Nonprofit leaders are the driving force behind transformative change, championing initiatives that bring hope and solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. These visionaries combine dedication, innovation, and resilience to empower communities, address inequalities, and create lasting impact.
As we navigate 2025, it’s more important than ever to highlight the remarkable contributions of these changemakers. From tackling poverty and advancing education reform to promoting environmental sustainability and human rights, nonprofit leaders are shaping a better future for millions across the globe.
This article celebrates the individuals redefining what’s possible in the nonprofit sector. Through their relentless commitment, creative approaches, and bold leadership, they are bridging gaps, transforming lives, and inspiring a generation of changemakers.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration, exploring potential collaborations, or curious about the faces behind today’s most impactful nonprofit efforts, these leaders exemplify the extraordinary power of leadership in fostering meaningful change. Dive into their stories and see how they are paving the way for a brighter, more equitable world.
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Nonprofit Leaders Who Will Impact Lives in 2025
Gabriel Reyes – FLi Sci
FLi Sci, short for First-Generation/Low-Income Scientists, represents a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing one of the most significant disparities in the scientific community: the lack of representation and support for students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Founded in June 2020 by Gabriel Reyes, this organization emerged as a response to the systemic barriers that hinder access to scientific opportunities for students in poverty.
Gabriel Reyes, a first-generation college graduate and visionary leader, recognized this gap during their time as a graduate student at Teachers College. Observing the scarcity of scientists who shared their experience of growing up in financially constrained environments, Gabriel was inspired to take action.
Their pivotal moment came during an internship with The Opportunity Network, where they developed a virtual summer research program to counteract the educational disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The success of this program illuminated the urgent need for similar initiatives targeting underserved communities where access to scientific education is either limited or entirely absent.
FLi Sci’s mission is straightforward yet profound: to empower students from low-income backgrounds or those who are the first in their families to attend college by equipping them with the skills, resources, and opportunities needed to thrive in scientific careers. The initiative’s programs focus on building pipelines that bridge the gap between talent and opportunity, fostering academic and professional growth in science-related fields.
At the heart of FLi Sci’s vision is the hope for a future where such initiatives are no longer necessary—where science education is universally accessible, equitable, and inclusive, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, gender, or sexuality. This ideal reflects Gabriel’s personal journey of resilience and determination.
Raised by Mexican immigrants in poverty, Gabriel’s academic achievements are a testament to their tenacity and commitment to breaking barriers. From earning an honors degree in Cognitive Neuroscience at Brown University to pursuing a PhD at Stanford University as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar, Gabriel has defied the odds at every turn.
Through FLi Sci, they channel their experiences into transformative programs that empower the next generation of scientists to overcome challenges and make meaningful contributions to the field.
Under Gabriel’s leadership, FLi Sci has garnered recognition for its innovative approach and tangible impact. With support from prestigious fellowships such as the Echoing Green Fellowship and the Roddenberry Fellowship, the initiative has become a beacon of hope for students who dare to dream beyond societal constraints. FLi Sci is not just bridging gaps in education but also transforming lives—one future scientist at a time.
Marq Mitchell – Chainless Change
By the age of 22, Marq Mitchell had spent seven years in both juvenile and adult correctional facilities. Born to formerly incarcerated parents, Marq’s early life was shaped by systemic challenges, including the foster care system, the school-to-prison pipeline, and the criminal legal system. These experiences provided him with a firsthand understanding of the obstacles faced by justice-involved individuals, particularly the stigma and lack of resources that make reentry into society exceedingly difficult.
For many, leaving incarceration does not mean leaving behind the barriers. Accessing employment, housing, and education often feels like an insurmountable challenge. Although Marq overcame these hurdles, he realized that for countless others, a “second chance” remains out of reach. Driven by this realization, he founded Chainless Change, an organization committed to recovery, advocacy, and support for individuals impacted by the justice system.
Marq likens having a criminal record to wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with every poor decision you’ve ever made—a constant, visible reminder that impacts how society sees you and how you see yourself. Through Chainless Change, he works to remove those labels and provide justice-involved individuals with the resources and community they need to rebuild their lives.
Beyond his work with Chainless Change, Marq plays a pivotal role in systems change efforts across local and statewide advocacy initiatives. As a Roddenberry Fellow, Radical Partners Neighborhood Hero, and recipient of The Sentencing Project’s Race and Justice Award, among other accolades, Marq has become a nationally recognized leader in the fight to end mass incarceration and reduce recidivism. His contributions include championing care over punishment, promoting access to education and housing, and advocating for the transformation of the criminal legal system.
