Winter 2025

Dr. Melinda Chu |

Cincinnati, OH.

Issue Area | Water

Dr. Melinda B. Chu, a physician-scientist and founder of ecotera health, is driven to combat the global health and environmental crisis posed by microplastics. Inspired by a landmark study in the New England Journal of Medicine linking microplastics to increased cardiovascular risks, Dr. Chu merged her medical expertise with a passion for innovation to develop accessible solutions. ecotera health is pioneering a home microplastics detection kit, paired with a user-friendly mobile app for real-time monitoring and community-driven data sharing. Beyond this, the company aims to advance a comprehensive suite of solutions, including microplastics-related diagnostics, therapeutics, and eco-remediation products, for prevention, treatment, and environmental restoration. Dr. Chu's unique blend of medical, scientific, and business expertise empowers ecotera health to create impactful innovations that empower individuals and communities to protect both human and environmental health.

Venture | Ecoerta Health

Ecoerta Health is pioneering solutions to the microplastic crisis by developing innovative and sustainable diagnostics and therapeutics that enhance human and environmental health.

Lull Mengesha | O

akland, CA.

Issue Area | Economic Stability & Mobility

Lull Mengesha, founder of Tiphub.co, is a passionate advocate for using technology to create social impact. Witnessing firsthand the struggles of displaced communities within the East African diaspora, particularly those connected to the Tigray region, ignited a fire in him. This led to the creation of Tiphub.co, a transparent, community-driven platform for fundraising and mutual aid. Lull believes in empowering displaced individuals by giving them a voice to share their stories, raise funds directly, and rebuild their lives with dignity.

Lull's background in product development and customer success isn't just about building technology. His extensive experience translates into user-focused solutions that tackle real-world problems. Driven by a deep commitment to equity and social justice, Lull uses his expertise at Tiphub.co to foster impactful change for marginalized groups worldwide.

Venture | Tiphub

Tiphub is a transparent, community-driven platform that empowers displaced communities to rebuild their lives. We connect generous donors with the impactful stories of those in need, ensuring resources reach them directly. With a focus on accountability and measurable outcomes, donors can be confident on knowing that their donations will make a real difference.

Dr. Kala Fleming |

Baltimore, MD.

Issue Area | Economic Stability & Mobility

Dr. Kala Fleming is an innovator and engineer driving impactful change through workforce development. As founder of the climate workforce startup Frontline Gig, she is scaling solutions to empower individuals and build resilient communities. With 10 patents and over 30 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Fleming combines technical expertise with a passion for social impact. Her background includes developing technology strategies for IBM clients, leveraging IoT, AI, and blockchain to create competitive advantages. A sought-after speaker, she delivered a TED Talk on creating digital groundwater aquifers and has advised governments on innovation and workforce strategy across four continents. Dr. Fleming holds a PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Venture | Frontline Gig

Frontline Gig empowers the green economy and beyond by providing flexible apprenticeships and gigs that develop the next generation of skilled trades talent.

Giselle Galper. JD |

Palo Alto, CA.

Issue Area | Economic Stability & Mobility

Giselle Galper, Founder of CHEA SEED, is on a mission to democratize career coaching, ensuring everyone has access to personalized guidance. Driven by her parents' immigrant experience and the systemic barriers they faced, she founded CHEA SEED to provide affordable and scalable career support through AI-powered agents.

As a former General Counsel with experience across diverse sectors like agriculture, hospitality, and entertainment, Giselle has a proven track record of solving complex challenges. Her commitment to social impact extends beyond her professional career. She has volunteered her time to empower women through negotiation training and guidance on navigating workplace bias.

Frustrated by the limitations of traditional one-on-one coaching, Giselle envisioned CHEA SEED as a platform to deliver impactful career advice at scale. The name "CHEA SEED" – a blend of "Career Helping Expert Assistant" – is inspired by the power of chia seeds, symbolizing energy, growth, and the potential for significant impact.

Giselle holds a JD from Stanford Law School and a BA from the University of Illinois. A dedicated mother of three sons and a dog, she partners with her husband, Adam Galper, CHEA SEED's CTO, in this ambitious endeavor.

Venture | CHEA SEED

CHEA SEED empowers individuals with private, affordable career support while offering scalable talent management solutions for employers. Our innovative approach combines Generative AI with expert knowledge and proven coaching methodologies, delivering interactive online sessions that are continuously refined through user feedback.

Abidemi Awojuyigbe | Dallas, TX.

Issue Area | Education

Abidemi Awojuyigbe is a distinguished technology professional and social impact entrepreneur recognized for her dedication to creating positive social change. A 2019 Forbes 30 Under 30 Scholar, she has garnered numerous accolades, including over 60-70 academic scholarships and awards.

Abidemi's career trajectory reflects her commitment to leveraging technology for good. While working as a Presales Systems Engineer at Dell, she actively engaged with the Bill Clinton Initiative, contributing to the development of technology-driven solutions for underprivileged communities.

Driven by a desire to empower students, Abidemi founded Scholist, a platform designed to help students access a wider range of scholarship opportunities. This innovative venture has garnered significant support, securing over $107,000 in grants from esteemed organizations such as Ford, Black Ambition (founded by Pharrell Williams), and the Bill Clinton Initiative.

Abidemi's leadership in the field of social entrepreneurship is further solidified by her active participation in accelerator programs and her unwavering commitment to creating a more equitable and just society.

