HAPCO offers programs that give students real-world experience and mentoring from professionals they can relate to. Our educators focus upon practical advice, from the business side of the arts and music industries, to best practices for using the arts and music to fund secondary education. We actively pursue community and local business connections to establish programs and events that benefit and promote all partners. We use this social capital to offer the strongest educational programs and community-focused events possible. Read more>>

Joy Webb

Underserved is defined an a populations that do not have adequate access or service. Black folks have been underserved and undervalued forever. I am a philanthropists that shares a collective giving model with others so communities can thrive, No one is coming to save us, the Black community, and we have the power to be the change we want to see. By leveraging our time, talent, and treasure we can be the change agents in our community and communities that look like us. I am the founder of the Circle of Joy giving circle and we have been doing the work nearly 15 years in Metro Atlanta. Read more>>