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.

Paul Morehead

In the southwest region of Atlanta, particularly south of I-20, chain restaurants are more prevalent than locally owned mom-and-pop establishments. I believe that family-run restaurants bring a unique touch to their food, often passing down recipes through generations and adding their own creative flair. Like many great chefs, my passion for cooking began at a young age. I was first inspired as a child when I discovered my mother’s recipe for banana nut bread, sparking my love for the culinary arts. Read more>>

Ladee Jay

Chemichemi Foundation Inc. is a nonprofit organization based in Maryland, dedicated to fostering community growth, youth development, and cultural enrichment. Through its innovative programs, such as the Dance to be Free initiative, The Healing Power of Cooking, Arts, Health and Wellness, the foundation seeks to empower individuals. heal trauma, and build strong connected communities, providing a sense of accomplishment, as well as connecting people to their cultural roots and memories. Read more>>

Michael Gladkey

The wedding industry has transformed dramatically over the past 30 years, evolving from a collection of personal celebrations into a full-scale business ecosystem. Today, couples looking to plan their big day are met with an industry built around specialization—wedding planners, wedding makeup artists, wedding caterers, and, of course, wedding photographers. Along with this specialization has come a steep rise in prices, leaving many couples struggling to afford the very services that define their special day. Read more>>

Samantha Tradelius

The Sparkle Foundation, my nonprofit, supports single mothers and their children—some of the hardest-working yet most underserved individuals. Now in our ninth year, we’ve raised over $2.5 million, giving it all back to the communities we serve. In 2024 alone, we raised over $500K, delivering 100 Mother’s Day boxes, funding our second microloan to help a single mom grow her business, sending 45 children to enrichment programs, and supporting 97 families during the holidays. Sparkle matters because we know single moms work tirelessly, and when life throws curveballs, we’re here to help fill the gaps. Read more>>