There’s a concept of the Matthew Effect which uses math to illustrate what folks have lamented about for thousands of years – the rich get richer while the poor get poorer. Take tech for example – the rich and poor often have different problems, but because it’s more profitable to solve problems for the wealthy a disproportionate share of tech innovation focuses on solving problems for the affluent. However, it doesn’t have to be this way – and we have been blown away by the thousands of members of our community who have devoted their lives through their businesses, organizations and art to serve the underserved.

Navyn Salem

We manufacture and distribute life-saving, ready-to-use therapeutic foods—such as Plumpy’Nut and Nutributter—to treat and prevent malnutrition among children and mothers in the world’s most vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities. Through strong partnerships with leading humanitarian organizations, NGOs, and Ministries of Health, we ensure our products reach those who need them most—even in the midst of the most complex and challenging humanitarian emergencies. Read more>>

Joshua Medling

The arts have a proven, direct and positive impact on communities and the economy. More than most other industries because it brings people to the community where they explore and buy things. Art is healthy and improves physical and mental wellbeing and can accelerates entrepreneurship. However, only about 1 in 10 artists are making a living with their craft. Read more>>

Rebecca De Ornelas

Neurodivergent individuals are deeply underserved by every major system we live in: schools, workplaces, mental health, culture. Even the programs built to support them are often underfunded and misunderstood. I focus on individuals with ADHD because that’s where I have the most expertise and lived experience. But all neurodivergent brains are marginalized. For years, I thought I was just bad at being a person. Read more>>

Alisha Edwards

We envision a world where localized commerce and agriculture are a part of Baltimore’s daily life. Through assembling a broad-based coalition of small business owners, unions, cooperatives, non-profits, and community developers, BVFA aims to develop sustainable urban farms centered around integrated workforce development and economic empowerment. Read more>>