We asked members of the community how their organizations help the community. We’ve shared some of the responses below.

Krystal Rain Bonner

My business helps by providing the community access to services that are beneficial to the mind, body and soul. My clients leave feeling rejuvenated, able to be more productive members of society, which helps the world. Read more>>

John Fenton | Director of Development, Lions & Rabbits Center for the Arts

Lions & Rabbits Center for the Arts provides the vital community function of helping to facilitate, from conception to completion, a variety of complex public art initiatives. Increasingly, public art, like murals, plays a huge role in helping to define neighborhoods and communities—acting a central pillar of broader place making efforts. When spaces are transformed by public art, communities benefit from increased stewardship, pride, and improved health and wellness. Moreover, artists living and working in the community have access to well paying job opportunities that would otherwise not exist. In many cases these opportunities can be the difference between an artist having a career or not having one. Read more>>

Adrian Tonon | Detroit’s first Night Time Mayor, Congressional candidate, music executive and restaurateur

Since I was a child I have used my privilege and resources to relentlessly assist and champion those around me. Growing up in hospitality, I used our family restaurant as a place to gather people from all walks of life around the table, break bread and flesh out solutions for area issues, such as blight, education in urban schools, at risk youth violence and mentorship. Today, many years later I continue to follow that model in my career as Detroit’s first Night Time Mayor, Congressional candidate, music executive and restaurateur. Read more>>

Paulette Carr | Artist, Instructor, Curator, and Gallery Owner

As an art gallery, working studio and classroom space, we impace the world in the following ways: 1. We help give artists an avenue to get their art “out of their basements” and into the light and view of the community. By doing so, we start to change the essence and tone of our community. A community with out art has no color and becomes stagnant and gray. With art, we bring light and expression to places that do have it or do not know how to express themselves with art. We add credibility to businesses by sharing art in their offices, store fronts, etc. If you went into a financial planner and they had no art, nothing on their walls? Read more>>

Tracie Yu | Dog mom and Pupfluencer

There is so much going on in the world, a lot of negative things that can weigh heavy on people over time. Important issues absolutely but I believe that Bok Choy’s social media helps to bring a smile to a lot of peoples faces, even if it’s temporary. And I believe that helps the world by bringing something happy and positive to their lives however brief. Read more>>

Darcy Dunham | Comedian, Marketing Expert, Social Media Influencer, Brand Consultant

Comedy is a potent force in the world, and its impact goes far beyond just making us laugh. It serves as a powerful catalyst for positive change and connection among people. Here’s why I believe comedy is essential in making the world a better place: Stress Relief: Life can be incredibly challenging and stressful. Comedy provides an escape from our worries and troubles, even if just for a moment. It releases endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones, which reduce stress and increase our overall sense of well-being. In a world where stress-related illnesses are on the rise, comedy acts as a natural remedy. Read more>>

Mariah Mitchell | Artist and curated

When I started out I just wanted to be an artist. It was really hard getting exposure and being accepted into gallery exhibits. After a while I decided to start putting together my own exhibits. Not just for myself but for other artist who also had problems being accepted by galleries. I wanted to create spaces and opportunities for all sorts of up and coming artists. This gives them to confidence and support to keep going. I know how easy it is to give up when things get tough. It gets discouraging. I throw exhibits for artist who need that push to get past the discouragement. I hope it really helps artist to keep going and feel supported. Read more>>

Lara Hakamaki | Director of Corporate Development

Refresh IV Bar is deeply committed to contributing positively to the community in several ways: Promoting Wellness: Our IV therapy options are not just about personal rejuvenation but also promoting overall wellness within the community. By offering a range of treatments that boost energy, support hydration, and deliver essential nutrients, we aid individuals in maintaining their health and vitality. Supporting Health Initiatives: We work alongside healthcare professionals and community organizations to support health initiatives. By providing services that complement traditional healthcare, we strive to be a valuable addition to the local health ecosystem. Read more>>

Si’ Neka Demery | Founder of Akenis llc

Akenis llc helps the community and world by providing a safe space for women battling chronic illnesses such as Sickle Cell Anemia, Endometriosis, Lupus, PCOS and Mental Health through Holistic products, resources, & services. We educate and support women who are searching for a healthy & natural lifestyle. We launched our Akenis Cares program in 2022 which provides free hygiene and “positive vibes” packs free, to women through out the community. If you come across myself or a team member than generally, you’ve snagged one of our packs! We just hand them out at random! Read more>>

Sandy Ciaramitaro | Author . Founder . President

This is a great question! I am the author of The Good Eggs Book Series for children and also the founder of The Good Eggs Foundation. The book series helps young children learn about the importance of kindness, empathy, diversity, and community service. I have had parents and teachers write to me to let me know that the book series is having an impact. In fact, some have told me that their children/students have emulated the actions of the Eggs, e.g. organizing drives for animal shelters, collecting canned goods for homeless shelters, and even being aware of their friends’ needs and feelings. Read more>>

