Lauren Efird, The Carr Center, Cary, NC

The Carr Center is a mixed-use development on church-owned land with the purpose of addressing multiple community issues, including affordable housing and child care. Spearheaded by Rev. Lauren Efird, the Carr Center will provide 51 units of affordable housing to lower income households as well as 11 units of program housing for working families experiencing homelessness. Non-profit offices, YMCA programming and early childhood education will also be on site. 

Carl Johnson, Storehouse Grocers, East St. Paul, MN

Carl Johnson opened Storehouse Grocers in 2019 in the Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood of Saint Paul to provide 300 basic need grocery items to one of Minnesota’s most impoverished neighborhoods. The micro-grocery store and café is a worker owned cooperative that pays a living wage and funds a hot meals delivery program for the neighborhood.  An on-site training program for young adults teaches food industry skills and offers job connections with local restaurants and partners.

Brad Onishi, Axis Mundi Media, San Francisco, CA

Through creative storytelling, in-depth research, and interviews, Axis Mundi Media creates and distributes media resources that educate clergy, journalists, elected officials, professors, teachers, and the lay public about the ways religious nationalism, authoritarian movements, and extremist communities threaten democracy. Created by Dr. Bradley Onishi, co-host of the Straight White American Jesus podcast, Axis Mundi is designed to offer an alternative to right wing media education outlets which spread misinformation and inaccurate, biased history.

Harvey Chun, Aloha Community Shed, Honolulu, Hawai’i

The mission of the Aloha Community Shed is to encourage healthy physical, social and mental opportunities for senior men and women to share friendships, experiences and projects with pride, dignity and Aloha in a welcoming environment for the benefit of members and community. The Aloha Community Shed builds projects for the local community, such as raised garden planters and benches, and also sells artisan items in pop-ups and craft fairs. Harvey Chun is a Director of the Aloha Community Shed and has been a member for 4 years.

Erica Williams Simon, Mamas in Waiting, Cary NC

Mamas In Waiting exists to meet the needs of women of color who have experienced infertility, pregnancy loss and other challenges on their path to motherhood, no matter where they may be on their journey. Founded by narrative strategist, author, and podcast host Erica Williams Simon, Mamas in Waiting offers retreats, virtual workshops, community, and resources ranging from emergency support grants to direct access to trusted mental health professionals.