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.

Lori Sussle Bonanni

According to PitchBook, “companies founded solely by women garnered just 2.1% of the total capital invested in venture-backed startups in the US.” According to Nature, disease states “which disproportionately affect women, all attract much less funding in proportion to the burden they exert on the US population than do other conditions.” Read more>>

Sylvia Spivey

My journey as a community leader began with a deep-seated passion for positive change, which I channel into meaningful action through community involvement. Volunteering and sponsorships are not just initiatives; they’re a testament to my personal involvement in community well-being. I am grateful for United Bank’s commitment to our communities. Read more>>

Michael Thomas

In the beginning of my career, I didn’t realize that almost every disability organization in the country started out exactly the same way. One or more parents of children with disabilities got together to discuss the lack of support and services for their kids. Read more>>

Milly Baine

LGBTQIA+ couples are still underserved within the wedding and elopement industry. Just take a visit to some of the most popular publications and feature accounts– you’ll find that they almost always feature thin, white, straight-passing, cis couples. Read more>>

Evelyn Kessler

In 2016, I founded International Child Advancement, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to empower underserved children to become self-sufficient through education, vocational training, and mentoring. Read more>>

Amber Richardson

On July 11, 2007 a handsome 14-month old little boy was placed in our arms along with a single black trash bag with only a few worn out clothes and a few plastic easter eggs considered to be his toys. Reality hit us quick. Was this normal? Were other foster parents okay with this? Read more>>

Sandie Trombert

In June 2010, a pivotal moment unfolded in the life of our founder and Board Chairman, Sandie Trombert. A single post within her neighborhood parenting group became the catalyst for a profound transformation — one that would impact not only her life but also the lives of thousands of underprivileged children in New York. Read more>>

Jamira Kendricks

My focus as a mortgage loan officer is to educate and empower African Americans in the process of home ownership. In America, African Americans own homes at a rate of 42% versus 73% of White Americans. Read more>>

Kelsey Conser

I grew up with a plus size mother in the 80’s and 90’s when being fat was seen as such an appalling thing. This was the height of the supermodel, starving oneself to be thin, Atkins, Weight Watchers and so many other weight loss fads. Read more>>