Marq’s educational background in Business Administration complements his lived experiences as a Black man in America, navigating behavioral health challenges, incarceration, and poverty. To him, recovery is not just about individual effort—it’s about building self-sufficiency within a supportive, inclusive community. Guided by the belief that everyone is capable of recovery, Marq dedicates his life to creating spaces where justice-involved individuals feel valued and empowered to reclaim their futures.
With Chainless Change, Marq Mitchell is proving that second chances can lead to profound transformations—not just for individuals but for entire communities. Together, he and his team are dismantling cycles of harm and replacing them with opportunities for healing, growth, and success.
Michael Sheldrick – Global Citizen
As the Co-Founder and Chief Policy, Impact, and Government Affairs Officer for Global Citizen, Michael Sheldrick has spent over a decade at the forefront of efforts to influence and implement transformative change in a divided world. Leading a global team of 30 professionals, Michael works with governments, businesses, foundations, and artists to secure and monitor commitments totaling more than $60 billion to eradicate extreme poverty and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Michael is the author of From Ideas to Impact: A Playbook for Influencing and Implementing Change in a Divided World, which highlights the strategies of successful policy entrepreneurs in bridging the gap between ambitious promises and tangible outcomes. A contributor to Forbes.com, he writes about the intersection of policy, sustainability, and impact, with a particular focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues and the role of sustainable finance in creating equitable systems. His work has earned him prestigious accolades, including recognition as a Western Australian of the Year, a Commonwealth Young Person of the Year finalist, and a Board Member of the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens.
Michael’s global campaigns have united prominent artists, including Beyoncé, Coldplay, Idris and Sabrina Elba, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Priyanka Chopra, Rihanna, and Usher, with influential world leaders like Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. These collaborations have harnessed the power of celebrity and policymaking to amplify critical issues and drive real-world impact.
In 2020, under Michael’s leadership, Global Citizen produced the groundbreaking campaigns “One World: Together At Home” and “Global Goal: Unite For Our Future.” These initiatives reached millions in over 150 countries and raised $1.6 billion in cash grants, directly supporting the WHO’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund and grassroots organizations working to mitigate the pandemic’s effects. The One World campaign set a Guinness World Record for the most money raised by a remote music festival, exemplifying the innovative ways Michael and his team drive meaningful contributions on a global scale.
Cindy Axelson – SEAL Family Foundation
As the Executive Director of the SEAL Family Foundation, Cindy Axelson brings years of dedicated service to enhancing the resilience and well-being of Naval Special Warfare (NSW) families. Guided by a deep commitment to service, Cindy leads initiatives designed to meet the unique challenges faced by service members, their families, and Gold Star surviving families. Her leadership ensures that every program the Foundation delivers is impactful, meaningful, and aligned with the evolving needs of this elite community.
The SEAL Family Foundation, founded in 2008, is a nonprofit organization with a mission to support the readiness and resilience of NSW families. Cindy’s role as Executive Director includes overseeing programs that promote sustainable, healthy, and empowered families during a time of persistent conflict and frequent deployments. Her work reflects the Foundation’s mission of fostering individual and family strength while advocating for the critical importance of community support.
Under Cindy’s leadership, the SEAL Family Foundation has remained steadfast in its vision to be the premier provider of benevolent civilian support services for NSW families.
Collaborating with family support leaders and leveraging consistent program analysis, Cindy ensures the Foundation delivers exceptional programs tailored to address the physical, emotional, and social impacts of deployment. These efforts are vital for maintaining the strength and resilience of both service members and their loved ones.
More than 90% of the Foundation’s funding goes directly toward programs supporting NSW families, with initiatives ranging from wellness retreats and childcare services to resources for surviving families of fallen heroes. Cindy’s dedication has been instrumental in expanding awareness, improving services, and educating the civilian population about the sacrifices and needs of NSW families.
Through her leadership and vision, Cindy Axelson exemplifies the SEAL Family Foundation’s commitment to empowering families and fostering a supportive environment for those who serve our nation so valiantly. Her work not only strengthens the Foundation’s impact but also ensures that NSW families have the tools and resources needed to thrive in the face of immense challenges.
Alex Bailey – Black Outside
Alex Bailey, Founder and Executive Director of Black Outside, is an educator and third-generation outdoor enthusiast who is redefining outdoor programming for Black youth. Inspired by the transformative power of nature and driven by his personal connection to the outdoors, Alex uses his radical imagination to create spaces where joy, cultural relevance, and exploration converge.
Alex’s journey began as a camp counselor, where he witnessed firsthand the profound impact outdoor experiences can have on young people. However, he also recognized a glaring lack of diversity in the summer camp industry, which sparked his vision for change.
In 2018, Alex embarked on a yearlong exploration of summer camps and outdoor programs across the U.S., gathering insights on how to make outdoor spaces more accessible and meaningful for Black youth. These experiences laid the foundation for Black Outside, a San Antonio-based organization that now serves over 150 Black youth annually across Central Texas.
