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.

William Gregory

Ever since my sophomore year in high school I’ve been serving underserved communities and have done so in multiple communities through AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps provides opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds to serve their country, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, and improve lives and communities. Read more>>

Sharon Raijman

beTRUE Los Angeles is a creative space that allows anyone that walks through our doors to be true to who they are! It is a space that provides opportunities to create content, connect with like-minded people and feel inspired to be your authentic self no matter who you love or where you come from. Read more>>

Natasha Case

At Lunch Bunch a huge focus for us is how we can holistically solve malnutrition and chronic disease in our society. We have targeted schools and after school programs as places where so much of our connection to forming habits to eat well falls apart – and as an incredible opportunity to make positive change for a kid and their community – changes that can last a life time. It’s an open secret in the US that our kids eat horrible school meals – this has been going on for decades. Read more>>

Damian Jones

Sport participation has been a tool of public health in America for more than a century, serving as a platform for children to develop critical life skills, as well as lay a foundation for an active, healthy lifestyle into adulthood. But today, many children miss out on the positive aspects of youth sport participation for various reasons, including the following: rising costs and exclusionary league/team policies, lack of safe neighborhood recreation spaces, excessive time demands on families, and cultural norms. Read more>>

Karneilla “Kalaya Israel” McGee

C.H.O.S.E.N Doula Services was born from a place of deep empathy and an unwavering commitment to uplift and protect the often marginalized and neglected members of our society—the chosen ones, as I affectionately refer to them. The chosen ones are the heart and soul of our communities, yet they are continually left vulnerable and unheard, especially in the realm of maternal and infant healthcare. Read more>>

Christopher Williams

Being that my business is unique, I get to meet and learn about a very and diverse group of people. One of the most underserved groups are those that are just starting to understand that their dreams can become a reality. One of my favorite memories came from a session where I allowed my client to just “get it out.” Read more>>

Jodi Cooper

When Americans hear the word hunger, we often think of famine on far-away continents and commercials asking for support. But many of our neighbors here at home struggle with food insecurity and the negative health outcomes it causes. Read more>>

Kate Weinbender

’m a destination wedding photographer living in Cincinnati, OH focused on queer, non-binary, offbeat, unique and adventurous couples all over the globe. The wedding industry is full of straight skinny white couples but, of course, our communities are much more diverse than that! KEM represents real love from all corners of society. We serve predominantly LGBTQIA+, larger bodied, alternative styled, and culturally diverse couples. Read more>>

Andrea Smith

I am a Pro Dog Trainer for over 25 years..so when I say serve the “underserved community”” I mean the Dogs and Animals.. sacrifice that dogs have made for humans include supporting us as companions, helping us with mobility, cancer research, bomb sniffers,etc..cows and buffalos give meat and bees provide honey.. Yet so many animals end up abused or thrown into shelters.. Read more>>