FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Houston, Texas —March 27, 2026
Impact Hub Houston, the region’s leading hub for impact innovation and entrepreneurship, is proud to celebrate the graduates of the inaugural Ideas to Impact Accelerator cohort. The 16-week program provides expert mentorship, peer collaboration, and guidance through the LeanStack continuous innovation framework to help emerging entrepreneurs transform their ideas into evidence-informed businesses that create positive impact for people and planet. Impact Scholarships were awarded to enable qualified founders to access support at this early stage of their journeys, as well.
Meet and Celebrate Our Inaugural Cohort of Graduates:
Angela Johnson, INNERVERSE Inc:“Equipping Houston middle schoolers with the self-knowledge, agency, and accountability to own their future and power the city’s next generation of innovative leaders.”
Dr. Faith Ohuoba, Myoviva Health: “An obgyn led virtual fibroid platform that exists to transform fibroid care from fragmented and reactive to personalized, proactive and outcomes-driven.”
David A. Brown, The Change Lab: “We are building a platform to help our community take part in civic and social life through learning, connecting, and advocating.”
Yuri Perez, Yuyo:“We are building a scalable, tech-enabled wellness ecosystem (studio + app) that provides families daily access to movement, culture, and community support wherever they are.”
Michael Compean, MyBarFlow: “I am building a platform for the community to alleviate drunk driving with an innovative approach to bartending.”
Edwin Ruano, RSkill: “We are developing a platform for unemployed talent and talent at risk due to AI implementation, to acquire and validate new high-demand digital skills and connect them with quality remote jobs.”
Pat Lindsay Buscaino, Kuwento Co:“We are building The Kuwento Academy, where people and communities learn to write, preserve, and publish their stories for future generations.”
Joshlyn Ross, Maximized Money: “We are building The Investor Lab, a membership platform where women learn how to invest their first $100 in 30 days.”
Lisa Williams, Glocal Gathering: “A subscription that turns curiosity about unfamiliar produce into confident cooking.”
Julio Gonzalez: “A digital public bulletin board that makes civic and community notices easy to publish, easy to find, and accessible from any device.”
Guillermo Saenz, Semillistas: “We are building a Community SEO engine for mission-driven organizations that connects them with trusted local connectors, helping them earn relevance through real community trust.”
Through the Ideas to Impact Accelerator, entrepreneurs:
Mapped and iterated their Lean Canvas business models
Built and tested traction roadmaps to define what success looks like over time
Conducted problem discovery interviews to deeply understand their customers
Focused on designing compelling solutions grounded in real customer needs
Practiced communicating their value proposition through concise pitches to stakeholders
The program emphasized progress, learning, and iteration, equipping founders with the tools to continue building beyond the accelerator. It culminated in a Graduation Showcase at The Ion, where founders presented 3-minute Business Model Story pitches to an audience of community members and ecosystem supporters, with structured feedback from Guest Advisors Grace Rodriguez, Tracie Jae, and Wade Pinder in a final learning moment to help founders continue refining their models. They reinforced that the showcase was not a finish line, but a milestone in an ongoing process of building and learning.
Each founder brought a unique perspective and a shared commitment to building solutions that matter.
“The Ideas to Impact Accelerator forced me to stop working in my business and finally work on it. It gave me the structure, mentorship, and real-time feedback I needed to clarify my vision, test my ideas, and push myself beyond what I thought I was capable of—especially through the final pitch. I’m walking away not just with a stronger business in Kuwento Co., but with the confidence and tools to actually move it forward! Deepest gratitude goes to Grace, Michelle, Maria, and Tracie for the amazing program, and to my cohort who made the experience real and memorable!” – Dr. Pat Lindsay Buscaino, Kuwento Co.
“This cohort shifted something in me. I realized every milestone we hit wasn’t just a business win — but confirmation that momentum and consistency are essential in entrepreneurship. Myoviva Health is building the future of healthcare our mothers deserved and our daughters will inherit. And we’re just getting started by aligning with potential investors and partners.” – Dr. Faith Ohuoba, Myoviva Health
“Really appreciate the opportunity to be part of this showcase… I always love seeing that moment where someone takes an idea that’s been living in their head and starts to shape it into something real. There’s something powerful about watching founders move from concept to something they can actually build and launch… you can often feel the shift happen in real time. That transition is where so much of the learning lives, and it’s what makes this program so meaningful.” – Wade Pinder
Looking Ahead
The completion of the Ideas to Impact Accelerator marks the beginning of the next phase for these founders. Armed with stronger customer insights and a more structured approach to validating their solution and growing their business, they are better positioned to continue developing their impact ventures in Houston and beyond. Graduates will continue to receive support through Impact Hub Houston Community Membership, ongoing programming, and connections to the Impact Hub global network of entrepreneurs, advisors, investors, and changemakers.
