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.
Erin Holloway
Our bakery decided two years ago to offer free personal birthday cakes to children in the foster care system in our county. One of our close family friends grew up in foster care. One day, while she was in our store, she shared with us that she never had a birthday cake growing up. No one had ever taken the time to recognize her on her birthday. That sentiment really touched us. Read more>>
Corissa Sutton
As a black single mother and REALTOR who recently entered a profession that has historically used discriminative practices to deny and prevent people of color access to homeownership and land wealth opportunities. I can honestly say– that my passion for serving the under served is my way of giving back to my community. Read more>>
Kiesha Lamb
Whenever I hear the word underserved I think about interpersonal interactions and programming to fill gaps in community. This might take the form of urban summer youth camps focused on the outdoors, scholarships for academics and sports, English Learning classes, and Back to School back pack giveaways. Read more>>
JIll Kirsh
Sharing what I know with community outreach groups is one of my absolute passions. I’ve worked with at-risk teens, an abused women’s safe house, former gang members & organizations like Beauty Bus, Dress for Success & The Cinderella Project. You cannot imagine the joy it gives me to empower these women & men with color. Color just makes people happy. And seeing their faces light up when I drape them in different shades that take them from looking dull & washed out to bright & beautiful is truly amazing. Their smiles, hugs & echos of laughter are absolutely everything! Read more>>
Wesley Fenner
A lot of the passion that I put into FFG comes from my desire to help others. I have always said that I wanted to be fulfilled in the work that I do knowing that I am making a positive I’m pact on the lives of others. You know doing work that really matters if that makes sense. As a black man that has grown up in Memphis having the opportunity to experience life through a variety of lenses, I know that when it comes to financial literacy there is a great population that has gone underserved. Read more>>
Lexus Suggs
The beauty industry is beginning to transform right before our eyes. We are beginning to express inclusivity more openly and gender norms are deteriorating. Conversation has circulated within the pink walls of my nail studio about the discomfort experienced in the traditional nail salon. I serve those who may not feel welcomed in the traditional nail salon setting by providing healthy nail care services, and products; that allow my clients to feel safe, beautiful and pampered. Read more>>
Devoe Sherman
We make our private workshops & one on one coaching sessions easily accessible & affordable to everyone who needs a business coach to walk them through the process of how to operate & manage their business Read more>>
William Cabaniss
One issue that I am very passionate about is hunger and food insecurity. I am the founder and CEO of, 501(c)3 certified, Vanilla Feeds Tomorrow. I make and sell homemade vanilla extract and donate every penny to help East Tennesseans who struggle to feed themselves. I grew up in an area where I saw the effects of hunger in some of my close friends early on. This has led me to do what I can to stop this problem that, unfortunately, still exists today. Read more>>