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.
Rawan Ita-Diaz
The Art Spread provides a healthy creative outlet for artists with adversity and underserved communities by using artistic storytelling to build empathy and spread awareness. We immerse our artists and their work in communities through welcoming, inclusive events, making art accessible to people of all socioeconomic backgrounds. Our artists and the communities we serve engage with one another in virtual and in-person events. Read more>>
Vince Martellacci
I’m really proud that, as a bisexual business owner, I am able to bring other bisexual people on as clients and into my organization. This really matters. I got to see one of my clients, who had previously introduced himself as a proudly feminine straight man, come out as bisexual, and I get to help him find a record label to support him. I am working with him only because I believe in his music and who he is as a person. Read more>>
Jacquie Lady J” Murrell”
I have always loved serving and helping others, especially those who are underserved because I used to be one of those people. As a child, teen and young adult, I had endured so much trauma, abuse, and hardship, I ended up on a 24 hour watch on the psych floor at a hospital. I knew what it was like to be molested, raped, physically abused, homeless, addicted to opioids, suicidal, and so much more in addition to never receiving help or having anyone that would listen to me so I decided that I would be for others what I did not have. Read more>>
Andy Doan
Hello, I have created The Dapper Wolf men’s salon to offer the best, highest quality experience without the pretense in a local industry where there are not many options. A place where the hard working blue collar guys come to hang their hats and relax, while building confidence through practical yet elevated hair styles. Read more>>
Tiffany Whitlow
Our mission is very simple, health equity through inclusive clinical research. For way too long I feel like people have not been afforded an opportunity to participate in clinical research, it can be from a lack of education, a lack of access, there are many barriers that exist that are hindering people, especially underserved and underrepresented people, from participating in research. Read more>>
Ebony Staten
I’m Ebony Staten interior stylist and owner of The Vogue Room and founder/Executive Director of The Vogue Room Foundation. I created The Vogue Room Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to helping first-generation, minority college students with their transition to college life, which includes providing them a functional and well-designed space to promote productivity, innovative thinking, Read more>>