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.

Jeff Parsons

We have four ways we serve the underserved in our community: 1. We have a shoe closet that gives free athletic type shoes to 5 school districts in our area as well as area agencies and other non profits. Check out our google reviews for the impact this has had.  2. We have a program called ParentChild+ which is a national program we are a part of. Our ParentChild+ staff does 2 home visits per week to families with kids ages 2-4. They take a free book or development toy each week for 23 weeks. ParentChild+ is a 2 year program lasting 46 weeks. Children receive 92 home visits and are 30% more likely than their socio-economic peers to graduate high school after completing the program. Right now, we are serving primarily our refugee community helping with language acquisition and acculturation.  Read more>>

Franchesca Thompson

Thrive 12 is an educational resource company supporting a marginalized population of people in education. We create resources designed to address the specific needs of those who face systemic barriers to education, such as students from low-income backgrounds, racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ students, and those with disabilities. Our mission is to empower marginalized students by providing accessible, equitable, and high-quality educational resources and support tailored to their unique needs. At Thrive 12 we have over 100 products that provide customized learning materials, including textbooks, digital resources, and interactive content that reflect diverse cultures, languages, and experiences. Read more>>

Cheryl Fogle-hatch

I founded MuseumSenses to help museums develop exhibits with tactile and audio components. Museums need to become more accessible. Objects that are exhibited at museums are usually presented visually, behind glass, or roped off. This practice excludes visitors who are Blind, and it deprives sighted visitors of the benefits of learning through touch. When exhibits can be touched, they can be experienced by everyone regardless of their visual acuity. Read more>>

Kingsley Osajie

My business and brand serve humanity. I am a STRONG advocate for altruism, compassion, service to humanity and a heart-based, prolific, outstanding, talented writer. There are many communities that are underserved; from People Living with Disabilities to the malnourished children and people living in the underserved areas. I hold the underserved community dear to my heart. The best way I have chosen to serve the underserved community is by volunteering. I volunteer with my writing to promote the welfare of the underserved community. I am a volunteer with Agora Social (https://www.agorasocial.org/). Agora Social champions the cause of promoting a better society: it is an all-inclusive organization that is very passionate about helping the underserved community. I am also a volunteer with Journal of African Youth Literature (https://www.jaylit.com/) and I also volunteer with We Hold A Hand (www.weholdahand.com): an organization that is determined to promote and cater for mental health awareness among Black people all over the world. Read more>>

Joshua Esnard

This email changed our company and allowed us to define out mission.Hi, I just wanted to thank you for creating such a wonderful product. I take medication that makes my hands shake and because of that I could never make a straight line or a nice curve. With the Cut Buddy I can make straight lines and beautiful curves without error. Because of you, even people with disabilities can have nice haircuts, thank you again and I hope you become wealthy with the Cut Buddy! Veterans with disabilities, mothers with autistic children, and people who suffer from injuries which limit their dexterity. These are the forgotten and we aim to fix this. We are very intentional about developing our tools with accessibility in mind from fine motor skills to sensory disabilities. When you focus on ergonomics and helping those who struggle then you kill many birds with one stone. Imagine being a person without a disability using a tool designed for those with disabilities. It would be even easier for them to accomplish their goals without mistakes. Read more>>

Ashley Taylor

In today’s world, the high-quality men and women who genuinely seek love are often lost or overlooked in the noise of hookup culture and the inauthenticity that floods online spaces. These individuals, ready for real, meaningful connections, are underserved by a dating culture that prioritizes superficiality and quick thrills over genuine bonds. They are passed by, ghosted, or left disillusioned, despite their strong desire for authentic love. My brand is dedicated to these individuals. I take a holistic approach to matchmaking and date coaching that caters to all people and energies, including those seeking non-traditional dynamics or desires within their relationships. Whether you’re looking for something more conventional or something entirely unique, my process is designed to support your needs. Read more>>

Caleb Rogan

Perspective plays a crucial role in our lives. Often, we become so engrossed in our own experiences and challenges that we overlook the importance of understanding others’ situations. By stepping into others’ shoes, we not only cultivate gratitude but also find motivation to assist those who are less fortunate. In my field, working with justice-involved youth has become a profound passion. Witnessing young individuals who have endured significant trauma transform into remarkable individuals underscores the importance of this work.

Tiffany Oakley

My Entrepreneurial Journey & Serving the Underserved Community My entrepreneurial journey began in 2012, driven by a desire to create a clothing line that was affordable and accessible to my community. I’ve always been passionate about business, but my true purpose was unlocked after facing several challenges along the way. By 2017, I launched Tiffany O Cosmetic, a vegan beauty line, without formal business training. I had no prior knowledge of how to properly establish and grow a company, so I spent my breaks from work at the library, reading books on business and marketing. It was a difficult road—my cosmetic company faced many challenges, largely because I lacked the foundational knowledge I needed to succeed. By 2017, I launched Tiffany O Cosmetic, a vegan beauty line, without formal business training. I had no prior knowledge of how to properly establish and grow a company, so I spent my breaks from work at the library, reading books on business and marketing. It was a difficult road—my cosmetic company faced many challenges, largely because I lacked the foundational knowledge I needed to succeed. Read more>>

Dr. Brianna Oliva

SERVING THE UNDERSERVED The Story of Tesoro Project: When I think about the concept of “treasure,” I imagine something of immense worth and significance—something truly exceptional. I believe that each of us harbors such treasure within, no matter our circumstances, though we may not always recognize its presence. Engaging in acts of service with the underserved, even momentarily, unveils the intrinsic value within each individual. In 2014, a unique opportunity arose for me to truly understand this concept. Several of my physical therapy classmates, myself, and our professor embarked on a week-long service-learning trip to Guatemala City. Our role was to provide physical therapy services to a community living in extreme poverty who did not have access to many healthcare services. Arriving with few expectations, my primary aim was to make a meaningful impact on those in need and apply my skills to improve their well-being. However, I discovered that the experience profoundly transformed my own life in many unexpected ways.  Read more>>