With support from the United Methodist Foundation of Western NC, Inc. and in partnership with Equity and Justice Ministries of the Western NC Conference of the UMC, Boundless Impact recently launched the second Racial Healing and Reconciliation Learning Cohort (RHR Cohort). This year's RHR Cohort is represented by clergy, laity and community members from the following 10 churches:

• First UMC - Rutherfordton
• First UMC - Asheboro
• St. Luke's UMC - Asheboro
• First UMC - Elkin
• New Beginnings UMC - Jonesville
• Murphy First UMC
• Saint Matthews UMC - Greensboro
• The Beloved Community - High Point
• Cokesbury UMC - Charlotte
• Pleasant Hill UMC/Rockwood UMC

Working with our 5-member Guide Team of facilitators - Rev. Dr. Vincent Howell, Rev. Brian Tillman, Rev. Dr. Tori Butler, Bert Giles and Cindy Thompson - the cohort meets for 7 monthly sessions to walk through a 6-step Process for Racial Healing and Reconciliation. During the cohort, teams will design experiments to further racial equity and justice in their communities.

If you are interested in future Racial Healing and Reconciliation Learning Cohorts, please complete the interest form to be considered for future cohorts.

Boundless Impact is grateful to partner with the Local Foundation of NC to expand the number of ImagineHub innovation and entrepreneurship sites in NC and build capacity for our existing sites. The Local Foundation of NC believes in the power of neighbors helping neighbors to make North Carolina communities stronger. Read more about the grant announcement and learn about their quarterly grant program.

In addition to the grant funding, the Local Foundation of NC also produced a wonderful video showcasing the amazing work of ImagineHub.

Boundless Impact was honored to partner with Elon University in a pilot program that welcomed incoming freshman students to campus for a summer weekend immersion experience. Alyssa Martina, Director of the Doherty Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Elon, invited us to facilitate a Saturday workshop on "Growing an Entrepreneurial Mindset" with the students who chose the Innovation and Entrepreneurship experience. It was a great day of learning about ourselves, each other, and the 8 critical mindsets for successful entrepreneurs, as well as discovering problems and creating solutions that the students are passionate about. We even practiced pitching ideas to one another and giving feedback. We look forward to seeing the impact these amazing students have at Elon over the next 4 years!

The ImagineHub learning network of missional innovation centers is excited to welcome 3 new sites that recently completed their on-boarding process. The cohort included sites from 3 contiguous counties in the beautiful Blue Ridge area of North Carolina: WithAll in Columbus, Hope United Methodist Church in East Flat Rock and First Brevard UMC. This cohort was the first group to be able to meet in-person in each other's facilities which added immensely to the experience. They are all wonderful cities to visit with passionate leaders deeply committed to community economic development and we are thrilled to add them to our growing network - up to 25 sites now!

Mr. Wilson Lester of Greensboro, NC has been chosen to receive the 2022 John A. (Pete) Eberhart Ray of Light Award from Boundless Impact. Mr. Lester is being awarded for his leadership in driving a more inclusive and equitable economy and his profound impact on minority businesses and entrepreneurs.

“Wilson’s legacy of breaking down economic boundaries impacts communities across NC,” said Cindy Thompson, executive director - Boundless Impact. “Mr. Lester has devoted his career to ensure minority entrepreneurs have access to capital and is viewed as an innovator and leader in equitable economic development.”

The Ray of Light award, which recognizes individuals who exemplify Boundless Impact’s vision of building thriving communities that are intentionally diverse, inclusive and equitable, was presented to Mr. Lester at Boundless Impact’s 10th Anniversary Celebration Luncheon on June 1, at High Point University. Presenters were board members of Boundless Impact: Felix Muriithi, Past Chair, and Ditra Miller.

Mr. Lester is an accomplished leader in community finance and economic development whose efforts forge access to capital and resources for minority entrepreneurs. In 2021, he Co-Founded Partners in Equity, a national investment fund focused on supporting owner-occupied commercial real estate for BIPOC businesses owners. He built Piedmont Business Capital, a N.C.-based CDFI, that has delivered millions in impact capital to Black businesses across N.C. He is also a Co-Founder of the ACCESS Center for Equity and Success, which supports minority business enterprises with securing public and private contract opportunities. Wilson believes active philanthropy builds communities; therefore, he serves as Treasurer and on the Investment Committee for Cone Health Foundation, as a Board Member of the Triad Advisory Council for Truist Bank, and a Trustee of Greensboro College. Mr. Lester previously worked with the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs Advocacy Committee which helps shape policy that directly scales Black businesses.

Pictured from left to right:
Felix Muriithi, Boundless Impact Past Chair
Wilson Lester
Ditra Miller, Boundless Impact board member
Cindy Thompson, Executive Director of Boundless Impact