Impact Hub Houston is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers entrepreneurs to build solutions for a more just and sustainable world. As part of a global network of 130+ Impact Hubs and 24,000+ members across 69 countries, we connect creative, committed changemakers and partner with organizations across sectors to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems, inspire collaboration, and scale impact aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Houston, TX – January 9, 2026 – Impact Hub Houston is proud to announce a new partnership with the Urban Poverty and Business Initiative (or “UPBI,” housed within the McKenna Center for Human Development and Global Business at the University of Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Affairs) to launch “Build Equity,” a program designed to break systemic barriers and empower emerging entrepreneurs from low-income backgrounds to achieve upward mobility and uplift communities across Greater Houston.
Impact Hub Houston’s new projects have been made possible by its partnership with the UPBI, which has joined forces with The Coca-Cola Company to empower entrepreneurs nationwide. Coca-Cola, inspired by the upcoming FIFA World Cup 26™, is supporting community groups around the country to drive economic growth and inclusion, help the next generation of leaders unlock their potential, and make positive and long-lasting contributions to local communities.
“We’re excited for this opportunity to uplift the next generation of business owners and leaders,” said Grace Rodriguez, Executive Director of Impact Hub Houston. “Research shows that social capital—or ‘economic connectedness’—has a strong impact on upward mobility, unlocking economic ladders that give lower-income individuals access to opportunities, jobs, and resources. Together, we’re equipping emerging entrepreneurs with the tools they need to unlock their potential and build connections, capacity, and confidence for long-term success, so they, their families, and their communities can thrive.”
With “Build Equity,” Impact Hub Houston leverages UPBI’s curriculum to help aspiring entrepreneurs develop the mindset, skills, assets, and confidence to launch revenue-generating businesses. Participants receive applied education, mentorship, consulting, network connections, and capital readiness preparation through a six-week hands-on bootcamp followed by four months of personalized mentorship and four months of ongoing support.
Coca-Cola’s support reflects its broader mission to empower local economies and inspire the next generation through targeted investments in communities, colleges, and youth leadership programs. By focusing on economic mobility, inclusion, and community-driven opportunity, Coca-Cola is building a legacy of connection that extends beyond the tournament.
Applications are open now until February 23, 2026. Impact Hub Houston invites individuals to learn more about the program and apply at https://bit.ly/applytobe.
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Program Partners:
Impact Hub Houston is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers entrepreneurs to build solutions for a more just and sustainable world. As part of a global network of 130+ Impact Hubs and 24,000+ members across 69 countries, we connect creative, committed changemakers and partner with organizations across sectors to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems, inspire collaboration, and scale impact aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The Urban Poverty and Business Initiative (or “UPBI,” housed within the McKenna Center for Human Development and Global Business at the University of Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Affairs) is a network of universities and non-profit organizations dedicated to facilitating business growth among America’s lowest income neighborhoods. Grounded in more than 25 years of hands-on experience and research, the UPBI model is uniquely tailored to address the challenges among low-income and disadvantaged individuals as they navigate the entrepreneurial process.
The Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship (Rice Alliance) is Rice University’s nationally recognized initiative devoted to the support of technology commercialization, entrepreneurship education, and the launch of technology companies. The Rice Alliance leads programming and activation at the Ion, Houston’s HQ for Innovation. The Ion anchors the Ion District, a 16-acre innovation hub in Houston’s Midtown, developed by Rice University. Since 2001, 3,714 companies have participated in Rice Alliance programs—and those companies raised more than $31.46B+ in capital.
Dear Friend of Impact Hub: Thank you for an incredible 2025!
The TL;DR: Happy Holidays! We’re celebrating RestFest December 22 through January 4 and won’t be in the office until January 5. As a token of appreciation for being part of our community, we wanted to give you a special year-end gift: the 2025–2026 Impact Planner—a space to reflect on the year, capture insights, and map out your next impact milestones: https://impacthub.net/2025-impact-planner/. We hope you find it helpful!
…And now…RestFest reflections from Grace and the team…and then more on this gift from our Global Network!
As we wrap up 2025 (and our presents!), all I can say is: What a year! 2025 tested our resourcefulness and resilience in ways we never anticipated. Just as we were hitting our stride with the Greater Houston Support Stack, federal funding cuts eliminated the MBDA Capital Readiness Program grant that supported it. As we were settling into our new location at the Esperson, the building fell under new ownership forcing us to move again – thankfully, our friends at the Rice Alliance helped us find a new home at The Ion. And as the year went on, we watched thousands of Houstonians face exponential increases in cost of living, amid an uncertain economy shadowed by AI disruption, massive layoffs, dramatic policy shifts, and heightened industry volatility.
Through all of this, we witnessed something even more meaningful—our network and partners doubled down on their commitment to collaborating to create positive impact and support entrepreneurs from all walks of life. These moments reminded me that collective resilience isn’t just weathering the storm; it’s choosing to come together and build something better because of it.