Black Outside, Inc. focuses on reconnecting Black/African-American youth to the outdoors through culturally relevant programming and a deep appreciation for the historical connection between Black communities and nature. From fishing trips and hiking adventures to gardening and environmental education, the organization ensures that Black youth have safe, equitable, and empowering experiences in outdoor spaces.
Alex’s dedication to this mission has earned him widespread recognition as a National Wild Gift Fellow, International Echoing Green Fellow, and a TEDxSan Antonio speaker for his talk, Recolor the Outdoors. His leadership is rooted in his belief in the healing power of nature and the importance of fostering a sense of belonging in outdoor spaces.
Through Black Outside, Inc., Alex has cultivated programs like Camp Founder Girls, a camp dedicated to empowering Black girls, and Brothers With the Land, a mentorship program for young Black men. These initiatives are designed to inspire the next generation, connect them to their cultural heritage, and provide opportunities for personal growth and healing.
Maggie Rollwagen – Abilities First
Margarett Rollwagen, MSW, serves as the President and CEO of Abilities First, bringing over a decade of experience in the intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) field. As a seasoned leader, business owner, and program developer, Maggie combines her extensive expertise with a Master’s Degree in Social Work to champion inclusion and belonging for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Known for her dynamic leadership style, Maggie emphasizes the importance of fostering connection, accountability, and teamwork. As a natural relationship-builder, she creates collaborative environments that prioritize innovation and flexibility while ensuring that every voice is heard.
Maggie’s passion for inclusion is matched by her commitment to empowering people with IDD, supporting families, and building strong community partnerships. Her unique background enables her to skillfully navigate the intersection of business strategy, policy development, and practical support services, driving impactful change in the IDD community.
Under Maggie’s leadership, Abilities First continues its mission to promote inclusive opportunities for people with developmental disabilities in Greene County. The organization ensures that individuals have the resources and support they need to live, work, play, and actively contribute to their communities. By leveraging both public and private funding, Abilities First helps individuals use their abilities to lead meaningful lives while enriching the broader community for everyone.
Maggie’s energy, vision, and passion for building inclusive communities inspire her work every day. Through innovative programs and partnerships, she strives to create a world where everyone’s abilities are valued and celebrated—proving that inclusion is not just a goal but a cornerstone of a thriving community.
Dion Dawson – Dion’s Chicago Dream
Dion Dawson, Founder and Chief Dreamer of Dion’s Chicago Dream, is a visionary leader at the forefront of addressing food insecurity through an innovative blend of logistics and last-mile delivery. With over a decade of experience in leadership, social entrepreneurship, and executive communications, Dion is redefining the traditional food distribution model to center health equity and improve health outcomes in Chicago’s communities.
A proud son of Englewood, Dion’s initiative began as a way to give back to the community that shaped him. What started as a local effort has now grown into a transformative nonprofit social enterprise, tackling food insecurity with a resident-informed approach. By stabilizing supply chains, ensuring consistent food quality, and leveraging data-driven operations, Dion’s Chicago Dream is making nutritious food accessible to those who need it most.
Through innovative programs like Dream Fridges, Dream Deliveries, and Dream Vaults, the organization offers comprehensive food access solutions that prioritize health equity. Dion’s philosophy of “food is medicine” drives partnerships with companies to address critical issues such as nutrition insecurity, rising food costs, and diet-related chronic conditions. This holistic approach not only feeds families but also builds community and fosters hope.
Dion’s leadership and dedication have earned him widespread recognition, including honors as a TEDx speaker, Aspen Institute Food Fellow, Echoing Green Fellow, and a University of Chicago Civic Leadership Academy Fellow. In 2023, he received the Chicago Bulls Martin Luther King Legacy Award, celebrating his transformative impact on Chicago’s communities. As a U.S. Navy veteran and a public relations expert, Dion has used his platform to advocate for sustainable, community-centered solutions to food insecurity, with his writings featured in publications like Chronicle of Philanthropy and Crain’s Chicago Business.
Dion’s Chicago Dream stands as a testament to the power of innovation, resilience, and community-driven change. By focusing on health equity and delivering fresh produce directly to families, Dion is not just addressing food insecurity—he’s creating a blueprint for sustainable solutions that uplift entire communities. His work proves that when dreams are fueled by passion and purpose, they can transform lives and inspire lasting change.
Kandi Pickard – NDSS
As the President and CEO of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), Kandi Pickard provides strategic vision and leadership, fostering collaboration with individuals, families, advocacy groups, and organizations to support the diverse needs of the Down syndrome community.
