Most of the media often paints all businesses with a single stroke, but in our experience businesses are each unique and so many of them are focused on making the world a better place. We’ve highlighted a few such gems below.

Kevin Wong | Executive Director, Friends of Big Morongo Canyon Preserve

As the Executive Director of the Friends of Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, a small non-profit organization that co-manages a wildlife preserve of over 31,000 acres, I do not spend most of my time in an office, but rather on the trails that meander through the preserve. One of my observations, while on the trails, are the courteous “Hellos” accompanied with a smile. Everyone appears to be happy in the preserve and they are eager to share their happiness. We know that being happy is not about measuring our income, status, passion, possessions, name, fame or health. It is a state of mind. Scientific studies show that: Being in nature decreases stress Nature makes you happier and less brooding Nature relieves attention fatigue and increases creativity Nature may help you to be kind and generous Nature makes you “feel more alive.” Read more>>

Iris Delruby Ruprecht | Designer, entrepreneur, lecturer in fashion and art, activist & curious mind

My personal journey has been dedicated to intertwining the threads of my work in a manner that is both mindful and purposeful. From my earliest years, an insatiable curiosity and an enduring compassion for the world have guided me on a path where I can channel my creativity while contributing to our human well-being. My conviction grew stronger as I saw the conditions in which workers were treated and the environmental toll of unethical practices. Leaving my lucrative position marked a pivotal decision – a personal commitment to prioritize dignity, fairness, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Collaborating with artisans in Nepal, I found a deep sense of purpose and unity, akin to the intricate weaving of threads in a cloth. Read more>>

Jason Hirth | Musician & Teacher

The benefits of music on an individual and societal level can be remarkable. I’m grateful to share the gift of music one student at a time and hopefully this will create a ripple effect throughout the community. I’ve witnessed students improve: focus, discipline, confidence, memory, coordination, mood and reduction in stress all from learning an instrument. I think that music and the arts have a much larger impact on our lives than we often realize. Music can create happier, healthier people with more empathy and give them a great outlet to manage stress or difficult times in their lives. I also think that music is important in forming a connection with others on a deeper level. Read more>>

Shelly Gilad | Food Blogger, Content Creator & Illustrator

My humble, unfussy recipes inspire my audience and readers to whip up nourishing meals with ease. I encourage them to eat more vegetables, fragrant herbs, and nuts in their cooking, without compromising on flavor. My aim is to promote feel-good food that happens to be wholesome, not diet food that tastes like cardboard. Rather than chasing trends, I stick to dishes I would gladly eat myself day after day. This means my readers can rely on me for recipes that satisfy cravings and promote health subtly, not through restrictive rules. In my kitchen, it’s not about perfection or dogma, but rather about enjoying the process and results. Good food, better health, less to worry about. Read more>>

Latanya Mapp Frett | President and CEO of Global Fund for Women

Global Fund for Women funds bold gender justice movements to create meaningful change that will last beyond our lifetimes. Since our founding we’ve funded over 5,000 organizations in 176 countries. Over the course of 30+ years, Global Fund for Women has supported feminist movements and grassroots organizers to end civil wars, get female Presidents elected, and secure laws giving new protection to millions. Recently we’ve doubled down on funding gender justice movements. Research shows that broad-based social movements are one of the most effective mechanisms to create long-term social transformation.  Movements – like Ni Una Menos, The Movement for Black Lives, #MeToo  –need funding and resources to strengthen and sustain their powerful grassroots organizing. Read more>>