That sparked a fundamental question for our team: What kind of work gives each person life? Where do they find energy, inspiration, and purpose—not just productivity? We’ve always championed trust, courage, and collaboration among our values, but our traditional nonprofit structure wasn’t fully embodying them. So, we’ve committed to restructuring for 2026 with courage and intentionality. We’re building operational solutions with AI and automation not to replace people, but to free our team from repeated tasks so each of us can spend more time on deeper, more personalized support for our entrepreneurs and ecosystem partners.We’re positioning ourselves to be thought leaders in how impact organizations leverage technology for equity. This isn’t about doing more with less; it’s about doing what matters most, and doing it at the level of excellence that our community deserves.
Looking toward 2026, I feel energized by the possibilities. We’ve been living in unprecedented times, and I believe we will now face unprecedented opportunities, as well. The World Cup will bring global attention and market opportunities to Houston, and we plan to help impact entrepreneurs and ventures seize them. New AI and SaaS tools are giving more people the ability to create innovative solutions faster, and we aim to help more Houstonians leverage them to create the change they want to see in their communities. We also plan to be more intentional about what we choose *not* to do, to make more time for deepening partnerships that center impact over activity.
After a year of navigating crisis after crisis, we’re choosing hope, innovation, and community—and we’re excited to build this next chapter with you. Thank you for joining us on this journey, and for giving us the opportunity to be in community with you. We hope to engage with you more meaningfully and impactfully in 2026.
Cheers to rising together, to whatever the new year brings! 🥂🍾🥳
Until then, the warmest of regards,
Grace (Rodriguez)
Co-Founder/Executive Director
I officially joined the Impact Hub Houston team in February – right in the middle of a season of transition. My first move? Simply reaching out to listen. To check in. To let folks know they mattered, especially after so much change.
That same month, we started gathering for monthly Community Cafes – no agenda, no pitching, no presenting. Just space to connect as humans first. By May, my role evolved into Community Champion, which honestly just put language to what I’d already been doing: helping community members feel safe, seen, and welcome. We also brought Mighty Networks and our LinkedIn Member Group back to life, creating more ways for us to stay connected beyond our classroom in the Elevation Studio.
As we look toward 2026, I’m energized about deepening the ways we connect – both online and IRL – and co-creating spaces where this community increasingly hosts itself. Because that’s when the real magic happens.
Speaking of connection: I’d love for you to join us on January 8th (6-9pm at the Ion) for HUMAN. Stories. It’s part birthday celebration (mine!), part storytelling event launch for The Quiet Rebel!
Maria Fernanda Burgos, Strategic Initiatives:
2025 was a year that reminded me that planning is important, but flexibility to adapt is crucial. It’s uncertain spaces where we grow the most, and where we see more clearly that the only thing we can control is how we react to any circumstance. Everything else is just an illusion.
With this in mind, I wish our community calmness and reflection for the new year. Being able to slow down and reflect in a world built to convince you it’s not possible: that’s the ultimate flex.
Michelle Avalos, Co-Founder/Director of Entrepreneur Success:
As this year comes to a close, I’ve been thinking a lot about bravery. The quiet kind that shows up day after day. The kind rooted in belief, community, and the decision to keep going even when the path isn’t clear.
There were moments that re-energized and refueled me along the way (like the launch of our Ideas to Impact Accelerator), but in transparency, I’m ending 2025 far more tired and drained than I started. And still, I chose to press on. Because for many of us who build and lead, this work is deeply intertwined with who we are and the future we’re trying to shape.
There will never be a perfect plan. There will always be obstacles. The question becomes: do we believe? Do we believe in what we’re building? Do we believe in the impact we’re working toward in the world?
When the answer is yes, that belief becomes an act of bravery and helps fuel our next steps. It means that sometimes we press on even when we’re weary. Even when the fog grows denser.
My reflection for you is this: when you reach those moments and feel like you’re in this alone, stretch out your hands. In the fog, you’ll find others doing the same — searching for hope, for steadiness, for support. You’ll lock arms and walk forward together.
That, too, is bravery.
You are not alone in your journey. It’s not always easy, but you are not alone. Let’s carry that reminder into 2026 and keep building.
Juntos. Together. #CambiaElMundo
P.S. A gift from the Impact Hub Network…
As we reach the end of the year, our global Impact Hub network wants to express our deepest gratitude for the impact all of us have created together. Every milestone, breakthrough, and step forward has been made possible by each person in our community choosing to be part of the solution, instead of part of the problem.
Looking back on the highlights—and even on the lowlights—we’re reminded of how powerful collaboration can be and how much potential lies ahead.
To support your next chapter, we’re gifting our community the Impact Hub 2025–
2026 Impact Planner — a free reflection and planning guide for:
✨ Impact-driven organisations
✨ Corporate innovators
✨ Social entrepreneurs
✨ Ecosystem builders and partners
Use it to:
✔ Capture your 2025 impact milestones
✔ Identify what moved the needle and what to grow next
✔ Set clear, intentional goals for 2026
✔ Strengthen how you measure your impact
This Impact Planner is designed to help you start the new year with clarity and purpose. Go to https://impacthub.net/2025-impact-planner or click the image below to get it now!
