“Growing up as I did in the inner city, I wanted to give back to the kids some of the things I wasn’t able to do when I was young. I wanted to teach them how to be better citizens and prepare for the future earlier rather than later. Overall, I just love working with kids. I’m a kid at heart. “—-Maurice FlowersPhoto by: Flowersome Photography/ Lilly SumMaurice Flowers, the head football coach at Johnson C. Smith University, isn’t just winning games; he’s building men. Returning to the school where he once played quarterback, Flowers has transformed a struggling program into CIAA champions. Under his “Everything, Everyday” philosophy, the team’s GPA has soared from 1.9 to 3.2. To assist players short on cash, his football program established a “store” where players can discreetly find clothing items they need but can’t afford.”It sounds like coach speak, but we want to help (players) be better husbands, better fathers and all of those things. That’s what it’s really about,” he told The Charlotte Optimist.—-Patrick GrahamPhoto by: Flowersome Photography/ Lilly SumPatrick Graham is working to make homeownership affordable. More than 200 people now live in homes developed or rehabbed under his leadership at WeBuild Concord, and 75% are new homeowners. Graham pioneered a program that provides low-interest gap funding to nonprofits and private social ventures that increase affordable housing. The program recently approved loans totaling $1.5 million to build 24 units. Graham says he now wants to expand the fund statewide through community land trusts.“I feel privileged to be a supporting actor in the economic and social dreams of individuals and families through new homes, jobs, entrepreneurial opportunities and asset building. Their courageous faith and resilience inspire me.”—-Dr. Latoya Green Founder, The Lemonade CenterPhoto by: Flowersome Photography/ Lilly SumA dedicated healthcare advocate, Green is transforming the landscape for neurodiverse children through her holistic and integrated care models. Her work at The Lemonade Center bridges critical gaps for underserved families by driving workforce development and family-centered policy change. Looking toward 2026, Green is set to launch a multidisciplinary care center designed to dismantle systemic barriers, helping families more easily navigate the complexities of healthcare and insurance coverage.



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