With a degree in Business Administration and over 20 years of experience in operations and administration management, Kandi is dedicated to building a more inclusive, informed, and empowered future for individuals with Down syndrome. Her leadership at NDSS is marked by a steadfast commitment to amplifying the voices of self-advocates, ensuring that people with Down syndrome have opportunities to thrive in all aspects of life.
Kandi’s connection to this work is deeply personal. Her journey began as a dedicated volunteer and advocate after her youngest son, Mason, was born with Down syndrome. What started as a mother’s pursuit to navigate the challenges of raising a child with a disability quickly grew into a profound commitment to systemic change.
Over the years, she has transformed her passion into a leadership role that now shapes the national conversation around Down syndrome advocacy, resources, and support. As a trusted voice in the community, she works closely with families, policymakers, and healthcare professionals to address the evolving needs of individuals with Down syndrome and their loved ones. Today, she leads NDSS with an unwavering dedication to placing people with Down syndrome at the heart of every program, initiative, and decision.
Under Kandi’s leadership, NDSS has expanded its impact, offering a comprehensive range of resources and support that span a lifetime—from birth through adulthood and into aging. She has spearheaded initiatives that focus on key areas such as early intervention, inclusive education, employment opportunities, independent living, and long-term care planning.
Recognizing the unique challenges that individuals with Down syndrome may face as they grow older, Kandi has been instrumental in advancing research and advocacy efforts around aging and healthcare accessibility.
Beyond providing direct support, Kandi is a driving force in influencing policy changes, championing legislation that protects and promotes the rights of people with Down syndrome.
She has worked tirelessly to shift public perceptions, break down societal barriers, and foster community connections that celebrate the abilities and contributions of individuals with Down syndrome. Through her leadership, NDSS has become a beacon of hope, advocacy, and empowerment, ensuring that all individuals with Down syndrome have the opportunity to live meaningful, fulfilling lives.
Paul ‘Mac’ McNamara – Brother Benno
Brother Benno’s has been a cornerstone of support for homeless individuals, working poor, and seniors in North San Diego County since its founding in 1983. Established by Harold and Kay Kutler and inspired by the selfless work of Brother Benno Garrity, a Benedictine monk, the organization began as a small soup kitchen serving the Oceanside community.
Over the years, it has grown into a vital nonprofit dedicated to providing meals, essential resources, addiction recovery support, and community outreach—all with a commitment to compassion and dignity.
The organization emphasizes empowering individuals through its innovative indoor market, where Guests can choose the food they need rather than receiving pre-packed boxes.
This approach reinforces the organization’s mission of uplifting dignity. With the support of the David C. Copley Foundation, donations to the Indoor Market Project are currently being matched up to $10,000, amplifying the impact of every contribution.
The Brother Benno Center operates six days a week, serving as the hub for meals, food distribution, and additional services. To date, the organization has served more than 5 million meals, distributed over 1.5 million articles of clothing, and rescued 4.4 million pounds of food from landfills. These efforts, along with countless other initiatives, have created an environment where dignity and hope flourish.
Brandon Smith – The Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program
Brandon N. Smith, Co-Founder and Senior Advisor to Executive Leadership at the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program (FFRP), is a driving force behind an organization that supports formerly incarcerated firefighters and those in California’s Conservation Camps seeking careers in the Wildland and Forestry sector.
FFRP addresses the growing need for wildfire personnel by equipping individuals from underrepresented communities with the training, skills, and resources to secure meaningful employment. The program provides pre-release career planning, post-release job coaching, on-the-job training, and paid work opportunities, ensuring participants find long-term success while helping mitigate the escalating threat of wildfires.
Brandon’s journey is deeply personal. Raised in Altadena, California, and a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, with a Bachelor of Arts in African American and Liberal Studies, Brandon’s path to firefighting began during his time in a state correctional facility. Initially hesitant to join a Conservation Camp, he ultimately embraced the opportunity to be closer to loved ones.
While serving on a fire crew, he discovered a profound sense of purpose and a way to give back to the community. Released in March 2014 after his sentence was reduced for his fire crew work, Brandon spent 18 months navigating the challenges of reentry before earning his first professional firefighting assignment at the Lake Fire in 2015 and later joining the U.S. Forest Service.
In 2015, Brandon and his co-founder, Ramey, founded FFRP to create opportunities for others who, like him, faced barriers to employment after incarceration. Together, they built a program that fosters reentry success and workforce development, transforming lives while strengthening wildfire preparedness.
Brandon’s work at FFRP is a testament to the power of second chances and the potential for individuals to turn challenges into meaningful contributions to their communities.
Whitney Kroenke Silverstein – Playing For Change Foundation
Whitney Kroenke, Co-Founder of the Playing For Change Movement, is a passionate advocate for the arts with a lifelong dedication to creating positive social change. A graduate of Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Speech in Theater, Whitney honed her skills as a choreographer, dancer, and actress.