Impact Hub Houston is a Guidestar Platinum 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization registered with the United States Internal Revenue Service: EIN 83-2379449. Your donations are tax-deductible to the full extent the law provides. Thank you.
New 16-week hybrid program helps founders test, validate, and grow their ventures using LeanStack innovation method and community mentorship.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Houston, Texas —December 1, 2025
Impact Hub Houston, the city’s leading hub for social innovation and impact entrepreneurship, is excited to announce the official launch of its inaugural “Ideas to Impact Accelerator” cohort. The 16-week program is designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs test, validate, and grow their ventures through expert mentorship, peer collaboration, and the LeanStack innovation framework, developed by Ash Maurya.
The program kicked off on November 21, 2025, with Orientation Day at Impact Hub Houston’s location inside The Ion, welcoming founders across industries who are committed to building solutions that create positive impact for people and planet. With a structured pathway for founders to build and scale their businesses, participants will receive:
Business model coaching to map and validate their business model using the LeanStack methodology.
Mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts.
Hands on training to grow their confidence to deliver a pitch that stands out.
Peer collaboration and accountability circles to sustain momentum.
Impact Scholarships that significantly reduced program costs for qualifying founders were also provided to support development at this early stage of their journeys.
The Ideas to Impact Accelerator represents a pivotal evolution in how we inspire, connect, and empower entrepreneurs across Greater Houston. By combining proven impact and innovation frameworks from Impact Hub and LeanStack into this acceleration program, we’re not just teaching business skills – we’re acting as thought partners to help changemakers build purpose-driven ventures that address real-world needs, then validate business models to grow and sustain them. This inaugural cohort embodies our belief that the solutions to Houston’s greatest challenges already exist within our communities. They just need the right support system to flourish. And we’re excited to offer that to them, now, through acceleration within our locally rooted, globally connected network.
– Grace Rodriguez, Executive Director of Impact Hub Houston
Meet the Inaugural Cohort
Yuri Perez, Yuyo:“We are building a scalable, tech-enabled wellness ecosystem (studio + app) that provides families daily access to movement, culture, and community support wherever they are.”
Edwin Ruano, Latido Art Design: “We are developing a platform for unemployed talent and talent at risk due to AI implementation, to acquire and validate new high-demand digital skills and connect them with quality remote jobs.”
Pat Lindsay Buscaino, Kuwento Co: “We are building a literary and cultural arts academy that helps Filipino families learn, create, preserve, and publish their stories for generations to come.”
Joshlyn Ross, Maximized Money: “We are building a beginner-friendly program for millennial women to learn how to invest in the stock market and create financial freedom on their terms.”
Lisa Williams, Glocal Gathering: “A guided vegetable discovery marketplace that helps families explore over 1,000 diverse produce varieties from around the world—grown locally.”
Julio Gonzalez: “A digital public bulletin board that makes civic and community notices easy to publish, easy to find, and accessible from any device.”
Katerine Cuellar, Okho Foods: “We are building an online platform for diabetics and pregnant mothers to access affordable health coaches, fitness coaches, and chefs who can guide them with personalized nutrition plans.”
David A. Brown, The Change Lab: “We are building a platform to help our community take part in civic and social life through learning, connecting, and advocating.”
Chikosolu Iwobi, Kolin Angels Home Health: “is creating a compassionate, all-in-one care network that surrounds every patient with skilled support and the guidance they need to thrive at home.”
Michael Compean, MyBarFlow: “I am building a platform for the community to alleviate drunk driving while increasing employment opportunities.”
Guillermo Saenz, GSB Consulting: “We are building a Community SEO engine for mission-driven organizations that connects them with trusted local connectors, helping them earn relevance through real community trust.”
Edward Ferguson, HTown Handshakes: “We are building a relationship-based networking app and event ecosystem for sales professionals and small-business owners to help them build meaningful connections and real opportunities.”
Angela Johnson, INNERVERSE Inc:“We are building a holistic youth development ecosystem for Houston middle schoolers to identify and align their personal values to fulfill Houston’s innovative landscape.”
Dr. Faith Ohuoba, Myoviva Health: “We are building a tech enabled company for women with fibroids to help redefine care with AI guided personalized pathways.”
About Impact Hub Houston
Impact Hub Houston is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers entrepreneurs to build solutions for a more just and sustainable world. As part of a global network of 130+ Impact Hubs and 24,000+ members across 69 countries, we connect creative, committed changemakers and partner with organizations across sectors to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems, inspire collaboration, and scale impact aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
On October 17th, 2025, a group of Houstonians met at the Ion for an interactive art showcase journey of the Art for Climate Resilience program, led by Impact Hub Houston member, Ryn Delpapa, Founder of AR+E COMETS. From the group’s first gathering in April at the historic Dupree Room in Third Ward, to this art showcase, there were a few points of the program that lingered: Composting, meditation, zine-making, and connecting.
