Fall 2020 Social Justice Innovation Accelerator Cohort 7
Our start of out seventh cohort also served as the launch of our Social Justice Innovation Accelerator program. We welcomed eight innovative social justice companies to this special program supported by sponsors AppSumo, Kendra Scott, adMixt and Wild Basin Investments, with Capital Factory and Notley Ventures continuing their commitment as partners with DivInc.
As shared with the Austin American-Statesman in a June article, this is a new, issue-specific program 100% focused on finding the most innovative companies and organizations across the U.S. that address inequities and disparities caused by institutionalized bias and racism. While participants can be a social enterprise, for-profit, or non-profit organization, they must have a unique social justice innovation approach that effectively targets eradicating racism and bias in criminal justice, healthcare, education, voting, housing, or related areas.
With companies from across the U.S. represented, DivInc’s Social Justice Innovation program is taking on deep rooted problems of bias and racism throughout the nation.
Lone Star Justice Alliance
Founder - Elizabeth Henneke
A legal organization improving the lives of youth and emerging adults in the justice system.
Amplify RJ
Founder - David Ryan Castro-Harris
Teaching the public the origins, philosophy, practices, and values of Restorative Justice through modern, digital platforms.
Break The Box
Founders - Kobla Tetey and Litanya Reavis
An Opportunity Zone fund with a thesis of closing the racial wealth gap by exponentially increasing the number African American home owners across the nation.
Civic Links
Founder - Kara Duggan
Helping those in need navigate and access relevant government benefits and support.
SayLambda
Founder - Kwasi Frye
Providing renters, first-time home buyers, and housing counselors with real-time data on the latest assistance programs, grants, and home ownership incentives tailored to an individual’s profile, to increase access to affordable housing.
Thawra Network
Founders - Yasmeen Kadouh and Rima Fadlallah
Revolutionizing the lived experiences of Arabs and Muslims in America through identity affirming and groundbreaking media production
Vngle
Founder - Blake Stoner
Covering the stories you don’t hear about and the perspectives you don’t get, we give you “various angles” on news for communities, by communities.
Melanoid Exchange
Founders - Jovante Ham and Darsha Carter
Building more Black millionaires by guiding minority business owners through the world of eCommerce and giving the world a place to shop from them.