All in U.S.
Ikimi Dubose-Woodson is a world-studied chef that finds inspiration through giving to communities of color. She co-founded The Roots Fund, which nourishes and enriches the lives of communities of color in the wine industry. The organization has helped over 200 people of color seeking high-quality education as they prepare for certifications in all aspects of wine.
Meet Tamara Walcott. She is a world champion powerlifter and holds two world records. Seven years ago, when Walcott was over 400 pounds, she decided to change the way she was living for herself and her two children. In 2018 she started powerlifting, and since then, she has starred in an Ulta Beauty commercial, became an ambassador for Project Rock, and started her tour “My Strength is My Sexy.”
Heather Rogers is an artist who draws presidents along with fun facts about them that she has learned over the years. She set out on a mission to read a book about every U.S. president and ended up with a blog, merchandise, and a following of 1,200 people on Instagram. She is working on releasing a book that documents the fun facts she has learned while reading about the presidents and their lives. Her hope is that her story will inspire other people to keep with their passions and skills rather than letting them fade out as they get older.
Meet Rob LaRay, singer, songwriter, and recording artist who brings black boy joy to the music industry as he strives to spread positivity while elevating Black culture in America. LaRay says he created a new genre he calls “Take Home Music.” He seeks to create music that can be taken home and reflected on for days to come. LaRay has released two albums, performed for audiences all over the United States, and opened for actress and vegan food star Tabitha Brown on her book tour and restaurant opening. Read more about Rob LaRay and how he lives his dream in real-time.
Humberto Orozco’s life was changed at just 19 years old–when he was diagnosed with HIV. Despite the stigma associated with the virus, Orozco continues to prove to himself and others that it is possible to live a life unimpeded by HIV. Orozco is now a social media activist, promoting positivity within his community and educating others on HIV.
Since the late 70s into the early 80s, Bobby Wilson has been serving his local community through urban agriculture. In 2009, Wilson used his retirement money to build Metro Atlanta Urban Farm, which teaches marginalized families to grow their own produce sustainably, hosts training programs for volunteers, and emphasizes the value of healthy eating–all while promoting equity for farmers of color.
When he was 31 years old, Jarred Keller received a phone call that changed his life—his former roommate had taken his own life. From then on, Keller refused to remain quiet, and decided to make something good out of an unforeseen tragedy. Today, Keller uses his social media to break the stigma of mental health, whether it be through holding up an empowering sign, or sharing a personal video that is both humorous and insightful.
Fueled by passion and a desire to educate–meet Mackenzie Strong, a blind woman with albinism. Mackenzie Strong lives up to her name–she is well-known on her college campus and swims competitively, all while with albinism. Despite the stigma surrounding disability, Strong advocates for her community and is paving the way toward a more inclusive world.
Chef Kenny Minor has always had a love for being in the kitchen and after cooking as a hobby for many years, this passion turned into a career. Minor wants to educate and inspire others on the importance of what we put into our bodies and how this affects us daily. Using the elements of cooking and singing, Minor is able to connect with anyone willing to try one of his recipes!
Millions of older adults suffer from late-life depression every year, yet there is little to no awareness surrounding the mental health of these individuals. That was until Carleigh Berryman founded Viva Vita, an organization that uses virtual reality technology to improve the mental health of older adults.
After 40 surgeries and doubts from her doctors, McKenzy Hupke just walked across the stage and graduated from Wagner University. Seven years ago, Hupke was diagnosed with Stage 4 squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. College graduation was a big part of Hupke’s bucket list and after an emergent brain surgery this past March, she was able to graduate from college alongside her peers.
Shaun Andrews, who was once a Winston-Salem State University college football player, now advocates for mental health. Andrews is in the process of creating an app, Mind HAC, that will curate content specifically for each user to calm the mind and decrease stress and anxiety levels. Andrews is partnered with multiple universities to conduct studies to understand better individuals and how they interact with the app.
Cary Michael Robinson is an artist based in Washington D.C. whose passion and dedication for the expression of himself and others is unmatched. Read more to find out about his journey to becoming an artist as well as where this path has taken him.
Wife and mother Andrea Lyons have made it her personal mission to make sure Black children are represented at their birthday parties. Her business, Anna+Pookie does exactly that. Anna+Pookie creates and sells party decorations that allow Black children to see images that look like them as whimsical characters such as princesses and superheroes.
Imani Vanzap, also known as social media’s number one auntie, is spreading love and positivity through her platform and her merchandise line, BECOME! Vanzap accentuates whatever she says by clacking her grandiose signature BECOME fan.
Maurelhena Walles is the founder of Equity Design with the mission to close the gap between health, wealth and life expectancy. She does this by designing physical activity programming that uses an equity lens as well as data.
After realizing her true passion during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, TL Green founded Holistically Original. This is a transitional life coaching company where clients can speak with a coach to help them through various transitional periods in their lives.
After facing what could be considered one of the most painful and shocking experiences of her life, widow Michele Neff Hernandez founded an organization called Soaring Spirits to help other widows find community amongst each other.
Dr. Theo Nyame is a board-certified plastic surgeon and father of two, who educates his children at home. He is passionate about education and believes a parent’s involvement in their child’s education is important. This is why he not only educates his own kids but has started an education initiative to help low-income families.
Rob Kenney has built a platform based entirely on sharing a father’s love. On his YouTube channel ‘Dad, How Do I?’ he shares advice, affirmations and tutorials with his audiences.