Art for Climate Resilience is a research-informed 7-month community arts-in-health program that combines creative expression, environmental education, and disaster awareness to empower the Houston community, focused on Third and Fifth wards, in addressing climate risks while enhancing green brain health.
From April through October 2025, something remarkable happened when Houston community members came together. Through five hands-on workshops spread across seven months, 80+ participants, with 30 engaged in formal research, discovered what scientists have been documenting for years: Art heals, and community amplifies that healing.
Climate Anxiety Is Real
The numbers tell a story that community members already know in their bodies. Research shows that 75% of young people find the future frightening due to climate change, and 45% say their climate concerns negatively impact their daily functioning (Hickman et al., 2021). In the United States, young people exposed to climate disasters show a 25% increase in mental distress (Auchincloss et al., 2024).
For communities like Houston’s Third and Fifth Wards, neighborhoods facing environmental injustice, flooding risks, and industrial pollution, this anxiety compounds with existing daily stressors.
Traditional therapy often isn’t accessible or culturally responsive. But creativity? That’s universal. That’s powerful. That’s already present in every community.
Our Evidence-Based Program Model
The Art for Climate Resilience program integrated three evidence-based approaches:
Trauma-Informed Creative Practice: Every session acknowledged that climate anxiety is real, valid, and rational. We didn’t ignore people’s climate anxiety; we honored them. When we’re dealing with topics as charged, politicized, and current as recent disasters, we have to recognize that participants may have experienced trauma, and design interactions to minimize re-traumatization and promote emotional safety.
Community Centered: Knowledge flowed in all directions. Each workshop was part of our community-engaged arts programs, where a doodle could inspire another to practice sustainability, while they formed stronger social connections. It’s why we encouraged processing with art supplies during our educational components and invited community members to share their artwork in our collaborative art piece, our zine launching in November.
Systems Thinking for Health: We connected personal health, community health, and planetary health. Participants learned about food systems, environmental health, and climate science through creative storytelling, zine-making, and place-based art.
The Outcomes: Beyond Numbers
Thirty research participants. Five workshops. Seven months. Eighty-plus lives touched.
But the real impact can’t be captured in numbers alone. It’s in the smiles that showed up on faces after our group meditation during the art showcase. It’s in the artists’ panel where community members spoke about small actions, from taking care of an abuela’s garden and sharing the overflow. It’s in the zines that will become teaching tools, passed from hand to hand, neighborhood to neighborhood, that integrated urban heat island research.
Research tells us this work creates lasting change. Arts participation is linked to reduced rates of cognitive decline, improved communication, and greater community resilience (National Endowment for the Arts, 2024).
The Path Forward: An 8-Week Journey Toward Regenerative Futures
The seven-month pilot proved something crucial: Creative climate resilience programming works. Now comes the next evolution.
Starting in 2026, we’re launching a refined eight-week hybrid program designed for wider replicability. Limited to just 15 participants to ensure deep, personalized engagement, this program packages the most transformative elements of our community work into an accessible format.
This isn’t abstract learning. This is hands-on creativity meets evidence-based mental health support. This is systems change from the inside out.
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Two Ways to Join This Community
📖 Get the Zine (Launching November 15, 2025)
Our community co-created zine that documents the entire journey, artwork, climate facts, and stories of transformation. It’s a teaching tool. An art piece. A love letter to planetary healing.
🌱 Join the Waitlist for the 8-Week Program
Enrollment is extremely limited. Priority access goes to those who sign up first. Be part of the next cohort translating climate anxiety into climate action through creativity. Sign up here.
The Work Continues
Climate change is the defining challenge of our generation. But so is our response to it. We can meet this crisis with fear and paralysis. Or we can meet it with creativity, community, and courage. Our Houston community participants chose courage. They chose to transform anxiety into art. They chose to build resilience together.
Now it’s your turn.
The future isn’t something that happens to us. It’s something we create, together, one brushstroke, one workshop, one healed heart at a time.
Healing the planet starts with healing ourselves.
Are you ready?
With gratitude and vision for regenerative futures, Ryn Delpapa Founder, AR+E COMETS and Art for Climate Resilience Director
HOUSTON — Sept. 16, 2025 — Impact Hub Houston, an impact incubator and accelerator dedicated to helping people create solutions and build businesses that address the world’s most pressing challenges, is excited to announce that we will be fiscally sponsoring The Change Lab to accelerate StepUP, a strengths-based platform that helps neighbors turn care for community into action. Built with local partners and Houston’s can-do energy, StepUP meets people where they are guiding them from curiosity to confident participation with right-sized steps they can complete in 1 to 60 minutes. In their first-round of fundraising, StepUp aims to raise $75,000 by Oct. 31, 2025.
“We’re excited to fiscally sponsor The Change Lab as they bring StepUP to life! The vision for the platform is to invite people into a process that can often feel daunting for many. The platform is designed to make civic engagement more accessible and approachable, showing people that even the smallest actions can make a meaningful difference in our communities.” — Michelle Avalos, Co-Founder and Deputy Director, Impact Hub Houston
What StepUp Does
A 60-second quiz routes people to one of six starting pathways: Democracy, Basic Needs, Health, Education, Environment, and Community. Then, based on their results, StepUP guides them through three engagement levels:
Level: On the Couch — fun, easy content that sparks curiosity.
