Columbus
July 20, 2025
Improving (330 Rush Alley Suite #150, Columbus, OH 43215)
Overview
Join us for GiveBackLabs: Tech Impact, co-hosted with Columbus Code and Coffee, on July 20 at Improving.
You’ll learn how to apply design skills to real-world problems by pairing up with nonprofit mentors to identify and exploit opportunities for innovation in their organizations.
Schedule
1:00 PM: Circle up with Code & Coffee
1:30 PM: Intros to mentors and challenges
2:00 PM: Working lunch (discovery)
2:15 PM: Validation & prototyping
3:30 PM: Final presentations
GiveBackLabs: Tech Impact is generously supported by The Columbus Foundation.
Mentors
Kate Lingnofski
COO, Greenleaf Job Training Services
Kate began her career at Greenleaf in September of 2010 as a Job Developer. During her tenure at Greenleaf, she has also worked in Customized Employment, achieving A.C.R.E. Certification. She previously served as our Director of Programs, overseeing all of the VR programs and personnel, including the Job Developers and Job Coaches.
Keena M. Smith
Founder & CEO, Women's Center for Economic Opportunity
Keena is the Founder & CEO of Women's Center for Economic Opportunity, an organization that equip, empowers, and elevates economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs. She previously worked at Franklin County & the City of Columbus.
Kwesi Low
Co-Founder and Deputy Director, Columbus Stand Up
Kwesi is the Deputy Director and Co-Founder of Columbus Stand Up, a grassroots organizations getting working-class people engaged in the electoral process. He was previously the Regional Organizing Director for Sherrod Brown's 2024 US Senate campaign.
Ben Sears
VP of Expansion, Star House
Ben is the Vice President of Expansion at Star House. He previously served as the Program Manger for Housing Solutions at Anthem and the Homeless and Housing Administrator at Mount Caramel Health System.
Event Sponsors
Lead Sustaining Sponsor
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.
Community Leaders
Event Partners
Facilitators
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 »
Organizers
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 »
Owen Myers leads education programs for GiveBackHack, which have reached over a thousand students since 2022. Previously, he was the founder of TeachTo, a GBH-backed edtech startup, and an associate researcher for the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation.
Copyright © 2014-2025 GiveBackHack, the launchpad for social impact - Founded 2014.