Generously sponsored by Ford Philanthropy

Ally Zlatar | United Kingdom

The Starving Artist

The Starving Artist initiative empowers individuals through creative arts, prioritizing authentic engagement and promoting change within existing systems. Using art and culture, the initiative educates and raises awareness about the lived experiences of marginalized communities to various stakeholders, including policy makers and healthcare professionals. Through exhibitions, publications, workshops, and more, it connects artists and individuals to collaborate and drive transformation, fostering a more inclusive civic reform process. To date, the venture has raised $15,000 in capital.

Alvin Lockett | United States, Detroit

Que Blackout

Que Blackout addresses the pressing challenges of youth unemployment, child poverty, and lack of arts exposure and leadership training in Detroit, MI. Through comprehensive media arts training, the venture empowers young individuals by fostering creative expression, technical skills, and personal growth. With a focus on workforce development and artistic excellence, Que Blackout provides access to industry leaders and mentors, nurturing the growth of young people. To date, the venture has raised $175,000 in capital, is run by a team of three employees, and worked with over 50 students.

Aramis Jones | United States, West Tennessee

Renew Mobile Health and Wellness

Renew Mobile Health and Wellness focuses on delivering preventive care and social services to vulnerable school-age children and adults who encounter barriers to accessing healthcare and wellness resources. Through mobile van services and an app, Renew Mobile Health offers proactive health screenings, a free menstrual health pantry, nutrition education, and social services support, emphasizing patient education, resource connection, and self-advocacy. Aramis was a participant in West Tennessee’s Builders + Backers Idea Accelerator Program funded by The Ford Motor Company Fund and powered by Heartland Forward.

Ashley Maull | United States, Atlanta

Hi-Luxe Logistics

Hi-Luxe Logistics optimizes freight for government and private clients through strategic partnerships, aiming to transcend traditional logistics by breaking barriers, empowering businesses, and making a lasting impact on global trade. The venture’s mission extends beyond mere supply chain optimization, striving to break barriers, empower businesses owned by women and minorities, and foster diversity and inclusion within the global trade landscape. Recently, the venture signed a 5-year contract with the Georgia Department of Corrections.

Cuahtémoc Cruz Herrera | Mexico

Proyecto Daskalos

Proyecto Daskalos aims to empower children and youth from public schools across Mexico. Their two-sided mathematics tutoring platform connects knowledgeable and motivated public-school students as tutors with those in need of high-quality support in mathematics skills. Currently in the beta testing phase, Proyecto Daskalos has developed an MVP platform and identified tutors to provide free peer tutoring to students in Jalisco, Mexico, leveraging their expertise and achievements in mathematics competitions. To date, the venture has raised $5,000 in capital and is run by 3 part-time team members.

Desiree Riley | Mexico

The MasterMind Cooperative

The MasterMind Cooperative aims to combat the alarming rates of homicide among young people, particularly African Americans aged 10-24, by activating community engagement and incentivizing positive change. Through initiatives such as weekly wellness support and career certification programs, they foster well-being, innovation, and economic opportunities. To date, the venture has raised over $100,000 in capital, issued over $15,000.00 in micro grants to assist community members with various small financial emergency needs, and collaborated with Double Trellis to deliver hundreds of meals for community members.

Francisco Valencia | Mexico

Prothesia

Prothesia is dedicated to revolutionizing the orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) sector by optimizing clinic operations, improving manufacturing processes, and delivering standardized, affordable, and high-quality prosthetic care. Prothesia offers administrative support, digital marketing, and standardized manufacturing, fostering transparency and community building. To date, the venture has established 24 clinic partnerships, reached over 14,000 patients, and raised over $100,000 in capital to support its efforts to address challenges related to accessibility, affordability, and patient experience in the O&P sector.

Habeeb Ayangbade | United States, Houston

Beebz

Beebz addresses various challenges in intercity transportation such as long queues, overcrowding, and environmental concerns by offering a sustainable shared-ride mobility solution. Similar to Uber, Beebz’s app allows users to book rides on minivans with fixed routes and times, providing flexibility in pickup and drop-off locations, a flat rate per seat, and limited passengers onboard for comfort. Beebz aims to pave the way for a fully autonomous future by prioritizing collaboration and eventually introducing autonomous vehicles. To date, the venture has logged 193 completed trips, 400 signups, and $9,500 in revenue as well as worked with 220 paying customers.