Level: Off the Couch — simple checklists and local activities to plug in.
Level: Use Your Superpower — tools for direct action and leadership.
Open StepUP and jump in—or take the quiz. Every activity is time-tagged (1 minute to 1 hour+) so people can match their time to a useful step, check it off, and see what’s next. Americans spend more than three hours a day on their phones. StepUP channels a few of those minutes into real world connection and progress.
“StepUP starts with what people already have—care, curiosity, and five spare minutes. When neighbors feel seen and have a clear first step, they don’t just participate; they build belonging that lasts.” — David A. Brown, Founder, The Change Lab, and Impact Hub Houston Member
Why It Matters
Most people want to connect across differences and feel a responsibility to do so; what’s missing are easy, welcoming opportunities. StepUP lowers the barrier so people can move at their own pace, building on existing strengths and relationships.
By the numbers
Most Americans are interested in connecting across differences but lack opportunities (More in Common, 2025).
People spend more than three hours daily on their phones (Consumer Reports citing Gallup).
What We’re Building Next (with community partners)
A growing Opportunity Center of quick, ready-to-use actions
The StepUP quiz that routes people to the right starting pathway
Partnerships with Houston organizations and neighborhoods
Games and interactive features that celebrate progress
Clear, welcoming content, with accessibility and Spanish options (Spanish rollout begins Q4 2025)
Help Make it Happen
The Change Lab is raising $350,000 to build StepUP and expand capacity. The first-round goal is $75,000 by Oct. 31, 2025.
Individual Supporters: Every contribution helps fuel this vision. For example, with $10, you become an Opportunity Backer, funding one new activity in the Opportunity Center (On the Couch / Off the Couch). A $50 gift makes you an Opportunity Builder, supporting five new activities co-designed with local partners. At $100, you become an Opportunity Champion, funding ten new activities with full production and rollout. With $500, you step in as a Tech Builder, advancing the platform’s core integrations, accessibility, and analytics.
Major Gifts: For those able to give at a higher level, major gifts unlock deeper impact.
$10,000 — Research & Community Insights: Listening sessions, user research, prototyping, and evaluation.
In its first year, StepUP aims to reach 25,000 Houstonians. That’s about 0.5% of the region’s population. From there, the vision is to grow across Texas and ultimately share the platform with nonprofits nationwide. To measure progress and ensure accountability, impact will be tracked through completed activities, pathway engagement, and partner-verified community actions.
The Change Lab is a center for community. We design tools and experiences that help people move from feeling unsure about civic life to feeling connected and confident—starting with belonging and building pathways that make civic life easier to step into.
About Impact Hub Houston
Impact Hub Houston is a locally rooted, globally connected 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to inspire, connect, and empower impact innovators, leaders, and supporters. We work alongside 130+ Impact Hubs in 68 countries around the world to support and accelerate changemakers tackling the world’s most pressing challenges. Through a vibrant community, collaborative partnerships, inspiring events, and transformative programs, we empower people to turn their ideas into solutions with scalable impact for a more just and sustainable world.
For more information: Email [email protected] and visit https://houston.impacthub.net.
In partnership with Impact Hub, i.e. Industry Education, and Black Ambition, the adidas Community [LAB] graduates 2024-2025 cohort of social entrepreneurs advancing equitable access to sports across five key cities: Houston, Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York City, and Toronto. Each of the ten accelerator impact ventures received $75,000 in funding, a $10,000 public relations grant, and competed for additional funding in the final pitch competition.
In Houston, a city celebrated for its diversity and resilience, we’re still working to ensure equity and access are embedded across every sector. Gaps in mental health, sports access, and community infrastructure continue to affect many neighborhoods in our city. That’s why programs like adidas Community [LAB] matter: They go beyond just celebrating impact driven founders and actively invest in them.
This year, we’re proud to spotlight the Houston-based ventures who graduated from the recent 2024-2025 adidas Community [LAB] cohort: BLK Beetles and The Gifted Collective.
BLK Beetles creates wellness experiences that center joy, healing, and belonging—particularly for communities facing chronic social isolation and underinvestment.
The Gifted Collective empowers young athletes of color with the tools, training, and brand-building skills to navigate NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals and pursue long-term success in sports and life.
Their work advances multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From promoting physical and mental health and wellbeing (SDG 3) to reducing systemic inequalities (SDG 10) and creating new economic opportunities (SDG 8), these founders are turning their passions into impactful solutions with real-world results.
In addition to receiving $75,000 in nondilutive funding each, these founders received weekly entrepreneurship workshops, pitch support sessions, mentorship from industry leaders, special meetups, and connections to a powerful network of expert support designed to help them scale their work and deepen their impact. The eight-month Community [LAB] curriculum culminated into a pitch competition where participants presented their projects to adidas’ Senior Leadership Team, key business partners, and other community leaders.
