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.

Kiara Alles-shah

My coaching business, sKIn Discovery was built from my personal experience as part of an underserved community. If I had known the acne community was a ‘community’ sooner, I would have started building my online space years before I did. Read more>>

Codi Dillon

I identify myself as a queer artist – for the music and creative work that I do is vastly inspired by the queer community and the art that is derived from it. I create music for not only my own self-expression but for the grander view of the LGBTQIA+ community, with their stories and the struggles we all commonly face. A community in which has conquered diversity and fought for freedom to be seen. However, the biggest and most common battle we share is the war of the mind. Amongst the unfairness and trails that are given to our community that come unwarranted, we have learned how to create beauty in chaos. The queer community is strong and resilient and is one of the biggest sources of creativity. Read more>>

Russell Baker

It is our mission to serve the public and to keep history alive by preserving and presenting history in an educational and entertaining manner. We do this through our Museum and through our community outreach; working with and supporting other museums, our schools and community organizations. Read more>>

Tommy Stockstill

When my wife and I were tossing around names for our business that creates and builds unique products to solve issues in the Pet Grooming community we asked ourselves what it was we really wanted to do. At the time it was to make a product or two to help pet groomers do their jobs a little easier. A perfect side job to make a little extra money, you know, fill orders on the weekends, answer a few questions during the week, simple. In August 2019 we did our first trade show in Chicago. I wasn’t prepared for the Groomers, my wife Kemlyn had been grooming for nearly 20 years at that time so I thought I knew the mechanics of the job and how my Groomers Wall could help a little. To be honest I thought of Groomers as little more than hairstylists that did a pretty hard job. I didnt realize the great physical strain this “job” is on a person, lifting heavy dogs, bending over the table to reach them and pull them back within arms reach, not all pets are compliant for a stranger in an environment where they are put in a tub, washed two to three times, conditioned, carried wet to a seperate table to have the pets ears plugged and covered then a huge dryer that sounds like a tiny jet engine blows them mercilessly for about a half hour then they are taken to another table and clipped and trimmed and manipulated to make them look good for the owner. Read more>>