Her post-graduate career includes choreography credits for the off-Broadway musical I Sing and the London production of Romeo & Juliet, directed by Daniel Kramer, which later toured war-torn Beirut, Lebanon.
After returning to the United States, Whitney relocated to Los Angeles to pursue a career in film, focusing on projects that inspire and advocate for social progress. It was during this time that she met Mark Johnson, with whom she co-founded Playing For Change.
Together, they embarked on a journey to uncover music in the streets and in the hearts of musicians worldwide. Their efforts culminated in the critically acclaimed documentary Playing For Change: Peace Through Music, which highlighted the universal power of music to connect people across boundaries.
Following the documentary’s success, Whitney and Mark established the Playing For Change Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating positive change through music and arts education. As the foundation’s former executive director and now president of its board of directors, Whitney has helped build music and art schools around the globe, fostering hope and inspiration for future generations.
Whitney’s work with Playing For Change embodies the belief that music has the power to unite people, break down barriers, and create meaningful connections. Under her leadership, the movement has grown into a global phenomenon, using music as a catalyst for change and providing opportunities for children and communities worldwide to access music education and resources.
Rebecca van Bergen – Nest
Rebecca van Bergen is transforming the global craft industry as Founder and Executive Director of Nest, a nonprofit revolutionizing how we think about handworkers. Through Nest, she champions a new economic model that promotes workforce inclusion, enhances women’s opportunities beyond traditional factory settings, and preserves vital cultural traditions.
Fresh from earning her Masters in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis in 2006, Rebecca launched Nest at age 24. Her vision was clear: harness the power of the craft sector – which employs more women globally than any industry except agriculture – to address persistent gender and economic inequalities.
Her innovative approach to social entrepreneurship has garnered widespread recognition. She’s been named a Draper Richards Kaplan Social Entrepreneur, received the prestigious Fabric of Change Award from Ashoka and C&A Foundation for her contributions to sustainable fashion, and earned fellowships from organizations like Levi Strauss & Co. and the Clinton Global Initiative. The New York mayor’s office recognized her impact by naming her a NYC Catalyst.
Under Rebecca’s leadership, Nest has pioneered solutions for ethical handicraft production and worker wellbeing. Her expertise on sustainable fashion, artisan economies, and women’s empowerment regularly features in major media outlets including The New York Times, NPR, and The Guardian. She’s been celebrated as a PBS “Changemaker” and counted among CNN’s Young People Who Rock, while the White House has recognized her organization among the top 100 youth-led enterprises.
Through her work, Rebecca continues to demonstrate how traditional craftsmanship can be a powerful vehicle for social change, creating opportunities for artisans while preserving cultural heritage. Her approach bridges the gap between ancient traditions and modern markets, showing how ethical production can benefit both creators and consumers.
Suzanne Singer – Native Renewables
Suzanne Singer, PhD, is the Founder and Executive Director of Native Renewables and a proud member of the Navajo (Diné) tribe. Raised in Flagstaff, Arizona, Suzanne combines her expertise in mechanical engineering with her dedication to advancing energy independence for tribal communities. Her technical background, including roles as a staff engineer and post-doctoral researcher at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and as an intern with Sandia National Laboratories’ Tribal Energy Program, provides a strong foundation for developing innovative, Indigenous-led energy solutions.
Suzanne’s leadership at Native Renewables is focused on empowering Hopi and Navajo (Diné) communities by promoting solar energy knowledge and solutions. Under her guidance, the organization implements programs such as Hozho Homes, which installs off-grid solar systems with battery storage to bring electricity to families on the Navajo and Hopi Nations. This work addresses critical energy needs while fostering sustainability and self-reliance within Indigenous communities.
An accomplished professional, Suzanne has received recognition as a 2021 Echoing Green Fellow and the 2019 U.S. Clean Energy Education and Empowerment (C3E) Entrepreneurship Award winner. She holds a PhD and MS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Arizona.
Through her leadership, Native Renewables also provides solar education and workforce training for tribal members, empowering individuals of all ages to understand solar energy’s potential and develop the skills to maintain and implement photovoltaic systems. Suzanne’s work ensures that community members are not only beneficiaries of solar energy but also active participants in creating a sustainable energy future.
Suzanne Singer’s vision and commitment have made Native Renewables a transformative force for change, helping to power homes, educate communities, and build a brighter, solar-powered future for the Navajo and Hopi Nations.
Isaac Esene – GoodWorks
Isaac Esene is the Founder and Executive Director of GoodWorks, an organization dedicated to simplifying life-saving concepts such as bleeding control, opioid overdose response, harm reduction, and CPR. Born in Washington, DC, and raised in Prince George’s County, Maryland, Isaac’s commitment to public health and safety was shaped by his service as a medic in the United States Air Force. During his tenure, he responded to health crises and disasters in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, earning recognition as D.C. Air National Guardsman of the Year for his exceptional service.
