Overview

Schedule

Wednesday April 17

6:00pm

Week 1: Validation

Wednesday April 24

6:00pm

Week 2: Prototyping

Thursday April 25

6:00pm

Community Night @ 934 Gallery!! (Public Event)

Wednesday May 1

6:00pm

Week 3: Business Model + Impact Model

Wednesday May 8

6:00pm

Week 4: Next Steps + Storytelling

Thursday May 9

6:00pm

Launch Party @ The Kee!! (Public Event)

Mentors

Lachandra Baker

Founder and Principal Consultant at LBB Edutainment

Lachandra B. Baker, MBA, CDP (she/her) is Founder and Principal Consultant at LBB Edutainment, a consultancy specializing in the development of strategies that improve and positively impact employee engagement, communications, culture, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. She received her bachelor’s degree from Central Washington University, majoring in Hospitality Management and ... Read More » Communications. She received her MBA with a Marketing specialization from the University of the Southwest. She is a two-time graduate of Cornell University's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion certification programs (CDP).    She was named a 2021 Columbus’ Future50 leader, a 2022 WELD Woman WELDing the Way calendar honoree, and a 2023 Columbus Delegate for the Harvard University Young American Leaders program. She serves on boards of The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio, Leadership Columbus, and Small Biz Cares, as well as advisory boards with Creative Mornings Columbus and Franklin University’s Communications Department.    La is an award-winning communicator and regular TEDx speaker/performer. She is very active in the community and champions many issues including voting rights, affordable housing, civic engagement, and liberation for all people.   In her free time, she enjoys experiencing new cultures, eating great food, and doing fun projects with her family.

Derek DeHart

Lead Product Manager, Alignable

Derek DeHart has over a decade of experience in tech, with a focus on product management in growth-stage startups. He's passionate about how technology can make a real difference in people's lives and communities. Currently, Derek is helping to boost product adoption and engagement at Alignable, a platform that connects small business owners, by improving the user experience with generative AI. Before ... Read More » Alignable, he led product at battleface, where he developed innovative travel insurance products on a global scale, and was an early member of Root Insurance's product team, guiding its growth from under 150 employees to over 900. Derek is also dedicated to community work—in 2020, he co-founded Can't Stop Columbus, rallying over 600 volunteers to tackle challenges brought on by the pandemic. He also serves on the board of SEA Change, a social enterprise accelerator, as well as volunteers as a mentor with Rev1 Ventures and Techstars Columbus.

Courtnee Hawkins

Director of Business Programs

By employing an entrepreneurial approach, Hawkins has guided the development of new processes to improve operational efficiencies and billing best practices leading to accounting transparency. Hawkins diverse responsibilities include new associate onboarding and professional development training resulting in decreased employee turnover across clinical and non-clinical business units. Courtnee Hawkins ... Read More » builds meaningful relationships with diverse stakeholders, manages employee improvement programs, and achieves business objectives through strategic relationship maintained through brand building sales and business development initiatives.

Dana Casto

Founder, Whispr Marketing

Dana started Whispr Strategic Marketing so arts & culture, education, and business leaders could reach more people without having to build or restructure their entire marketing department. With a background in music, marketing, arts education, and donor development, I believe strongly in the power of the arts and community-driven businesses and organizations.I work with arts & culture, education, ... Read More » and business leaders to plan and execute strategic marketing that helps you reach more people.

Event Sponsors

Lead Sustaining Sponsors

The Columbus Foundation is dedicated to strengthening and enriching the Central Ohio community through impactful philanthropy and community-driven solutions. Guided by our core values of innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity, we are committed to supporting initiatives that create lasting change. Our investment in social enterprises exemplifies this commitment, as we believe in the power of entrepreneurial solutions to address complex social issues. Partnering with organizations like GiveBackHack, we aim to empower changemakers to transform visionary ideas into real-world impacts, improving lives and fostering a brighter future for all.

IGS is driven by a set of core beliefs that moves us toward an energy-independent United States, powered by domestically-produced, environmentally-responsible resources. And just as IGS seeks disruptive innovations in the energy space, they take a similar approach to their community investments. For this reason, the company has made social enterprise a primary focus of their philanthropy. IGS is proud to partner with GiveBackHack to invest in entrepreneurial solutions to complex social issues – improving lives by harnessing market forces to get innovations to the people who benefit the most.

Facilitators

Adam Morris

Community Impact Lead, GiveBackHack

Adam is the Community Impact Lead for GiveBackHack, where he oversees community events and programs that empower social entrepreneurs. A co-founder of Wild Tiger Tees, Adam brings his extensive experience in technology and social innovation to his role, guiding teams to create impactful solutions for social issues. He also hosts two podcasts, People Helping People and Green Champions, which focus on ... Read More » social change and sustainability. Driven by a belief that business can be a force for good, Adam is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections within the community.

