Equity-Centered Systems Change

Distributes free white canes that meet international standards and are sized by age and height, along with state-of-the-art technology such as smartphones and laptops equipped with assistive software, to blind and visually impaired individuals globally. Completes approximately 23 such projects annually.

Supports empowerment initiatives for blind individuals, including providing uniforms and jerseys to the Austin Black Hawks, a local blind Beep Baseball team, to promote inclusion and confidence.

Establishes and operates assistive technology laboratories at educational institutions, including at Lahore College for Women University and Government College University Lahore, equipping them with desktop computers and adaptive technology to support the academic and vocational development of blind and visually impaired female and differently abled students.

Conducts outreach programs and provides education to parents of differently abled students through conferences, local events, and ongoing collaboration with educational institutions such as Government College University Lahore.

Conducts research on systemic barriers faced by visually impaired individuals in Pakistan, including the exclusion of visually impaired girls from the education system and challenges in the effective use of smartphones by blind citizens.

Provides funding and technology to support small businesses run by individuals with visual impairments and facilitates access to vocational training by providing necessary equipment such as computers designed for the blind.

Conducts data-informed research including a study on narrative change for racial equity in nonprofit funding and a May 2020 needs analysis survey assessing emergency aid access for POC artists and arts organizations during the pandemic.

Implements systemic improvements in communities of color through programs including the Grassroots Action Project, Rising Tides Research Institute, Arts Business Loan Fund, and Co-Learning Community Fellowship.

Provides capacity grants of up to $2,500 to nonprofit and small business participants in the Help Desk program to support operational expenses such as rent, software, equipment, insurance, utilities, accounting, fundraising operations, and volunteer staff stipends.

Hosts a Speaker Series in partnership with arts and science organizations to discuss issues facing Queer communities and communities of color.

Incubates Transform Gender Collective, a transformative justice support and accountability collective led by and for transmasculine and masculine-of-center BIPOC individuals, through ongoing workshops and individualized skill-building in conflict resolution and community accountability.

Offers a free 6-week program in spring and fall providing strategy and individualized consulting to individuals and organizations serving communities of color, particularly Black, Indigenous, and Latine communities. Includes up to three one-on-one consulting appointments with experts of color and awards capacity grants of $1,000–$10,000 to support implementation of learning.

Hosted an in-person retreat in Breckenridge, CO in May 2023 for transmasculine and masculine-of-center BIPOC and delivers mutual aid through social media outreach, resource coordination, and collaborative partnerships.

Offers strategy, individualized consulting, and business education services to small organizations in STEAM fields with budgets under $2 million through a nationwide network of consultants. Supported 4,261 organizations and individuals and raised nearly $40 million for them over ten years.

Engages in intentional efforts to implement racial equity, diversity, and inclusion values within the organization and its service communities, fostering a work environment where diversity and belonging are central to organizational culture.

Provides advanced training with hands-on instruction and industry-recognized certifications in healthcare, technology, and construction fields, including programs such as Construct Forward and Pharmacy Technician Training. These programs have led to six-figure career placements and apprenticeships with organizations like Local 28.

Offers free GED and ESOL classes to adults aged 18 and over, including daytime programs for immigrant mothers and evening classes for working adults. These programs are tailored to remove barriers such as childcare and work schedules, and have served over 600 adults in recent years.

Connects graduates and participants with employer partners for internships and job placements, including stipended internships with organizations like Habitat for Humanity and DC 9. Offers resume intensives, mock interviews, speed networking, career panels, and one-on-one mentorship to support career readiness and advancement.