Isaac’s leadership and impact extended beyond his immediate responsibilities. He spearheaded collaborative training initiatives to promote ethical protester interactions and prioritize health and safety precautions. His experience in setting up a refugee camp during a military deployment honed his skills in leadership and diplomacy, allowing him to effectively collaborate with federal agencies, international NGOs, and local partners.
In 2022, motivated by these experiences and the personal loss of a childhood friend to gun violence, Isaac founded GoodWorks to address pressing public safety challenges in the D.C. area, including gun violence, opioid overdoses, and health inequities. The organization focuses on equipping underserved youth with essential life-saving skills through a team of diverse instructors and volunteers, including first responders, healthcare professionals, and pre-professional students.
GoodWorks conducts workshops, builds strategic partnerships, and engages directly with communities to foster health literacy and proactive safety measures. With a vision to improve health outcomes for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities and underserved youth, GoodWorks emphasizes shared responsibility for safety and reducing preventable tragedies. By integrating life-saving training into schools and youth programs, the organization aims to empower young people to become capable and confident bystanders in emergencies.
Victor and Lynne Brick – John W Brick Mental Health Foundation
Victor and Lynne Brick are the co-founders of the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation, a nonprofit organization revolutionizing mental health treatment through an innovative holistic approach. The foundation, established in memory of Victor’s brother John who struggled with schizophrenia, is dedicated to transforming traditional mental health care by integrating evidence-based practices such as exercise, nutrition, and mindfulness into treatment protocols.
John’s story profoundly shaped the foundation’s mission. Despite receiving standard psychiatric care for decades, John passed away at age 54, highlighting critical gaps in traditional mental health treatment approaches. This experience drove the Bricks to create an organization that would champion a more comprehensive approach to mental health care.
Through their leadership, the foundation has launched several groundbreaking initiatives. They funded a $1.2 million research study examining the impact of positive stress on mental health outcomes, providing scientific evidence for the benefits of physical activity in mental health treatment.
The foundation also partners with veterans’ organizations to provide gym memberships to combat veterans struggling with PTSD, recognizing exercise’s therapeutic value in managing trauma-related symptoms.
The Bricks have integrated fitness centers and wellness programs into psychiatric hospitals and treatment centers, ensuring patients have access to physical activity as part of their recovery journey.
Their foundation supports research projects investigating the relationship between lifestyle factors and mental health, including studies on nutrition’s impact on mood disorders and the effects of different exercise modalities on anxiety and depression.
Education and advocacy remain crucial pillars of their work. The foundation organizes workshops and training programs for mental health professionals, helping them implement holistic treatment approaches.
By advocating for an integrated approach to mental health care, the Bricks have helped shift the conversation from a purely medical model to one that recognizes the importance of lifestyle factors in mental health outcomes.
Through their dedication and innovative vision, the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation continues to expand its reach and impact, developing new programs and building partnerships to make holistic mental health care more accessible to diverse populations. Their work stands as a testament to the power of combining personal passion with evidence-based approaches to create meaningful change in mental health treatment.
Pat Murphy – Ann Storck Center
Since 1951, the Ann Storck Center has stood as a beacon of hope and empowerment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. What began as a small nursing facility operated by Ann Storck herself, caring for just a handful of children with complex medical needs, has grown into a comprehensive support center that serves hundreds of individuals and families across South Florida.
The center offers a wide spectrum of programs designed to support individuals at every stage of life. Their Early Intervention Program provides specialized therapy and education for children from birth to age five, helping them develop crucial communication, motor, and social skills. The Preschool Program builds on this foundation, offering an inclusive environment where children of all abilities learn and grow together.
Residential services form another cornerstone of their mission, with group homes providing 24-hour care in comfortable, family-style settings where adults with disabilities can live with dignity and independence. The Adult Day Training Program offers meaningful activities and skill development, including their renowned ExpressAbilities initiative, which uses art as a medium for self-expression and development.
Innovation in therapy remains central to the center’s approach. Their interdisciplinary team of physical, occupational, and speech therapists employs cutting-edge techniques and technologies to help individuals maximize their potential. Through partnerships with local businesses and organizations, they create opportunities for their participants to engage meaningfully with the broader community.
Family support is crucial to their mission, with comprehensive resources, training, and support groups for families navigating the challenges of caring for loved ones with disabilities. The center also actively participates in policy discussions at local and state levels, advocating for the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities.
Through seven decades of service, the Ann Storck Center has remained true to its founding principle: that every individual, regardless of ability, deserves the opportunity to live a fulfilling life. Their enduring legacy proves that with the right support, understanding, and opportunities, individuals of all abilities can lead rich, meaningful lives while enriching the communities around them.
