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.
Makya Swanagan
As a realtor, there is a certain demographic of people that make up the majority in this industry — upper-class, white males. That same demographic are the ones who had first dibs at becoming homeowners. As time has progressed, that data has slowly broadened to include other races, genders, and socio-economic statuses. Though it’s expanding, I believe with an inside look into our industry, I can help include more of the underserved. I wholeheartedly believe that everyone deserves a place at the “homeowner’s table”; and I aim to be the gateway to that seat. Read more>>
Karmy Smith
As a nano influencer, I’ve learned the resources are limited for us and the industry seems to cater to larger influencers for brand deals and partnerships. In the short year and a half of full-time nano influencing, I’ve learned there is great possibilities for nano influencers if they understand and apply the industry and their collateral. In May of 2022, I launched a workshop titled How to Monetize Your Instagram with Less than 10K followers. I created this space for nano influencers especially, not exclusively to come and learn how I’ve secured a 5 figure, 4 figure and multiple 3 figure brand deals in my first year. Read more>>
Karen Moore
As you meet people where they are, I have found that people are in homes without furniture. They might as well be in a cave. It’s the same as a car with no gas, just providing shelter. Having your shelter become a home is as simple as adding furniture to make it useful. We not only add furniture, we add art, lamps, rugs and accessories. It truly becomes a welcoming space to have as a sanctuary. As Oprah says, “Your home should rise up to meet you”. It should embrace you and give you peace. Read more>>
Paola Gonzalez Fusilier
Research of the Pasadena area has shown that various zip codes in our area are some of the most underserved and mental health resources scarce in Harris County. There are community agencies in our area with up to a year wait for mental health services! I’ve received calls where there is a desperate parent on the other line that does not speak English and has made more calls than they can count. Our community is looking for access to caring and empathetic resources. Read more>>
Jasmine Philpot-Slocum
It is so interesting that this is a topic. Years ago while in Graduate School, I presented on this very topic. It is truly a passion of mine to serve populations that most people deem too difficult or challenging. I love “special populations” (e.g. Autism, those with Syndromes, Intellectually Disabled, Emotionally Disturbed, etc.), those from diverse economic backgrounds, and other groups that are not considered “attractive” in my field. It truly makes a difference in the lives of those populations to have someone show up for them in a way to that most will not. Read more>>