Shavonne Ekeledo | Founder, CEO, Principal Consultant

Impactful Leadership & Management Solutions, LLC™ (ILMS) is dedicated to making a positive impact on the community and the world through our comprehensive range of services. We are a trusted provider of Leadership Training, Operations Management, and Organization Development Consulting, with a deep commitment to delivering tailored strategic solutions that address the unique needs of each organization. Our primary focus is on driving measurable and sustainable changes within the workforce, company culture, community, supplier base, and marketplace. We believe in fostering practical and effective organizational change, which has a ripple effect that extends beyond the boardroom. Read more>>

Tyra Moore | Community Advocate

A Girl Like Me Inc is dedicated to empowering and supporting girls and young women in their personal growth and development. Our organization strives to make a positive impact by providing mentoring programs, resources, and support to girls who may face unique challenges and barriers. Additionally, A Girl Like Me Inc organizes various community outreach initiatives to address the specific needs of girls and young women. We provide essential items, such as baby items and feminine products, to moms in need, supporting them during challenging times. Through our mentoring program, We aim to inspire confidence, self-esteem, and resilience in young girls, helping them realize their full potential and pursue their dreams. Read more>>

Ebony Hardy | Founder, Author, and Director of Curriculum Development

Healing not Hurting, with its focus on holistic healing and empowerment, has a profound impact on the community. By offering resources such as books, journals, and apparel, my company empowers individuals on their personal healing journeys, leading to improved mental and emotional well-being. This not only benefits the individuals directly involved but also creates a ripple effect as they share their newfound knowledge and tools with friends, family, and the wider community. My company’s holistic approach to well-being, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional health, ensures that individuals receive comprehensive support. Read more>>

Ju Blendz | Barber

I believe it helps because it gives you a fresh start a different outlook on your self and a boost of confidence so maybe you can take that next step in your life for the better. I think that everybody has the potential to be great but sometimes you have to feel great and I think a haircut can help with that. Read more>>

Mack Delfino | CEO (Marketing & PR Specialist)

Mack Delfino Agencies is impacting the world by utilizing the many vast resources we have to connect the dots for individuals of all backgrounds no matter what industry they are in. Branding and scaling anyone’s brand by bringing their ideas to life with our strategic marketing & pr strategies. Read more>>

Patrick Ingram | Portrait/Product Photographer and Aspiring Creative Director

I see a lot of blind glorification of negativity in the world, in every industry, and it took a long time for me to realize that even in the photography industry there is a LOT of negative glorification, from images of music artists smoking/drinking their lives away, to oversexualized studio photos, to promotion of guns in black communities, to blatant satanic imagery. The worst part in all of this to me is the fact it’ll be really great photographers with great skills who ultimately bring value and importance to whatever is being photographed no matter how dangerous the impact is to the viewer. I want to change that. I want to bring a new wave of creativity and value to a movement of positivity. Read more>>

Kamyra Cheatham | Yoni Steam Practitioner

My business helps impact the community and the world because I help educate women about womb healing holistically. I offer services and information to women to help them heal internally. A lot of women struggle with heavy menstrual cycles, cysts, fibroids, and vaginal infections and do not know of proper and healthy ways to treat those conditions and others. Most of the time when we are diagnosed with these conditions we are offered birth control or some form of medication that treats one part of the issues but creates another. My goal is to educate women of all ages and bring awareness to the benefits of using herbs and healing naturally. I also provide herbs and services for womb healing sessions. Read more>>

Stephanie “Thebagladie” Bedell | Producer & Wardrobe Consultant

I started a bartering group back in 2019 by the name of Detroit NetWERK. I was unsure of the direction I was going in. I knew that I wasn’t the only Creative out here that was in dire need of a team. In 2022 I started hosting monthly Content Days in different studio spaces. Bringing other Creatives together to accomplish a common goal (visibility) was vital. Photographers need Models. Models need Photographers. Makeup Artist need subjects and professional images to gain NEW clientele and so on. As I’ve been hosting these monthly Content Days (18 months and counting) I have been able to network with several different groups of people across Metro Detroit. Read more>>

DJ RUE | Music Architect & Entrepreneur

The textbook definition of Music is; a vocal or instrumental sounds (or both) combined in such a way as to produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion. I believe that the role of a DJ is to combine the definition of Community & Music and make it (One Big Thing). Yes; my Goal is to internationally impact the souls of our community through Music. But I MUST start within my own Community first. Socially; I’m grateful that I study different genres of Music; grateful for my Gigs that allow me to play Armenian, Greek, Klezmer & Yiddish type music. It has truly allowed me to connect with my Clients on a different level. Read more>>