Mike Trujillo – Conejos Clean Water
Conejos Clean Water is dedicated to building public awareness and fostering advocacy and education on environmental, social, economic, and food justice issues within the Conejos Land Grant Region, spanning northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. Recognizing the region’s iconic landscape and its deep cultural and historical significance, the organization works to protect its water, land, and air while improving community health and well-being.
Guided by the understanding that water is the life source connecting all things, Conejos Clean Water focuses on creating healthy environments where people can live, work, play, and learn. The organization views its mission through an intersectional lens, linking environmentalism, civil rights, and public health to promote multicultural, grassroots solutions that align with global movements for justice and sustainability.
Through partnerships, community education, and advocacy, Conejos Clean Water envisions a future where resources are preserved, and social equity thrives. The organization invites individuals and partners to join in its efforts to protect the environment and ensure justice for the communities it serves.
Tricia Burkhardt – Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation
Tricia Burkhardt serves as the Executive Director of the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation (MCHF), bringing over 20 years of experience in agriculture, conservation, and leadership. Her expertise spans supervisory roles, marketing and branding, fundraising, international project management, and integrated communications.
Tricia has successfully managed global marketing programs for organizations in various industries, including nonprofit conservation, agriculture, animal health, and finance.
A graduate of the University of Missouri, Tricia holds dual degrees in Agriculture Journalism and Animal Sciences. Her career is defined by her ability to connect with diverse audiences, build impactful partnerships, and develop creative solutions to advance conservation initiatives in Missouri and beyond.
Tricia’s passion for conservation is deeply personal, rooted in her family’s century-long tradition of farming along the Maries River in Osage County. As lifelong conservationists, her family’s dedication to preserving land and building habitats inspires her work to protect Missouri’s natural resources. Tricia enjoys spending time outdoors with her two sons, engaging in activities such as fishing, hunting, hiking, kayaking, and camping.
Under her leadership, MCHF continues its mission to advance conservation and appreciation of Missouri’s forests, fish, and wildlife by aligning financial resources with the state’s conservation priorities.
The foundation has allocated over $27 million statewide to fund critical projects, including clean water initiatives, youth outdoor education, habitat restoration, and programs for veterans and individuals with disabilities. Tricia’s commitment to safeguarding Missouri’s natural heritage ensures a lasting impact for future generations.
Jeannie Annan – International Rescue Committee
Dr. Jeannie Annan is the Senior Vice President and Chief Research and Innovation Officer at the International Rescue Committee (IRC), a global humanitarian organization dedicated to helping people affected by conflict and disaster rebuild their lives. At the IRC, Dr. Annan leads the agency’s efforts to design, test, and scale transformative solutions that address the urgent needs of communities in over 40 crisis-affected countries.
As the co-founder of the Airbel Impact Lab, the IRC’s research and innovation arm, Dr. Annan oversees a multidisciplinary team of researchers, designers, behavioral scientists, and technical experts. Airbel works collaboratively with frontline staff and global partners to develop evidence-based, high-impact products and services. With projects spanning health, education, climate resilience, and economic recovery, the lab focuses on scalable innovations that improve the lives of millions worldwide.
Dr. Annan’s research centers on creating and evaluating economic, behavioral, and mental health interventions to reduce violence and mitigate its psychological impacts on women and children.
Her early career included leading education and psychosocial programs in Kosovo, northern Uganda, and South Sudan. She is also an Associate at the Pearson Institute for the Study and Resolution of Global Conflicts at the University of Chicago and a research affiliate at Innovations for Poverty Action, where she contributes to initiatives on humanitarian displacement and intimate partner violence.
With a PhD in Counseling Psychology from Indiana University-Bloomington, post-doctoral fellowships at Yale University and NYU, and time as a visiting scientist at the Harvard T.C. Chan School of Public Health, Dr. Annan brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Her leadership at the IRC and Airbel Impact Lab ensures that life-changing, data-driven solutions reach the world’s most vulnerable populations, fostering resilience and improving outcomes in the face of adversity.
Demetrius Lancaster – Joy Education
Demetrius Lancaster is the founder and executive director of Joy Education, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering students to become confident readers through the innovative use of technology and meaningful human connections. Inspired by his own transformative experience in a community reading program as a child, Demetrius has devoted his life to advancing literacy. His journey includes roles as a reading teacher, coach, and founding leader of a school serving low-income communities.
As a learning experience designer, Demetrius collaborates with educators nationwide to redesign systems and create better learning outcomes for culturally, linguistically, and neurodiverse students. Leveraging his background as a community leader, school administrator, and technologist, he helps communities expand their capacity to address unmet reading needs. Demetrius holds a master’s degree in education from Columbia University and a master’s degree in public administration from James Madison University.