Isaac Mongali | South Africa

CareerKit

CareerKit is dedicated to revolutionizing career development by empowering individuals to unlock their true potential and achieve professional success, particularly in underserved communities. Through innovative tools like their RIASEC Board Game (a captivating tool designed to explore and understand personality types) and comprehensive learning resources, CareerKit enables users to gain insights into their strengths, explore diverse career options, and make informed decisions about their futures. To date, the venture has raised over $10,000 in capital, engaged over 5,000 users and impacted 56 underserved schools across South Africa.

Jeffery Johnson | United States, West Tennessee

Crowns Basketball Academy

Crowns Basketball Academy is dedicated to reshaping youth sports culture by prioritizing positive development strategies over detrimental practices. With a focus on building confidence and technique while minimizing stress on athletes’ bodies, the academy aims to eradicate improper teachings and instill mental, spiritual, and emotional growth. Currently serving a limited number of families in West Tennessee, the academy plans to expand its impact through various initiatives, including training future sports instructors, fostering mentorship among young athletes, and collaborating with the community to address youth crime.

José Alanis | Mexico

ELECTROMEX

ELECTROMEX aims to alleviate concerns about transitioning from gasoline to electric cars by establishing an EV Charging Network, providing peace of mind to electric vehicle users. Recognizing the significant impact of fossil fuel vehicles on pollution levels and public health, the venture seeks to promote clean air and reduce health risks associated with emissions. With a prototype EV Charger successfully tested for three months and production underway in China, ELECTROMEX is poised to install 50 chargers across Monterrey, Mexico. The venture is currently run by a team of two with help from 3 additional part-time team members.

Joshua Borokinni | United Kingdom

The Borokinni Trust

The Borokinni Trust is dedicated to tackling environmental, mental health, and educational challenges in marginalized communities through inclusive programs and policy interventions. Through impactful campaigns, educational initiatives, global engagement, and research contributions, they aim to spark positive change, measuring success through metrics such as reach, engagement, and participation rates. To date, the venture has raised over $65,000 in capital and is run by 20 team members. At the University of Plymouth Student Union, they led stress management campaigns that played a pivotal role in shaping mental health policies across UK higher institutions as part of the Office for Students Student Mental Health project.

Kgomotso Cynthia Macucwa | South Africa

Intensify Study House

Intensify Study House is dedicated to addressing the limited opportunities for learners to access coding and robotics education while also tackling social and mental health issues crucial for future career readiness. Providing a comprehensive educational environment, the center offers academic, social, and mental health services to learners of all ages, aiming to foster well-rounded development. To date, the venture has raised over $17,000 in capital and plans are underway to expand their services to a larger facility that can support more than 35 individuals at a time, enabling the center to reach a wider audience and establish partnerships with schools and educational institutions.

LeDeidra Wooten | United States, Atlanta

Listening Hands Care Services

Listening Hands Care Services addresses the community’s tendency to overlook their health until they are unwell, coupled with a lack of preventative care education. Through a holistic approach, the venture offers services to promote healthier lifestyles and stress management, encompassing mind, body, and spirit. To date, the venture has served approximately 500 clients across the United States and raised $100,000 in capital, demonstrating its impact on promoting proactive health practices and holistic well-being.

Nana Arkorful | United States, Chicago

Arke Inc.

Arke Inc. is revolutionizing the eBike industry by developing retrofit kits that offer quality, performance, and affordability, aiming to make eBikes accessible to a wider demographic. Partnering with biking shops and organizations in underserved Chicago communities, Arke is introducing eBike rentals and youth programs to educate students on eBike and EV repair and support. While pre-launch, Arke has 250 sign-ups for their BETA product and plans to provide 25 kits for community bike rides in 2024, alongside initiatives dedicated to youth education and employment in Chicago’s Bronzeville and South Shore areas.

Nicole Cabrera Salazar | United States, Atlanta

Movement Consulting

Movement Consulting transforms STEM culture through consulting services focused on emotional, relational, and collective work to support marginalized individuals, particularly those who are BIPOC. Their projects include mentoring courses, classroom transformations, and workshops on social justice and self-empowerment. To date, the venture has raised nearly $600,000 in capital, successfully pivoted to an online model, tripling revenue and establishing partnerships with over 30 organizations internationally, including NASA and prestigious universities like Harvard and Stanford.

Roy Scott | United States, Kansas City

Healthy Hip Hop

Healthy Hip Hop is a pioneering venture leveraging hip hop culture to revolutionize education and children’s well-being. Their mission is to empower the next generation with the knowledge and skills they need for healthier lives while fostering a love for learning. Through interactive AI-driven content and partnerships with schools and communities, they engage children in learning about health, nutrition, and fitness. To date, the venture has raised $750,000 in capital, executed over 1,000 live events, piloted programs in 20 schools across Kansas City, and secured a contract with the Dallas Independent School District.

