In the “Why Us” essay I wrote when applying to Georgia Tech, one of the institutes I was most excited to get involved with was the Institute of Leadership for Social Impact (ILSI). With the goal of becoming a social entrepreneur one day, I found that the institute’s initiatives, mission, and opportunities aligned perfectly with my interests. So, when I arrived at Georgia Tech, I immediately applied to the Social Impact Fellows program.
Through the Social Impact Fellows program, Georgia Tech students have the opportunity to collaborate with nonprofits on meaningful projects tailored to the specific needs of each organization. Hopeful Change immediately stood out to me because of its focus on empowering youth through mental health services, mentoring, and community outreach. I felt even more connected to the organization after learning the story behind its founding and the deeper purpose that drives its mission. By reading about the personal motivations, lived experiences, and vision of Derrick and Dawn Townsend, the CEO and COO of Hopeful Change, I gained a clearer understanding of the real and lasting impact that nonprofits can make in their communities.
When I became part of the Hopeful Change team, I was excited to contribute in a variety of ways. I’m grateful to have created a LinkedIn page for the organization, designed post templates for Instagram and LinkedIn, and collaborated with fellow interns to plan events that engaged Georgia Tech students with the mission of Hopeful Change.
One of my favorite memories from the fellowship was planning and executing a think tank event where 20 Georgia Tech students gathered to discuss the university’s mental health programs and brainstorm new initiatives to foster a more mental health-conscious campus. During the think tank, we developed thoughtful ideas for more intentional and restorative experiences that could benefit the broader student body.
In the past, I often thought of businesses as primarily capital-focused, prioritizing profit over people. But working with Hopeful Change challenged that view. It was inspiring to see how the organization remains human-centered at its core, fostering hope and driving meaningful change in the community.
This experience has strengthened my commitment to my goals and helped me find meaning in my own story, particularly in how it might serve others. I’m excited that this opportunity represents just the beginning of a journey focused on impact, and I can’t wait to see how the rest of my social entrepreneurship journey unfolds.