Through its virtual and mobile reading clinic, Joy Education provides students, particularly those with language-based disabilities, with digital diagnostic tools, tailored curricula, and one-on-one online tutoring in reading, comprehension, and spelling.
Joy Education partners with schools, out-of-school programs, and summer initiatives to deliver its tools and training, enabling communities to close literacy gaps. By fostering confidence and literacy skills, Joy Education works to create a world where every student can read, write, and thrive as a lifelong learner.
Jon Nevett – Public Interest Registry (PIR)
As President and CEO of Public Interest Registry (PIR), Jon Nevett leads the organization in its mission to support mission-driven organizations globally through trusted digital identities. With decades of experience in the domain name industry, Nevett plays a pivotal role in managing the .ORG Family of Domains, empowering nonprofits, NGOs, and other mission-focused entities to amplify their impact online.
Nevett co-founded Donuts Inc. in 2010, where he raised over $150 million to establish a registry managing more than 240 domain extensions. His prior roles include serving as Senior Vice President at Network Solutions, overseeing policy, government affairs, and ethics. He also co-founded the Domain Name Association and contributed extensively to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) in leadership capacities.
Nevett’s dedication to public service extends beyond his professional roles. During the Obama Administration, he was appointed to the Online Safety and Technology Working Group, focusing on protecting children online. His governance experience includes serving on the boards of NameJet, Central Registry Solutions, and Green Acres School.
Holding a BA in Political Science from Binghamton University and a JD from Harvard Law School, Nevett combines his legal expertise and industry knowledge to steer PIR as a thought leader in the digital space. Under his leadership, PIR continues to champion the values of trust, transparency, and collaboration for the nonprofit sector.
Navjot Sawhney – The Washing Machine Project
Navjot Sawhney is the founder of The Washing Machine Project, an innovative nonprofit dedicated to alleviating the burden of handwashing clothes for remote and displaced communities. Born and raised in London to parents who experienced the hardships of India’s 1947 Partition, Sawhney’s journey is deeply influenced by his family’s resilience and his commitment to addressing global inequality.
Sawhney’s background in Aerospace Engineering from Queen Mary University and professional experience at Dyson laid the foundation for his technical expertise. However, his path took a transformative turn when he joined Engineers Without Borders UK in South India. There, he met Divya, a neighbor whose struggle with handwashing clothes for up to 20 hours a week inspired him to develop a hand-cranked washing machine. This promise led to the creation of the first prototype and the establishment of The Washing Machine Project in 2019.
With a master’s degree in Humanitarianism, Conflict, and Development from the University of Bath, Sawhney has guided The Washing Machine Project in conducting extensive research across 13 countries and gathering insights from over 3,000 families about their laundry needs. The project’s flagship product, the Divya washing machine, has positively impacted nearly 30,000 people in India, Iraq, Lebanon, Uganda, Mexico, and the United States.
Partnering with organizations like UNHCR, Oxfam, Whirlpool Foundation, and RS Group, the project ensures that its machines are culturally, economically, and environmentally tailored to the communities it serves. In 2024, Sawhney returned to South India to deliver washing machines to Divya and her neighbors, fulfilling the promise that inspired the initiative.
Honored with prestigious awards, including the 2023 George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award, Navjot Sawhney continues to lead The Washing Machine Project in designing sustainable solutions that bring dignity, time, and improved well-being to underserved communities worldwide.
Colleen and Maggie Clines – The Anchal Project
Colleen and Maggie Clines, sisters and co-founders of The Anchal Project, established the nonprofit in 2010 to harness the transformative power of design to address pressing social and environmental issues. With backgrounds in architecture, the duo recognized the potential of design to create meaningful change and dedicated themselves to improving the lives of marginalized women through sustainable, fair-wage employment in eco-friendly textile production.
The Anchal Project was inspired by Colleen’s pivotal experience during a 2009 Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) graduate class trip to India. While collaborating with an NGO, she learned about the urgent need for alternative livelihood programs for women in the sex trade. Meanwhile, Maggie, as a research assistant, explored the far-reaching impact of human-centered design. Together, their shared vision and passion led to raising $400 to provide sewing machines, materials, and stipends for their first artisan collective in Rajasthan, India.
This grassroots effort grew into a formal 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Anchal, dedicated to creating economic opportunities and fostering empowerment through innovative design and collaboration. Today, The Anchal Project delivers sustainable solutions that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern eco-conscious methods, providing artisans with valuable skills, education, and community support.
Through partnerships with trusted Indian NGOs, Anchal ensures that its programs meet the needs of the artisans while making a lasting impact. With its focus on ethical practices, sustainability, and empowering women, the organization continues to transform lives and challenge systemic barriers, proving that design can indeed change the world.
