All in U.S.
Founder and CEO of Mango People, Sravya Kalyanapu, has created a makeup brand that is all-natural, non-toxic, and inclusive of all skin tones. Inspired by her South Asian roots and the ways that nature can be used for beauty, Mango People uses fruits as pigments while sticking to their motto: “If you cannot eat it, it does not belong on the skin.”
Johnny and Elaine Birks-Mitchell of Phoenix, Arizona, are the founders of The Bra Recyclers. Its mission is to support women in need and promote environmental sustainability. They have repurposed over four million bras to keep textile waste at a minimum while supporting survivors of domestic abuse, homelessness, and human trafficking.
Yuri Williams is the founder of A Future Superhero And Friends, a nonprofit organization that supports underserved communities like the elderly, homeless, and ill. Williams brings cheer and love to people who are facing hardship by dressing in costume as their favorite superhero. He helps people because he understands the hardships that people go through and is selfless enough to make a difference.
Oakland high school senior Ahmed Muhammad has taken his own passion for math and science to a new level by providing kids in his community with fun and affordable science resources.
Only six-years-old, and already making a difference! “Bethany’s Happy Bags” are filled with necessities and distributed throughout her community in Savannah, Georgia to the homeless.
Shamelle Jackson knows the pains of homelessness as a mother of four. Her experience provided motivation for her to step up in a unique way to support those in her own community in Charlotte, North Carolina, by hosting free pop-up markets for those dealing with food insecurity and homelessness.
Chef D. Arthur’s story of becoming a highly sought-after, self-taught chef was no different; stirring him away from the blueprint he originally outlined when he first began his culinary journey and inspiring us to add in more flexibility into our personal recipes as we pursue our goals.
“Everybody has a story; I just feel that everything feels more obtainable when you understand that this person had obstacles too. ” - Bobby Pen. Lauren Williams has worked as a journalist, media consultant, and brand coach in the media industry for over 15 years. She has made an extensive platform for herself in the entertainment industry under the name Bobby Pen.
The multitalented musical duo, Aint Afraid, is redefining positivity from a Black, Muslim, woman perspective. Through their dynamic energy and uniquely empowering lyrics, these talented wordsmiths encourage us all to place importance on self-love, especially in a society that is overwhelmingly defined by negativity.
The Urban Creators North Philadelphia urban farm and co-op provides fresh produce as well as educational, artistic and entrepreneurial resources to its community. Through paying attention to their specific need, Urban Creators is able to create tangible and systemic change, like decreasing violent crimes, in one of the country’s poorest cities.
DeCairo Allen is a multi-dimensional artist. He handmakes paintings, creates digital media, and audible art called soundscapes. Along with being an artist, Allen considers himself a nomad. Allen has traveled to various locations across the US. He often uses his travels to inspire his art, using meditative techniques to recall his destinations.
Hayley Procacci has hiked all 273 miles of The Long Trail. Procacci decided to embark on this trail after becoming unemployed due to the pandemic, in search of a purpose.
Wren Fialka and the Spread the Love Commission work to connect with and empower individuals experiencing homelessness across the country. While providing necessary supplies and sharing their stories, Fialka gives a voice to some of the most vulnerable and invisible people in our communities.
“Whether you have straight, curly, long hair or are bald, you are still beautiful.” - Stephanie King. Birmingham, Alabama’s ‘First Lady of Hair’ Stephanie King. King is more than just a hairstylist. She specializes in women's empowerment through her organization, Let's Talk About Beauty For Women. She teaches women how to work through their trauma while raising their self-esteem. King focuses on making women feel beautiful on the outside and inside too.
The Prison Literature Project is a volunteer-run organization that provides books to people who are incarcerated. This organization and its fairly simple premise work to build connections and give the right to knowledge with some of our society’s most isolated individuals.
Francois Reihani’s La La Land Kind Cafe in Dallas focuses on promoting kindness. By offering words of affirmation to their customers and their emphasis on employing foster youths who have aged out of the system, this business strives to change what the traditional model looks like. Reihani’s story exemplifies how kindness can also yield profit.
Michell Clark, author of Keep it 100 shares his story on overcoming anxiety with the use of affirmations. He uses his skill in content creating to share directions on how to overcome life’s challenges and create your path to success.
JM Smith and his volunteers at the Disciple Dojo strive to engage and empower their community through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Christian discipleship. Equipping people with knowledge about their faith and empowering the community has become a way to build meaningful connections and support systems.
Helena Jacobs, co-founder of the Alaska Native Birthworkers Community (AKNBC). Jacobs, along with the other co-founders of AKNBC, provide support to women and their family during their pregnancy. During the pandemic, AKNBC has also provided food and supplies for expecting mothers and family.
The COVID-19 pandemic has allowed for many people to find creative ways to keep their mind stimulated and their physical beings in shape. Samika Minter, a DC resident, found her outlet from the pandemic with cycling.
