Samantha Mathews
Andrée Collective, Philadelphia, PA
Andrée Collective serves female survivors of complex trauma who have fled situations of intimate partner violence, sexual assault and human trafficking in a two fold manner: employment and therapy. Founded by Samantha Mathews. Andrée Collective offers professional job training in various aspects of the wedding industry while also providing group and individual evidence-based trauma therapy with licensed mental health professionals.
Survivors partner with and learn from event professionals in various aspects of the wedding industry, while completing professional training and goal-focused career coaching. In addition to employment, survivors engage in regular group and individual evidence-based trauma therapy with licensed mental health professionals. Combining therapy with employment allows for a unique trauma-informed environment where survivors work and heal in a compassionate, empowering setting.
Garry Mills
Garry Mills, Shoot Basketballs NOT People, Philadelphia, PA
After too many of his friends and students died of gun violence, Garry Mills’ mission became simple. Shoot Basketballs NOT People" (SBNP) uses basketball as the vehicle to save and change the lives of youth. Through supportive services and resources, educational opportunities and, of course, basketball, SBNP works to decrease violence that perpetuates a cycle in which too many of today’s victims become tomorrow’s criminals.
Safronia Perry
Safronia Perry, Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Black Economic Growth Alliance. Safronia Perry established the Black Economic Growth Alliance (BEGA) to meet the needs of Black business owners in Carlisle and central Pennsylvania. BEGA will offer networking and a variety of supports to Black-owned businesses to help these businesses become autonomous, self-sustaining, and economically successful. Read more about Safronia Perry here.