2023 FELLOWS

Problem Identified: The pattern of mass incarceration and homelessness affecting the community in Asheville, North Carolina. 

Business Solution: An equitable approach to hiring, through community, for those who legally face the greatest barriers.

Dustin Mailman is a friend of the disinherited, a community organizer, and a United Methodist pastor in Asheville, North Carolina. He is launching Deep Time, a community of faith that offers employment, connection, and a Christian Community for those impacted by incarceration. This happens through specialty coffee roasting, unconventional worshiping community, and innovative workforce development offerings. The myth of incarceration leads many to believe that rehabilitation happens behind bars. Through relationships with persons transitioning from incarceration in the West Asheville neighborhood, Dustin has found that incarceration further traumatizes an already traumatized community. This traumatization exacerbates rates of addiction, mental illness, and houselessness. The name Deep Time is a nod to a long line of mystics who frame deep time as a radical encounter with each other, creating a beloved community where time is not linear and boundaries between other-ness are non-existent. Through Deep Time, Dustin clings to the reality that God's intention for humanity is deep time, not hard time.

Problem Identified: Lack of community and resources for socially conscious entrepreneurs and innovators seeking to make a positive impact on marginalized communities.

Business Solution: A co-working space for social entrepreneurs, coalition builders, and christian innovators seeking to build community for marginalized believers to belong, believe, and become.

Kylan Pew is eager to create a co-working space for social entrepreneurs, coalition builders, and theological innovators who seek intentional community to belong, believe, and become. Through The Believers’ Outlet he desires to develop a resource pool that fosters community, self-confidence and promotes self actualization.

Problem Identified: The need for cultural experiences that provide mutual empowerment, connection, and investment.

Business Solution: Global experiences that allow people to build community, be nurtured, refreshed, and connected in African-centered contexts.

LaDonna Sanders Nkosi is a global traveler, bridge builder, scholar and public poet who curates Africa Exhale and Ubuntu Global Retreats for leaders and transformation agents. These Global REFRESH Retreat Experiences provide transformative space for leaders to decompress, de-stress, renew, restore, connect, and engage in the heart of Africa and African communities in Rwanda and South Africa. LaDonna is a gifted cultural and global bridge builder who traveled over 15 bridge-building journeys across the U.S., South Africa, and Rwanda.LaDonna is a Wright Scholar and Seeds Project Fellow. She holds a Doctor of Ministry and Master of Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary, a Social Enterprise Certificate from the University of Illinois Chicago, a Master of Arts in African American Studies and Women’s Studies from DePaul University, and a Bachelor of Journalism in Advertising from the University of Missouri, Columbia. In 2003, she was ordained for the international bridge-building ministry in Durban, South Africa, and has been ”Building Bridges Across the Waters” and empowering leaders ever since. As the founder of Ubuntu Global Village Communications of Chicago, Illinois, she travels frequently to Rwanda and soon-to-be South Africa, building this dream and hosting Africa Exhale and Ubuntu Global Retreats.

Problem Identified: Access to a comprehensive personal finance education, investing education, and investing platform.

Business Solution: A FinTech SaaS that bridges the gap for first-generation wealth builders, between investing and education.

Ray’Chel Wilson, CFEI®, is an award-winning educator, published author, and international speaker. Her workbook series, Black Wealth Freedom, has impacted readers internationally. Formerly a teacher during the pandemic, Ray’Chel now serves as CEO of ForOurLastNames, empowering individuals to build wealth for their last name. Serving both individuals and financial institutions, ForOurLastNames is a financial technology that bridges the education gap for first-generation investors who experience the problems of being financially illiterate or underbanked. Through its patent-pending gamified approach, ForOurLastNames will shape the future of less risky, minority-friendly investing. The app will empower users to build generational wealth for their last names. Ray’Chel holds a BSPH from The Ohio State University and a certificate in Women’s Entrepreneurship from Cornell University.  She is also a Duke graduate school student specializing in Investment Management and receiving her Master of Divinity. Ray’Chel passion is closing the wealth gaps that exist through education and empowering financial wellness through stewardship. Due to the holistic “money moves,”  Ray’Chel enjoys spending time between Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Durham, North Carolina, taking road trips in her hybrid, sharing conscious meals with friends, and thanking God for better days.

Problem Identified: The disparity gap in mental health services in the Black community.

Business Solution: Provides mental health service tailored to the unique needs of Black churches, creating a safe and supportive environment for members to find the care they need to build stronger and healthier communities.

Tina Houston-Armstrong, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and the founder and CEO of Living Connected, a holistic mental health corporation dedicated to empowering Black women and their communities to flourish. With a deep understanding of the challenges that hinder Black women and their communities, Tina is driven by a passion to bridge the health disparity gap and provide support to help Black women destress and refresh. As a Black woman herself, Tina recognizes the unique experiences and burdens faced by Black women and the subsequent impact on their overall well-being. Through Living Connected MBS, Inc., she seeks to alleviate these challenges by offering comprehensive and culturally relevant mental health services. Tina is committed to creating a safe and inclusive space where Black women can access the support they need to thrive. With expertise in holistic approaches to mental health, Tina combines evidence-based strategies with a deep appreciation for the mind-body-spirit connection. She is dedicated to addressing the specific needs of Black women and fostering their resilience and personal growth. By empowering Black women, Tina aims to uplift entire communities and contribute to the collective flourishing of Black individuals.