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.

Cristina Deptula

Yes, we serve underserved people in two ways: through bringing aboard people who face barriers to employment for reasons that have nothing to do with their skills or their creativity, and through targeting an often-missed customer market. We hire people for gig work and online research who are skilled but have faced trouble landing regular jobs because they need flexible scheduling due to disability, chronic illness, or family caregiving responsibilities. Now, working from home is common and considered a perk, but in 2013 when we launched, it was innovative. Read more>>

Kasey Sisson

We started our business to bridge a significant gap in marketing access for small businesses. Too often, local businesses lack the resources to effectively market their unique stories and ideas. I’m passionate about using storytelling as a powerful tool to help these businesses connect with their communities. While we may not be able to support everyone, we’re committed to keeping our services affordable, allowing us to make a meaningful impact for as many businesses as possible. Read more>>

Na’sha Robertson

Yes, Veganized Living serves underserved communities, primarily in food deserts and low-income areas where access to fresh, nutritious foods is limited. In these areas, residents often rely on convenience stores or fast-food options due to the absence of grocery stores offering fresh produce. This lack of access to healthy foods contributes to higher rates of chronic illnesses, like diabetes and heart disease, particularly affecting low-income families and communities of color. Read more>>

Piyush Chintalwar

Yes, Toys for Texans serves an underserved community. When I started this nonprofit, I saw a gap – kids across Texas were missing out on the joy of receiving toys during the holidays. Growing up in the Dallas Fort-Worth area, I saw both sides: kids who had plenty and those who missed out on things many take for granted. I couldn’t shake the thought that something as simple as a toy could remind a child that they matter, that people care about them. And in some neighborhoods, the chance to feel valued is often rare. Read more>>