Meet Ryan.

Ryan was looking for a way to help.  His two children were growing up and becoming more independent. He was looking for a way to give back, to help women, children and underserved communities. 

Urban Impact (UI) had been on Ryan’s radar for a while.  When B.J. Stewart, and Pastor Harvey Drake made presentation at his Church, things started falling into place.  They talked about breaking the cycles of spiritual, material and social poverty by developing entrepreneurs in underserved communities.  

“There are many opportunities to give time and money, but what jumped out at me was the way they were looking at it.  It was much more holistic and sustainable,” Ryan said. 

Ryan reached out to Bill Douthit, UI’s community development staff at his church - he wanted to learn more about volunteering with UI’s economic development program. 

The program supports small businesses and entrepreneurs of color. Participants receive a rigorous curriculum of business know-how and coaching, culminating in a pitch event for startup capital called Sharks at the Beach.

Ryan’s timing could not have been better. He was asked if he would be interested in coaching participants of the program. 

It was a great fit – it meshed Ryan’s business skills honed over the last 11 years in digital marketing and a myriad of other work experience. 

It also blended with his idea of service driven by his faith. 

“Urban Impact’s approach of coming alongside and developing, growing and entering into a community and a relationship with people, is significantly more appealing and aligns with where Jesus tells me to interact with everyone.”

Ryan was paired with Tierra, who three years ago launched a personal credit counseling service and was looking to expand into business consulting; and with Jessica, who was just starting a business supporting black and brown families with children with disabilities.

They would meet once or twice a week and as it got closer to the event. He’d get calls or texts at night or in the morning to work through their ideas for their pitches. Besides bringing his expertise, it was also his listening ear and support that helped.  

There were points along the journey where one of the entrepreneurs questioned their ability to complete the program, but stayed on with Ryan’s encouragement. Winning the Most Social Impact Award.  

What did Ryan get out of it?

“Well, I like to think I got two new friends out of the deal, which is a bargain.”

“There's always more to learn,” Ryan said. “I found it really encouraging.  You see people overcoming challenges, overcoming their own expectations for themselves, and that was really, really encouraging. 

“A lot of times, in life and in business, you’re kind of an island.” Ryan said. “And the more people that you have, that you can rely on, that you know are there alongside you, the better.”

Coaching Tierra and Jessica was a great experience, not just for what he gave but for what he received. “I was humbled that they let me join,” Ryan said noting the backgrounds of other coaches with decades of experience. 

“It's been such a good experience and I believe so strongly in their message and their ability to deliver against that message. I just can’t say enough good things about it.”

If you would like to learn more about UI’s Economic Development Program or volunteer opportunities, please go to UI’s website, or email abenjamin@urbanimpactseattle.org.