One of the most rewarding things about getting to know so many entrepreneurs is seeing first-hand how many of them are focused on so much more than just financial results.  So many of the folks we connect with are focused on having a positive social impact on their community or the world at large.  Check out some of these amazing folks below.

Jennifer Wood | Painter & Muralist

Historically artists and their work have always been a marker for what is happening at significant points in history. Artists have always had a “voice” in our society and are very blessed to have the opportunity to bring awareness to social issues, environmental issues, and to bring light to amazing people and beings, like Ghandi And Jesus! I know that Archeologists and Anthropologist’s study artists work for historical information about real life events, clothing styles and buildings. Paintings are a sample of life of days past, that we are able to see and experience in the present. Pretty powerful to have your creations have an effect on future generations. I love the honesty of creativity, and we all know the world needs more of that. Read more>>

Kate Mishara | Elementary School Principal & Nonprofit Founder

Wyatt Academy is a K-5 community school where students thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. Phenomenal academic programming is at the core of what we do. But our model is unique because we don’t stop there. We understand that student success depends on more than just academics. That’s why we provide the essentials children and their families need to reach their full potential. Our Family Empowerment Center provides wraparound services like a laundromat, food pantry, and clothing boutique, so families from all backgrounds feel supported and valued as part of Wyatt’s diverse community. The Family Empowerment Center has changed the way that we operate as a school and as a community hub. We are committed to elevating community voice, and ensuring that our schools meets the needs and desires of our families. Read more>>

Bethany Therrien | Designer & Small Business Owner

All of our designs are made by artisans in fair trade cooperatives in Peru, Guatemala and Armenia. Most of these artisans are women who are able to work from home. I have always really loved our work-from-home model for women, but this year it was crucial for them. There were some difficulties getting materials back and forth, but for the most part they were able to work from home normally through the pandemic and still be safe. Anahit Rushayan has been crocheting in her collective in Yerevan for 25 years. She told me. “All around people lost their work, but we are still busy. We know that it is very hard times for the world and understand that God has blessed us.” Read more>>

Gina Figliuolo | Studio Manager & Singer

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” ― Plato These words hang prominently on our wall here at Stapleton Music Lab, as we believe wholeheartedly in this sentiment. We cannot imagine life without music, and we have made it our mission to inspire the artist within every one of our students. SML breathes life into our community through music, bringing students together with our passionate teachers and then sending them off to share all that they’ve learned within our walls. We teach all ages here, as we believe it is never too late to learn. Music touches our souls in a way that words cannot, and we like to think that with every note learned and shared, the soul of our community expands and swells. Berthold Auerbach said, “Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” We like to think we help our community shake off the dust and shine through music education. Read more>>

Dr. Mikki McComb-Kobza | Marine Biologist

Our nonprofit organization is all about connecting people to nature. Our mission is ocean conservation through research and education. We educate and inspire people all over the world to understand what is happening to the ocean and the very simple things they can do to protect it. We rely on the ocean for our very lives, our oxygen, our food, our vitality. What we do to the ocean matters. Read more>>

Ariel Doctoroff | Owner

Our gym is not just a gym. Coming into our business, you won’t find people quietly working out in their station, staying in the zone, and doing their own thing. Our gym is an unbelievable community of people working hard TOGETHER as a group to push themselves to what we call… Level 10. Our gym is a judgement free zone where everyone can empty their full tank of effort without worrying that someone is watching them or critiquing their ability. Our community helps others feel good about themselves, regardless of the opportunity they have to better themselves. In our gym, you’ll see people of all shapes and sizes, all ages, and all different kinds of athletic background, working hard to stay healthy. This world is full of a skewed view of body image and what perfection should look like. Read more>>

Muriel Wiesner | PreParent and Parent Coach & Intuitive Healing Guide

PreParenting centers the notion that if we heal ourselves and our homes first, the world will follow. The world is simply a collection of humans, and what those humans learn and are surrounded by in childhood (or not) has a HEAVY influence on the outcome of their lives. As a matter of fact, children who experience ACE’s (Adverse Childhood Experiences) are MUCH more likely to experience myriad mental, emotional and physical health issues later on in ADULTHOOD if their trauma goes unhealed. Not to mention that what we learn as children fuels our lifelong belief systems, habits and the way we choose to live our lives. Here at PreParenting, the aim is to PREVENT trauma in the first place through healing ones own childhood and past, raising ones consciousness and energy and becoming well-educated about child and human development so that they can parent from a truly wise, mature and healthy place. Read more>>

Rod Rushing | Director Embark Peer Coach Academy Colorado

Currently, the outcome data for Substance Use Treatment is not promising. There is a pervading assumption that relapse is inevitable. From the outside it may telegraph “Why Bother” to someone who is entrenched in dependence. There are currently 24 million people living in sustained recovery from MH/SA issues which indicates that success is possible. Developing a health social network after ceasing drug and alcohol use is paramount to creating a sustainable new lifestyle. Our trainings and support programs are meant to create access to a healthier social network. Twelve step programs have been doing this for years, but only 15 percent of those who are recovering utilize 12 step. Our programs engage multiple pathways including Harm Reduction. Read more>>

Kelly Johnson | Owner, Expert in Online Resources & Technical Services

As a Virtual Assistant, I support business owners and entrepreneurs with the administrative, creative and technical aspects of their business, which allows my clients to focus not only on growth opportunities for their business but also on achieving professional goals. I started Cornerstone Virtual Assistance to offer clients a creative option to build a collaborative long-term professional relationship with a virtual assistant that supports the foundation of their business without being limited by geography. One of the differences between a virtual assistant and a “traditional” administrative assistant is that I work *with* my clients, not *for* my clients. We are two business owners who are forming a professional collaboration to provide the opportunity for each of us to focus on our strengths and expertise to produce great results and help ensure that projects are being completed and ideas are being implemented. Read more>>