“Impact Hub Houston has been a proud partner with the adidas North America Purpose team since 2020, first with the global Close the Gap mentorship initiative, and now through multiple iterations of the adidas Community [LAB]. We’re celebrating the recognition of Houston as a key city in the 2024-2025 program, and are grateful that the vision and impact of our local founders have been truly seen and valued.” -Michelle Avalos, adidas Community Lab Program Lead and Co-Founder of Impact Hub Houston
Get to know Houston’s adidas Community [LAB] graduates in their own words as they share the “why” behind their work, the challenges they’re tackling, and how they’re using sport and wellness to build stronger, more equitable communities.
BLK Beetles: Co-founded by Samad Hinton and Kelly Hubbell-Hinton. BLK Beetles is shaped by personal experiences of grief and healing, and by a shared commitment to creating spaces where people of color feel seen, safe, and connected.
“At BLK Beetles, we believe that human connection is one of the most powerful forces for transforming isolation into belonging. Founded in Houston, our social wellness company is reimagining how communities gather and heal through the lens of culture, nature, and care. We serve Greater Houston, with a focus on communities of color and individuals impacted by loneliness or disconnection. Through immersive, nature-based gatherings and a growing digital archive that amplifies local voices and cultural stories, we foster meaningful relationships and a deeper sense of belonging. Guided hikes, outdoor events, and storytelling experiences invite residents to engage with each other and the land in ways that support well-being and resilience. With social isolation on the rise across the South, we see Houston as a vital hub for this work. We invite local leaders, neighbors, and partners to join us in building a wellness ecosystem rooted in equity, joy, and community.”
The Gifted Collective: Founded by Andrea Brown
“The Gifted Collective was born from my time as an educator in Title I schools, where I worked closely with student-athletes who had talent, heart, and massive potential, but lacked the tools to tell their stories, build their brands, or prepare for life beyond the game. I saw firsthand how many Black and Brown athletes were generating influence without guidance on how to turn that influence into sustainable opportunity. That disconnect fueled my mission. Today, The Gifted Collective empowers student-athletes, especially those from underrepresented communities, to own their story, build their brand, and navigate the evolving world of NIL (name, image and likeness) and media with confidence. Through our digital course Fair Play, custom workshops, and strategic consulting, we’re helping young athletes understand their value, show up intentionally, and change the game, for themselves, their families, and their futures.”
We asked the founders to reflect on their time in the program. Here’s what stood out, what they learned, and how it’s shaping their future as impact-driven leaders.
“One of the most powerful turning points during the adidas Community [LAB] was realizing that social wellness isn’t just a passion, it is a viable, scalable business model. The mentorship and workshops helped us refine our operations and revenue strategy without compromising our values. What helped us most was being surrounded by other founders navigating similar questions about growth and impact. That community affirmed that our vision is both needed and possible. We’re now stepping forward with greater clarity, confidence, and a roadmap to expand our reach across the South, all while staying deeply rooted in culture and care.” – BLK Beetles
Andrea Brown of The Gifted Collective shared: “One of the biggest turning points in the program was realizing the power of positioning and clarity—learning how to speak about The Gifted Collective’s mission and offerings in a way that resonates with both partners and funders. The sessions on storytelling, pitch development, and business modeling helped me sharpen my message and articulate not just what we do, but why it matters and how we scale. I’m walking away from this experience with a clearer growth strategy, stronger confidence as a founder, and a renewed commitment to expanding our reach and impact for the athletes we serve.”
What’s next for these Houston-based ventures? Founders share their goals for the road ahead, and the support they need to bring their visions to life.
“The future of BLK Beetles is about transforming more lives, in more places, more often. We’re preparing to increase our reach in the next year through place-based programs, a stronger digital presence, and new partnerships that reflect the communities we serve. To do that, we need aligned investors, values-driven collaborators, and creative partners who see wellness as a collective effort and understand that social connection is a public health issue. If culture, nature, and care excites you, then let’s build belonging, together.” – BLK Beetles
For The Gifted Collective, here’s what next:
“On the horizon for The Gifted Collective is scalable growth and deeper impact. We’re working to bring our Fair Play training and athlete branding support to thousands more students, especially those in under-resourced schools and HBCU programs. To reach our 2030 goal of impacting 20,000 athletes and unlocking $60M+ in NIL opportunities, we’re seeking strategic partners who value equity, innovation, and athlete development. Whether through licensing, sponsorship, or collaborative programming, we’re ready to build with organizations that want to change the game.”
As these founders grow their ventures, they’re not only shaping the future of sport, they are shaping the future of Houston. Now is the time for our city to rally behind them. Houston has the talent, creativity, and grit to lead the way in reimagining wellness and equity in sports, and BLK Beetles and The Gifted Collective are shining examples of how, with investment, Houstonians can lead the change we need to see in the world. So let’s invest in them and continue helping them scale their ideas. Impact Hub Houston remains committed to advancing SDGs 3, 8, and 10 by nurturing local leaders and strengthening the infrastructure for inclusive innovation. We invite you – our community members, funders, and partners – to join us in championing these founders and fueling a more equitable future in sport. Let’s build better, together!