Emily Stuhldreher

Program Manager, GiveBackHack

 

Emily is a Design Thinking practitioner by day and a Social Innovation enthusiast by night. She spends her time building the social impact launchpad at GiveBackHack, coaching social entrepreneurs, and empowering communities through Design Thinking facilitation. She is passionate about leveraging systems thinking to build sustainable social solutions, creating true social impact in our communities. Previously ... Read More » she has spent time in nonprofit fellowships with The Columbus Foundation and The Suddes Group. As a coach, mentor, and facilitator Emily empowers others to understand that they already have everything they need to be successful. As a result of this skill, Emily was selected to facilitate the international GiveBackHack Thailand program as a part of the Rustic Pathways Critical Issues Summit in Udon Thani, Thailand. Through her work, changemakers from 20+ countries were brought together to vet 12 initiatives pressing for collaborative, international change.

Organizers

Adam Morris

Community Impact Lead, GiveBackHack

Adam is the Community Impact Lead for GiveBackHack, where he oversees community events and programs that empower social entrepreneurs. A co-founder of Wild Tiger Tees, Adam brings his extensive experience in technology and social innovation to his role, guiding teams to create impactful solutions for social issues. He also hosts two podcasts, People Helping People and Green Champions, which focus on ... Read More » social change and sustainability. Driven by a belief that business can be a force for good, Adam is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections within the community.

Bennett Coltman

GiveBackHack Organizer, Operations Manager at Peerro, & 2019 Venture For America Fellow

 

Clayton Nelson

IT Specialist, Office of the Ohio Attorney General

 

Clayton is a versatile professional with a background spanning hospitality, tech, real estate, and finance. His career journey began in hospitality, where he honed his customer-centric approach, and he transitioned into the tech startup ecosystem, igniting his passion for innovation and entrepreneurship. In real estate and finance, Clayton excelled in strategic thinking and risk management. However, ... Read More » his true calling lies at the intersection of business and social impact. In the startup industry, he co-founded ventures that pursued profitability and positive change, championing community empowerment and volunteering with non-profits. Clayton believes in the transformative power of business for good, and he's dedicated to forging new paths to make a lasting impact on the world.

Emily Stuhldreher

Program Manager, GiveBackHack

 

Emily is a Design Thinking practitioner by day and a Social Innovation enthusiast by night. She spends her time building the social impact launchpad at GiveBackHack, coaching social entrepreneurs, and empowering communities through Design Thinking facilitation. She is passionate about leveraging systems thinking to build sustainable social solutions, creating true social impact in our communities. Previously ... Read More » she has spent time in nonprofit fellowships with The Columbus Foundation and The Suddes Group. As a coach, mentor, and facilitator Emily empowers others to understand that they already have everything they need to be successful. As a result of this skill, Emily was selected to facilitate the international GiveBackHack Thailand program as a part of the Rustic Pathways Critical Issues Summit in Udon Thani, Thailand. Through her work, changemakers from 20+ countries were brought together to vet 12 initiatives pressing for collaborative, international change.

Grant Payne

Software Engineer at AndHealth

 

Grant loves applying his skills to create a positive impact in the Columbus community. He is inspired by the ideas brought forth at GiveBackHack, and hopes he can help bring them to fruition!  In his spare time, he enjoys music, watches sports (especially Ohio State football), goes bike riding, and plays soccer.

Jack Demos

Environmental and Energy Litigation Paralegal at Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP; Program Coordinator at SEA Change

 

Jack Demos is a dedicated professional with a rich and varied background, driven by a profound commitment to effecting positive change. Graduating with honors (Magna cum laude) from The Ohio State University, he earned a B.S. in Political Science and Government, which served as a strong foundation for his multifaceted journey. His leadership acumen is exemplified through his role as President of the ... Read More » Business for Good Club, where he pioneered the Business for Good Impact Program, connecting students with local social enterprises through internships. Jack serves at the Program Coordinator at SEA Change; Community Manager at GiveBackHack; and a Litigation Paralegal at Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick.

Lydia Stutzman

Art Director & Designer, Lydiary Design

 

Lydia is the senior graphic designer at AndHealth and has over 10 years of experience working with nonprofits, social enterprises, and startups. She is on the boards for the Columbus Center for Architecture and Design (CFAD) and Columbus Society of Communicating Arts (CSCA).

Max Buck

Software Engineer at Tandem

 

Max is a Software Engineer living in Columbus. He is thrilled by watching people drive to make great ideas a reality, especially when they are focused around compassion and community. He loves the outdoors and music.

