Starting in 2015, we doubled down on a commitment to find and support the full diversity of social innovators across the U.S., the full spectrum of ideas — beyond those that might be easiest to spot in San Francisco or New York City. Early on, were talking and writing about All America as an opportunity to “redraw the map” of social entrepreneurship.

In the years since, the effort has created a far stronger Ashoka community in the U.S., with social entrepreneurs who can speak to many life experiences from many kinds of communities across the country. The reality is that change is happening everywhere, good ideas are emerging everywhere, communities are stepping up everywhere – this notion is at the root of All America.

Brandon Dennison

Huntington, West Virginia

Brandon is dramatically transforming the workforce development sector in Appalachia and beyond, with a model that creates new and viable economic markets, while simultaneously creating direct employment and personal development opportunities.

Tim Lampkin

Clarksdale, Mississippi

Tim unlocks opportunities for wealth creation for Black, rural entrepreneurs by shifting our current economic development approach away from an overemphasis on collateral and prior wealth, and towards an appreciation of peer support and community prosperity.