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Join us in congratulating the entire 2024-2025 adidas Community [LAB] cohort!
Impact Hub Houston Moves to the Ion to Expand Support for Impact Ventures and Entrepreneur Ecosystem Development
Houston, TX – 2025 April 2 – Impact Hub Houston, a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring, connecting, and empowering people with the resources they need to build businesses that address humanity’s most pressing challenges, is excited to announce its move to the Ion, Houston’s growing hub for innovation and entrepreneurship powered by Rice University. This strategic move aligns with Impact Hub Houston’s commitment to advancing equitable economic growth by connecting its regional and international community with a thriving local ecosystem to foster greater collaboration, connectivity, and capital access for entrepreneurs.
Impact Hub Houston works with over 52 community partners in the region and over 120 Impact Hubs in 68 countries around the world to create programs and opportunities that advance the launch and growth of impact ventures. In its mission to accelerate purpose-driven entrepreneurship and upward mobility for Houstonians, embedding itself in the Ion’s environment of startups, corporate partners, and investors presents an unparalleled opportunity to amplify its impact.
“As a founder who has been deeply involved in evolving Houston’s startup community over the past two decades, this move represents a pivotal moment in our impact story—one where local and global communities, businesses, and institutions start aligning strategies and come together to build a more collaborative, equitable, and sustainable economy,” said Grace Rodriguez, Executive Director of Impact Hub Houston. “At the Ion, we will not only deliver more impactful programs and events, but also unite the unique entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystems we’ve been facilitating through Impact Hub Houston’s equitable energy, capital readiness, procurement, talent, and impact initiatives. The Ion and Rice offer a convergence of resources that will enable us to deepen our partnerships and strengthen regional support for local changemakers to accelerate impactful solutions for Houston and beyond.”
“We’re excited to welcome Impact Hub to the Ion. Their mission and programming align naturally with our efforts to support entrepreneurs at every stage—from first-time founders to seasoned innovators. This collaboration strengthens our shared commitment to growing a thriving innovation ecosystem in Houston,” said Brad Burke, Associate Vice President for Industry and New Ventures at Rice Innovation.
Moving to the Ion District, Houston’s dynamic epicenter for innovation, will allow Impact Hub Houston to::
Strengthen its Greater Houston Support Stack initiative, a coalition of incubators, accelerators, and economic development organizations that provide entrepreneurs with coordinated programs, resources, mentorship, and access to contracts and capital.
Expand collaboration among innovators and ecosystem partners to develop solutions that address Houston’s challenges, from climate resilience to education to good health and wellbeing.
Enhance programming and events that equip purpose-driven entrepreneurs with the knowledge, networks, and funding they need to scale their impact ventures.
Increase accessibility by being in a highly visible central hub with parking, public transportation, and digital infrastructure to bridge Houston’s innovation ecosystem with the drivers and influencers of the region’s economy.
Open Invitation to Entrepreneurs and Ecosystem Builders to Advance Impact Innovation
Impact Hub Houston invites you to join us and learn more at the Impact Hub Open House on Friday, April 25, 2025, at the Ion. All innovators, entrepreneurs, business owners and leaders, investors, experts, and community members are welcome to get inspired, connected, engaged and empowered at Impact Hub. Whether through learning opportunities, mentorship, funding, or strategic partnerships, there are many ways you can contribute to the growth and success of Houston’s impact entrepreneurs!
For more information on Impact Hub Houston’s upcoming initiatives, partnerships, and opportunities to get involved, visit https://houston.impacthub.net.
For more information about Impact Hub Houston’s programs and upcoming events at The Ion, visit https://iondistrict.com/events/.
For media inquiries, please contact: Grace Rodriguez, Executive Director, Impact Hub Houston: [email protected]
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About Impact Hub Houston
Impact Hub Houston is a locally rooted, globally connected nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring, connecting, and empowering impact innovators, leaders, and supporters. We work alongside 120+ Impact Hubs in 68 countries around the world to connect, support, and accelerate businesses that tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. Through a vibrant community, collaborative partnerships, inspiring events and transformative programs, we empower changemakers to turn their ideas into scalable solutions for a more just and sustainable world. Website: https://houston.impacthub.net/
About The Ion
Located in Ion District, the Ion building is the transformative centerpiece of Houston’s innovation corridor, powered by Rice University. Designed to bring our city’s entrepreneurial, corporate, and academic communities into collaborative spaces and programs, the sunlit structure of steel and glass is a home for advancing diverse knowledge, teams, technologies, and products that propel our world forward.
BLK Beetles: Co-founded by Samad Hinton and Kelly Hubbell-Hinton. BLK Beetles is shaped by personal experiences of grief and healing, and by a shared commitment to creating spaces where people of color feel seen, safe, and connected.
