Ryan Jones
Ryan Jones: goodlync, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Ryan Jones is the founder of goodlync, a digital ecosystem platform created to help entrepreneurs in underserved communities access the networks, mentorship, and opportunities often concentrated in major startup hubs. Built from Ryan’s experience working in community and economic development across Appalachia, goodlync connects founders, investors, mentors, incubators, accelerators, and universities into one collaborative platform designed to sustain relationships beyond one-time events or local programs. Through white-label community spaces, event management tools, analytics dashboards, peer support networks, and founder resource hubs, goodlync helps entrepreneurs build meaningful connections, discover services and funding opportunities, and gain visibility far beyond their local ecosystems.
Lauren Efird
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.
Erica Williams Simon
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.
Rayce Lamb
Faithonomics is a social impact venture that empowers faith-inspired social impact leaders to bring their bold ideas to life without sacrificing their personal or financial well-being in the process. Founded by Rev. Rayce Lamb, Faithonomics offers financial education and vocational connection to faith-inspired leaders, creators, and entrepreneurs through their Doers Creative digital platform.
Victoria Scott-Miller
Victoria Scott-Miller, Liberation Station, Raleigh, NC
Liberation Station is North Carolina’s first Black-owned children’s bookstore. The bookstore specializes in children’s literature by Black creators that focuses on positive Black narratives and characters.
Dustin Mailman
Dustin Mailman, Deep Time Coffee, Asheville, North Carolina
Deep Time Coffee offers spiritual community, employment and personal development for persons impacted by incarceration. Located in Asheville, NC, Deep Time is developing a social enterprise that begins with roasting coffee. Mailman has purchased a coffee roaster and has begun selling coffee through popups and word of mouth, hiring returning citizens (recently incarcerated) who face overwhelming barriers to employment. Founder Dustin Mailman is a United Methodist pastor in Asheville who offers a “ministry of loitering” - connecting with those on the streets, the unhoused, and marginalized.
Sanctified Art Collective
Collective, Sanctified Art, Black Mountain, North Carolina
Sanctified Art is an artist collective that provides progressive visual art, poetry, and other creative resources for liturgical worship. Sanctified Art helps worshiping communities integrate art and creativity into their spiritual practice using resources with inclusive and affirming theology and an expanded imagination around the divine image. Creative team members include Rev. Lauren Wright Pittman, Rev. Anna Strickland, Rev. Lisle Gwynn Garrity, Hannah Garrity, and Rev. Sarah A. Speed. Read more about A Sanctified Art here.