Owen Myers

Founder of TeachTo

 

Hey, I'm Owen. I like to work on projects that help people relate to the world in new ways. I am the founder of TeachTo, where I recruited and led team using neuroscience research to help teachers improve intervention documentation. Wrote and presented pitch to secure $10K in prizes. Validated no-tech prototype with 30+ educators leading to 21 LOIs; used this data to report to funders. I also ... Read More » designed and wrote a 4-module curriculum for GiveBackHack, teaching design thinking to K-5 students. Includes 15 pages of documentation, 10 lessons, and 5 worksheets. Used with 150 students at Ohio s largest school district; 75% of teachers extremely satisfied.

Rachyl Kershaw

Founder, Greater Columbus Consulting

 

Rachyl founded @greatercolumbusconsulting from her passion for helping small local businesses succeed. Rachyl is a lifelong Buckeye, with a degree from The Ohio State University, and 20 years of business experience in central Ohio. She has assisted executive teams in securing over $65M in funding, as well as helping businesses of all sizes create strategic goals that are realistic based on their past ... Read More » performance.  Rachyl's skills include assessing the feasibility of new products, forecasting future performance of existing products, finding gaps in your data collection which may be holding you back from understanding your business, and helping you avoid spending your limited time & money going down unrewarding paths. Rachyl loves travel, photography, and reading. She also enjoys both viewing and creating all kinds of art in her free time!

Olivia Hersh

Innovation Center and Programs Manager at Rev1 Ventures

 

Passionate professional with a BA in Strategic Communication, and minors in Hospitality Management, Leadership Studies and Media Production and Analysis from The Ohio State University. Strong creative, organization, communication and leadership skills. Known for going above and beyond expectations, working well with others, and exhibiting noteworthy enthusiasm within the workplace.

Asheley Mudzingwa

Computer Science Student

 

Computer science major at Ohio Dominican University, expecting to graduate in May 2027. My goal is to pursue a career in the intersection of technology and business where I can apply my knowledge and skills in programming, analytics, and problem-solving. At the moment, I am actively looking for an internship in software engineering and data science

Pre-submitted Ideas

Submit your Idea 

• 1. Kind Counsel Collective submitted by Mindy Yocum

  Kind Counsel CollectiveSubmitted by Mindy Yocum

  
  

  What is the problem are you solving?

  Law school does not teach attorneys how to practice law- and this is a detriment to attorneys, clients, and the legal system.

  
  

  How will this idea solve the problem?

  Kind Counsel Collective is engineered to be a comprehensive support system for new and solo attorneys. At its core, it offers easy access to a curated library of practical legal resources, a mentorship program with seasoned lawyers, and a vibrant community forum. This is designed to not just ease the transition from law school to practice but to redefine it, making it more integrated, supportive, and efficient. We are improving the legal system from the inside out.
  Kind Counsel Collective stands out because it’s not just another legal resource platform; it’s a community-driven ecosystem. By integrating educational content with real-world advice and peer support, it addresses the multifaceted challenges faced by new and solo attorneys. This holistic approach ensures members not only find what they need but also what they didn’t know they needed, fostering growth, confidence, and a progressive legal mindset.

  
  

  Is this idea brand new or has it been partially-vetted?

  Partially-vetted

  
  

  How you have vetted your idea and the success or difficulties you have seen thus far?

  We’re on the brink of launching Kind Counsel Collective for beta testing, with a specific niche audience comprised of law grads, just passing the bar exam. I have been working on the idea for awhile, and different iterations, but I really gained momentum during my stint on "The Blox," a reality show that educates entrepreneurs. That experience sharpened my focus and confirmed there’s a real need for a platform like ours. Right now, we’re deep into building this platform (which is a huge learning experience) and curating content that speaks directly to the challenges and ambitions of newly barred attorneys. As I work on the content- I am looking for like-minded attorneys to provide resources and mentorship- I have gotten a lot of interest and excellent feedback- but I am struggling with the best way to monetize the platform.

  
  

  Why are YOU uniquely positioned to solve the problem? What other people do you need to help?

  My unique blend of experiences, from navigating the early stages of legal practice myself, to serving 1000s of people who don't typically have access to legal resources, and even my background in hospitality, equip me with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by new and solo attorneys. My journey has instilled me with a mix of empathy, practical knowledge, and the drive to innovate. I’ve lived the problem we’re solving.

• 2. VOICe: Vocalize Online Interpretation Course submitted by Laney King

  VOICe: Vocalize Online Interpretation CourseSubmitted by Laney King

  
  

  What is the problem are you solving?

  We are looking to solve the impact of language barriers on patient outcomes. Free and charitable clinics cannot afford expensive interpretation services. This leads to healthcare being provided through charts or even using Google translate. At Vocalize, we believe that every patient deserves a quality healthcare experience, regardless of their English speaking abilities.

