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It can sometimes be difficult to remain hopeful for the future when it seems like all the headlines focus on the many complex challenges facing humanity today. Yet behind every problem is an army of people striving to solve it.
We bring you Breaking Good each month as a reminder that the world is full of determined individuals focused on solutions — people breaking barriers for their communities, entrepreneurs with bold ambitions, and impact investors helping to drive positive change.
This month, we bring you the story of a fearless woman who opened the skies for Black pilots, plus a roundup of recent stories highlighting opportunities for impact investors and diverse entrepreneurs.
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Daring to Fly Free
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During Black History Month, we honor the many trailblazers who shattered barriers in their fight for equality. One such pioneer was Bessie Coleman, the first Black woman to earn a pilot’s license.
Born in Texas in 1892 to parents of African and Native American descent, Coleman encountered many challenges growing up in the Jim Crow era. She aspired to become a pilot, and when American flight schools denied her entry, she learned French and traveled to France, where she earned her pilot’s license in 1921.
Coleman returned home as a fearless stunt pilot, dazzling crowds with daring loops and spins. More than a performer, “Brave Bessie” advocated for civil rights as she traveled around the country. She took a stand against segregation, refusing to perform at shows that were for whites only.
Coleman dreamed of opening a flight school for Black aviators. Sadly, her life was cut short in a tragic accident before she could reach that goal, but her legacy soars on. She has inspired generations to defy limits and chase their dreams. |
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| Inspiring the Next Generation of Impact Investors |
| As the impact investing market grows in size, universities across the U.S. are responding with educational programs where students can learn the business. At the NYU Stern School of Business and the Wharton School, students gain hands-on experience managing impact investing funds. Another program at the University of Virginia takes students on field trips through Appalachia to meet with investors and entrepreneurs and see how impact investing works in rural communities. We’re excited to see how these educational programs inspire and prepare students to build careers focused on impact. |
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Strengthening Social Enterprises to Foster Economic Growth
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| Social enterprises have emerged as an economic force, according to speakers at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos. Globally, there are now 10 million social enterprises worldwide generating $2 trillion in annual revenue. Panelists discussed how bolstering the social economy creates jobs, raises living standards, and empowers marginalized groups. |
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| INCLUSIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP |
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The Rise of Gen Z Founders
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| The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in today’s young people. “Founder” is the second-fastest-growing job title among Gen Z grads on LinkedIn, and nearly two-thirds of people ages 18 to 35 say they’ve either started a side gig or plan to start one, according to Intuit research. What’s behind the boom? Experts interviewed by Fortune pointed to the expansive infrastructure and technology available today, which has created a “democratization of the entrepreneurial world.” |
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| Striving Toward Financial Equity |
| A widening racial wealth gap is inspiring a wide range of Black entrepreneurs and financial advisors to take action. For example, Carter Cofield and George Acheampong co-founded Melanin Money to empower the Black community through financial literacy and strategic wealth building — and they’re not alone. Keisha McCotry, owner of Mosaic Method Agency, sees the potential for AI to support Black entrepreneurship and generational wealth building. Meanwhile, Sheena Gray, CEO of the Association of African American Financial Advisors, aims to attract more Black professionals to financial advisory careers. |
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Shedding Bad Energy in the Year of the Snake
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| Millions of people around the world welcomed the Lunar New Year last week, kicking off two weeks of celebrations. We are now in the Year of the Snake, which brings potential for positive transformation, according to one professor of Chinese folklore. “It’s shedding the ego, letting go of the past, letting go of anger, letting go of love lost,” Jonathan H. X. Lee told NBC News. Now that’s a vibe worth embracing. |
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