Venture | Scholist App

Scholist is a scholarship platform empowering students to seamlessly discover, apply for, and track scholarship opportunities. We strive to simplify the often-intimidating scholarship application process, making it accessible to all students.

Amy Li |

Sunnyvale, CA.

Issue Area | Health & Wellness

Amy Li, diagnosed with a rare Stage IV cancer at a young age, experienced firsthand the transformative power of music and dance in her recovery journey. This profound experience inspired her to create Dance4Healing, an NIH-funded impact venture dedicated to making healthy habits accessible, supportive, and enjoyable. Dance4Healing leverages an award-winning, patented AI telehealth platform to achieve this mission.

A renowned UX and behavior strategy expert, Amy has driven innovation and AI adoption for global brands such as Yahoo and AT&T. Her work has been featured in prominent publications like The New York Times, NBC News, Yahoo!, and Gizmodo.

Amy's expertise extends beyond the corporate world. She is a graduate of Harvard Medical School's postgraduate writing program and her forthcoming book reflects this valuable experience. Amy actively contributes to the field of public health, serving on the American Psychological Association's Pandemic Taskforce. She is also one of the first two Asian female leaders nationwide selected for the Cultural of Health Leadership Institute for Racial Healing, a prestigious program supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Amy's leadership in the arts and health space is evident in her numerous accolades. She has served as a keynote speaker at the USPTO's AANHPI Month and has been recognized as a Global Arts in Medicine fellow. Additionally, she has served as a speaker and Envoy for Global South Arts and Health Week, an initiative supported by the World Health Organization.

Venture | Dance4Healing

Validated at Stanford, Dance4Healing is an NIH-funded, patented AI telehealth platform that connects elders, chronic disease patients, and caregivers with compatible "buddies." This innovative program fosters the development of lasting healthy habits through engaging music, dance, and arts activities, delivered via recorded and live video sessions.

Bradley Rahr | Winter Park, FL.

Issue Area | Health & Wellness

Brad Rahr, CEO and Co-founder of the Central Florida Counseling Collective, is deeply committed to improving mental health access and supporting the well-being of mental health professionals in Central Florida. With over six years of experience as a professional counselor specializing in trauma care, Brad gained firsthand knowledge of the unique challenges faced by counselors in the field.

Driven by a desire to create a supportive and sustainable ecosystem for mental health practitioners, Brad founded the Central Florida Counseling Collective. This innovative initiative aims to empower counselors to thrive while ensuring that clients in Central Florida receive high-quality, accessible mental health care. The Collective is dedicated to expanding its reach and creating lasting positive change within the region's mental health landscape.

Brad holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Central Florida and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Reformed Theological Seminary.

Venture | Central Florida Counseling Collective

The Central Florida Counseling Collective empowers counselors with access to shared office spaces, professional development opportunities, and comprehensive wellness programs. By fostering a thriving community of mental health professionals, we enhance access to quality mental health care for clients across Central Florida.

Tamika Vantifflin |

Chicago, IL.

Issue Area | Safety

Tamika Vantifflin, CEO and co-founder of AEGIS, is driven by a vision of a world where everyone feels safe and empowered. Inspired by her sister's traumatic experience of sexual assault during a medical emergency, Tamika founded AEGIS to revolutionize emergency response. The AEGIS app modernizes 911 by enabling silent, efficient communication with authorities, empowering users to seek help when every second matters, even when verbal communication is impossible.

AEGIS provides emergency responders with critical real-time data, including GPS location, medical information, and other vital details, ensuring they can act swiftly and effectively. Tamika is a passionate advocate for underserved communities, prioritizing accessibility and inclusivity in the design and deployment of AEGIS.

A dedicated advocate for personal safety, foster care, and adoption, Tamika tirelessly works to ensure everyone has access to the tools and resources they need to live safely and securely. She holds a degree in business from DePaul University and is committed to building a more resilient and inclusive society through the power of technology and empathy.

Venture | Aegis App

AEGIS is a mobile application that enhances emergency response by facilitating silent communication with authorities. The app provides real-time location data (GPS) and other critical information, such as medical conditions, to emergency responders, enabling faster and more effective assistance during emergencies when verbal communication may be difficult or impossible.

Julius Timmons |

Orlando, FL., USA

Issue Area | Health & Wellness

Julius Timmons is a healthcare strategist driven by a commitment to improving lives and communities through innovative, patient-centered solutions. After a successful career in finance, he transitioned to healthcare, seeking to create a more meaningful impact.

While at AdventHealth, he played a critical role in crafting strategies with regional leaders across 8 states to address the unique dynamics in each market, while also helping bring them into alignment with the companies strategic aspirations. As head of Strategy for AdventHealth’s Multi-State Division, he demonstrated strong leadership and a deep understanding of the importance of collaboration and resilience in navigating complex healthcare challenges.

With expertise in optimizing surgical suites, developing business intelligence tools, and addressing complex healthcare issues, Julius focuses on improving access to quality care and enhancing patient outcomes while prioritizing human connection.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Julius actively engages in wellness initiatives and explores emerging healthcare innovations. Passionate about creating a more accessible, compassionate, and impactful healthcare system, Julius welcomes collaboration to reimagine healthcare for individuals and communities.

Venture | Dignity Wellness Partners

Dignity Wellness Partners delivers high-quality healthcare services to diverse populations, including both affluent and underserved communities. We offer a range of payment options, including fee-for-service, membership plans, Medicaid, and Medicare sliding scale programs.