  
  

  How will this idea solve the problem?

  The creation of VOICe will allow us to recruit and train volunteers on a larger scale. The more interpreters we have the more clinics and patients we will be able to meet.

  
  

  Is this idea brand new or has it been partially-vetted?

  Partially-vetted

  
  

  How you have vetted your idea and the success or difficulties you have seen thus far?

  Currently, Vocalize subsidizes our volunteer interpretation training through external programs, such as the Community Interpreter. Utilizing this model of training, Vocalize has trained over 80 interpreters and provided over $300,000 worth of free interpretation services to our 4 partner clinics. Therefore, we know that our scheduling mechanism and web app successfully connect interpreters and clinics. However, subsidizing training is expensive and presents difficulties when it comes to growth. At present, Vocalize relies on grant funding to be able to do this. This is where VOICe comes in. Vocalize is in the process of created an online, asynchronous interpretation course. Our project manager, Paloma Pinillos, is an expert in course development and interpretation training. We have leveraged our connections with several experts in course development, language education, and advocacy in interpretation to validate the need and format of our course.

  
  

  Why are YOU uniquely positioned to solve the problem? What other people do you need to help?

  Vocalize is a diverse team of dedicated students. Two of our founders, Joe Ziegler and Lia Gomez-Perez, both immigrated to the US at a young age and had to learn English. They understand what it means to have a language barrier. As for me, I am a double major in Spanish and Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. As I attempt to learn a second language, I understand the anxieties that are involved in communicating in your second language. This is exacerbated by experiences in a doctor's office where an individual is not heard or understood. I am passionate about a commitment to providing every member of our society with the care they deserve.

• 3. TeachTo submitted by Owen Myers

  TeachToSubmitted by Owen Myers

  
  

  What is the problem are you solving?

  Special education teachers spend hours of unpaid time working on individualized education plans (IEPs). While they're important, each IEP takes between one and three hours to write. Many teachers have case loads of 20+ IEPs each year, plus amendments.

  
  

  How will this idea solve the problem?

  TeachTo alleviates teachers' time spent on the most cognitively laborious task of writing IEPs: thinking of goals. It uses generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) to suggest goals based on simple, non-identifying facts of the student's situation. This saves teachers time and energy spent thinking of and writing goals from scratch.

  
  

  Is this idea brand new or has it been partially-vetted?

  Partially-vetted

  
  

  How you have vetted your idea and the success or difficulties you have seen thus far?

  Been working on this one for almost three years. V1 has been tested with nearly 20 teachers—feedback was generally positive. Problem is palpable, but scaling and distribution in such a niche and saturated market will be challenging.

  
  

  Why are YOU uniquely positioned to solve the problem? What other people do you need to help?

  I've been working on this problem for three years! Work with social enterprises and education-adjacent organizations.

• 4. Astra Impact: A Design Access Program submitted by Amanda Dunfield

  Astra Impact: A Design Access ProgramSubmitted by Amanda Dunfield

  
  

  What is the problem are you solving?

  Design is powerful.
  Imagine if that power was put in the hands of those creating a better future; how much further would they be able to go?
  Creating access to design services will help the people who are already working so hard for social change to achieve their missions - improving the lives of people, communities and the planet.
  
  This is grassroots design activism. Empowering designers to be activists who are empower activists with design!

  
  

  How will this idea solve the problem?

  The Astra Impact fund will help broaden who can have access to design while offsetting their costs for those design services. This means that the design studio can ensure its financial sustainability and viability while providing the same level of design excellence to fund recipients as fully paying clients; the design studio can do as many of these projects as the fund will provide funding for instead of internally subsidizing these projects. The design studio has provided over $60,000 of design services to social impact organizations since 2021. The Astra Impact fund will not stop the internal subsidizing of worthy projects but rather will broaden how many Impact Projects we can support.

  
  

  Is this idea brand new or has it been partially-vetted?

  Partially-vetted

  
  

  How you have vetted your idea and the success or difficulties you have seen thus far?

  I have been working with Cause Impact to structure the program. I need help figuring out the impact metrics, how I should be fund raising for the fund and how we get this thing moving already because the need is so great!
  
  The fund is established at the United Way. The structure is in place we just need money now, the metrics to track and the volunteers for the review committee to allocate the funds to projects.

  
  

  Why are YOU uniquely positioned to solve the problem? What other people do you need to help?

  I am a licensed architect. I am a strategic problem solver. I care deeply about design. But what drives me is to find a way to use design for the greater good - in a real and meaningful way. To use design as a tool for healing, inclusion, equity, and resiliency.
  
  I have built Astra Studios with this mission at its core. I know the need exists, now we just need the fund funded to prove the kinds of impacts design can have for these Impact organizations.