EmPOWERED to Serve™ Alumni
Working to improve the conditions in the places where people live, learn, work, and play to affect a wide range of health risks and outcomes.
Previous Business Accelerators
Formerly known as the Urban Health Accelerator
2021 National Business Accelerator Candidates
2021 Business Accelerator™ – Oregon and SW Washington
Meet the 2021 Eastern States Faith-Based Candidates
2021 Business Accelerator™ – Minnesota
2020 National Business Accelerator Candidates
2020 Business Accelerator Candidates Puerto Rico
2019 Business Accelerator Candidates
2019 Urban Health Accelerator – HBCU Healthy Community Challenge Recipients
Developed to address critical needs and social issues – in and around campuses – that impact the ability of individuals to attain optimal health.
Johnson C. Smith University
In April of 2019 the university was awarded a $100,000 two-year American Heart Association EmPOWERED to Serve Urban Health Accelerator – HBCU Healthy Community Challenge. They will target healthy food access as a barrier to health on their campus and in the community.
Winston-Salem State University
For its winning submission focused on food insecurity, this university was awarded a two-year, $100,000 American Heart Association EmPOWERED to Serve Urban Health Accelerator – HBCU Healthy Community Challenge. Their project is taking aim at food insecurity to address disparities in chronic disease rates which are highest among racial/ethnic minority and low-income population.
2018 Business Accelerator Alumni
Urban Storytelling Competition 2017
Nyasha Nyamapfene
Gospel Run
Nyasha Nyamapfene launched Gospel Run, a public health organization inspiring health, transformation and expanded possibilities through connecting communities, congregations, and clergy.
Maria Rose Belding
MEANS Database
Maria Rose Belding is the co-founder and executive director of the MEANS Database.
Cecil Wilson
Goffers Inc.
Cecil continues his work with Goffers and has started a new non profit The Golden Baton Group (TGBG).