Jennifer Buchner | Naturopathic Doctor & Breathwork Facilitator

A big pillar of the work I do is rooted in education because I believe that knowledge is power. I strive to empower and educate women to understand how their bodies work, how to keep them healthy & how to create balance in all areas of their life. While embodying this wisdom these women go on to create a ripple effect of change within their own lives & communities. Read more>>

Samuel Avery Giardina | Artist

As a trans artist, I try and make it a point to raise awareness for the trans community with my work. I started photography the year I started my transition and it’s been my goal ever since to bring more light to my community with my photos. My self portraits have been dedicated to sharing my own story through conceptual, thought-provoking, and meaningful photos. Since then I created a brand where I sell my art prints, stickers, merchandise, and more that focuses on the queer community and mental health. My work is meant to give people an insight into the trans experience while also allowing others in my community to feel less alone. Read more>>

Ciara Glass | Dance Studio Owner & Dance Company Director

My dance studio Haus of Glass Dance and dance company, C.Glass Dance Company, plays a significant role in positively impacting both our local community and the broader world in several meaningful ways: 1. **Artistic Expression and Awareness:** Through our company performances, especially the upcoming one “Traff-ICK” addressing the issue of human trafficking, we contribute to raising awareness about critical societal issues. This not only educates our local community but also has the potential to spark conversations and action on a global scale. Read more>>

Dee Jones | Visionary & Chief Energy Officer

Jump Ahead L3C is a social Impact company that focuses on using innovative things like Esports to educate people on social issues that effect society local, county, statewide, nationwide, internationally & globally. We host Esports competitions help build infrastructure and eventually we will develop housing using 3D housing to attack the housing crisis globally. We host cash prize Esports competitions there was no one hosting Esports competitions for the community to compete. We got the opportunity to educate undeserved communities on health care, voting, and cancer. The Kent County Sheriff’s Department showed and sponsored the event we got to speak on police and community relations which is a big social issue nationwide. Read more>>

Janette Phillips | Executive Director, Share Detroit

Share Detroit’s website is designed to allow our community to DO GOOD and connect to hundreds of local nonprofits in metro Detroit. Our site offers 4 pillars for community members/neighbors to decide how to support the nonprofit. These pillars are: donating funds, volunteering, shopping a wish list and attending an event. Our site makes it easy for neighbors to do research to learn more about nonprofits who support missions/causes that speak to their heart. There are hundreds of causes and areas to support including, children, animals, veterans, seniors, victims of cancer, suicide, literacy for children and adults, etc. Read more>>

Patrick Bush | Owner of Patman Droneography

I strongly believe that what I do is a benefit to the community. I encourage people to look at life through a different perspective. My business has really changed from just taking pictures and videos with a drone. Now I do my very best to spread positivity, beauty, and encouragement through my photography and videography. Of course I still do paid work and promotional gigs flying, but spreading positivity and encouraging people to ‘open their eyes’ has been so amazing. The community that I’ve built on social media (Patman’s Frequent Flyers and First Class Flyers) are some of the best people on the planet. Read more>>

Yana Benjamin | Intimate Wedding & Adventure Elopement Photographer

In the past decade, I have been working to create an inclusive wedding and elopement photography brand that elevates diversity, cherishes unorthodox styles and values experiences over things. My enneagram types are challenger and helper and these characteristics accurately describe the way I approach my wedding photography business. Challenging the traditions and helping all couples regardless of their preferences and sexual orientation. I strongly believe that everyone deserves to be loved and respected. Read more>>

Trevor Szafranski | Founder and CEO of R1SE

At R1SE, we’re changing the lives of students and parents alike. Parents today have more on their schedules than any previous generation. As a result, they are constantly scrambling to fulfill their unsustainable obligations. Therefore, at R1SE, we help students soar in and out of the classroom, rewarding them with unrivaled recreation. With all academics complete upon pick-up, parents get their lives back, as we free up invaluable hours each day for them. Parents win. Kids win. Our community wins as we help community leaders be high performers in their industry while mentoring the “leaders of tomorrow” who will one day impact the world. Read more>>

Brandin Hurley | Installation + Sculpture Artist

Pablo Picasso says “the meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away”. I have always had an overwhelming impulse to create; it wasn’t until several years ago that I started considering how I could use that impulse to contribute to the world in some small way. Up until this point I had kept my environmental activism separate from my art; it seemed incredibly vulnerable to combine two things that felt so very personal to me. I am so glad that I decided to turn in this direction; using my art as a way to communicate with other people about our connection to the natural world has been the loveliest thing. Read more>>

Rahnda Loussia | Leasing and Operations Manager

Sola Salons has made a positive impact by providing salon professionals with a supportive and empowering environment. They offer a platform for entrepreneurs to thrive and contribute to their local communities. Read more>>