Sanelisiwe Njobe | South Africa

OURS

OURS is revolutionizing connectivity in rural and peri-urban areas with the OUR Space device, addressing data infrastructure challenges and making online learning accessible. Through device and platform training, provision of connectivity devices to Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers, and access to online resources, OURS ensures no child is left behind in the digital age. To date, the venture has raised $250,000 in capital and has launched successful pilots at four ECD centers across South Africa.

Stephanie Itimi | United Kingdom

SEIDEA

SEIDEA confronts the stark underrepresentation of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) women in the UK’s cybersecurity sector, where they comprise only 16% of the workforce. By offering crucial training and job opportunities, SEIDEA addresses both the industry’s acute skills gap, affecting over 653,300 businesses, and the pressing need for diversity. Through sponsored bootcamps, job placements, and robust community engagement initiatives, SEIDEA empowers BME women with industry-relevant skills and certifications while fostering a supportive network for mentorship and shared learning experiences. To date, the venture has raised over $63,000 in capital and trained 1,800+ BME women.

Tao Zhang | China

Songguoren

Songguoren addresses the challenges of youth growth and development in China by providing comprehensive career empowerment courses, diverse social innovation projects, and practical experience activities for individuals aged 16-28. Since its inception in September 2015, Songguoren has emerged as a leading platform in this domain, earning recognition from prestigious organizations like the United Nations and Forbes China. To date, the venture has directly assisted over 100,000 individuals annually, attracted over 2 million online visits, and raised $2 million in capital.

Tara Levy | United States, Chicago

Liberated Writers

Liberated Writers tackles the academic and behavioral setbacks caused by remote learning in inner-city Chicago schools. Through creativity, mindfulness, and diverse literary works, the program aims to bridge literacy gaps and empower students. Piloting workshops at schools like DRW College Prep and Wells Community Academy High School, it has already provided vital after-school literacy support to 45 students. To date, the venture has raised $22,000 in capital and has garnered support from organizations like the Chicago Urban League and the Hyde Park Art Center.

Thabo Molibeli | South Africa

Innovative Engineering Hub

The Innovative Engineering Hub pioneers sustainable water management solutions to combat South Africa’s critical water crisis. By implementing cutting-edge technologies and community-driven initiatives, the company optimizes water usage, reduces wastage, and promotes responsible consumption. Through tailored water management systems and partnerships with local stakeholders, it empowers communities to conserve resources effectively. To date, the venture has raised $140,000 in capital and with over 10 million liters of water saved for current clients, it leads the way towards a more resilient and sustainable future.

William Hill | United States, Houston

Uncharted Territory Solutions

Uncharted Territory Solutions is dedicated to uplifting individuals from minimum wage to livable wages through quality and affordable health career training, completed in 12 weeks or less. As a licensed vocational school in Texas, they focus on serving underserved communities, aiming to inspire students to pursue further education. The venture also collaborates with nonprofits to offer scholarships, ensuring accessibility to training opportunities for all. To date, the venture has raised $220,000 in capital, achieved an 80% employment rate, and trained over 200 students, enabling them to secure higher-paying jobs to support their families.

Xinting He | China

Nervoviden

Nervoviden utilizes Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology and visual cues research to enhance color vision deficiency diagnosis and solutions. They aim to provide accurate and efficient testing, crucial for early detection and prevention of serious health issues. With plans to obtain FDA licensing and raise awareness through social media, they aim to inform millions about their vulnerability to color sensitivity problems. To date, the venture has raised $50,000 in capital and partners with organizations like Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) Association International (BCAI) and the National Science Foundation to expand accessibility and engagement within the color vision deficiency community.

杉穗 张 (Sunset) | China

思无邪青年志愿团 Siwuxie Youth Volunteer Group

Siwuxie Youth Volunteer Group aims to support vulnerable groups, particularly individuals with autism, ensuring societal integration and financial sustainability. Through collaborations with various organizations, they provide high-quality activities like tutoring and therapy, including a unique “One Day Companion” program. For older youth, they partner with businesses to facilitate disability employment. To date, the venture has raised $300,000 in capital to support its initiatives and served over 1,800 individuals, securing employment for many.

The Ford Philanthropy Fellowship is a program designed to equip 40 rising entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and experience to scale the impactful ventures they are building. Ford Fund Fellows will learn advanced skills in entrepreneurship and leadership, have the opportunity to earn seed funding, garner experience, and build a global network, as they lay the foundation to empower many more individuals and transform their communities.