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CONNECTING PEOPLE. EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES.

GRASSROOTS GIVING.

Lansing

Meet The Team

Marques Davis

Marques is our Marketing Manager, bringing his creative vision to life through powerful photo and video content that shapes all of our external-facing storytelling. His work captures the heart of our mission, using visual media to engage, inspire, and connect with our community.

Ali Bennett

Ali is the founder and CEO of Grassroots Giving, where she leads with vision and heart, managing day-to-day operations and driving the mission forward. She is deeply committed to centering the Black experience in corporate and entrepreneurial spaces, using business as a powerful tool for access, equity, and generational wealth building.

Kelly West

Kelly joins us as the fiduciary for our grassroots giving initiatives, bringing deep expertise in business optimization, global growth strategy, product design, and financial modeling. She is the founder of The Mobility Collective, a powerful platform where Black voice and experience are centered, supported, and amplified creating space for authentic representation, community building, and transformative success.

ABOUT

Founded by Ali Bennett in 2023, Grassroots Giving is dedicated to supporting Black business professionals and fostering connections between Black-owned businesses and the surrounding community.

Grassroots Giving remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing strong connections and fostering inclusivity within the Greater Lansing Area.

Mission:

At Grassroots Giving, our mission is to empower and uplift Black business professionals by providing a dynamic platform that connects them with the essential resources needed for professional success. We are dedicated to fostering a thriving ecosystem where Black business professionals flourish. Through strategic partnerships, community engagement, and resourceful networking, we aim to create an inclusive space that catalyzes economic growth, celebrates diversity, and champions the resilience of Black business professionals in the Greater Lansing Region.

Vision:

Our vision is for Grassroots Giving to be the cornerstone of a thriving community. We aim to create a vibrant network where Black business professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders, connect through collaborative opportunities, mentorship, and shared success.

Our vision extends beyond the directory itself, reaching into a transformed business environment where diversity is celebrated, barriers are dismantled, and every Black business professional is equipped to achieve their highest aspirations. Lansing's Black Business Directory is the catalyst for a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous future for all.

Core Values:

Empowerment: Empower Black professionals by providing them with the resources, tools, and opportunities needed to excel in their careers and businesses.
Collaboration: Encourage collaboration and networking among Black business professionals, creating a supportive community where knowledge and experiences are shared for mutual growth.
Equity: Advocate for and uphold principles of equity, ensuring fair access to opportunities, resources, and support for all Black professionals within the business community.
Community Engagement: Actively engage with the community, listening to their needs, and tailoring services to address the unique challenges and aspirations of Black business professionals in Lansing.
Social Responsibility: Acknowledge the organization's role in contributing to the broader social fabric, committing to initiatives that have a positive impact on the wider community and address societal issues.
Fair Pay: Prioritize fair, equitable compensation while intentionally investing in the Black community by hiring, supporting, and paying Black professionals and businesses.
Respect: Cultivate a culture of respect where every individual is treated with dignity and consideration, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.

Made Possible By:

This work would not be possible without the generous support of our funders. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to advancing economic mobility for Black business professionals and helping us build a more equitable future.