Celebrating Disruption
2022 AWARDS NIGHT RECAPThank you to everyone who Celebrated Disruption with us in honor of the incredible work being done in WNC!
Our 2022 CoThinkk Annual Event, “Celebrating Disruption,” was a celebration of community that blended our cultural roots and visions in such a beautiful way. Together we recognized the triumphs, challenges and labors of love that often goes unseen. CoThinkk is shifting the narrative on equity, access and visibility for communities of color through the sharing of our time, talent and treasure.
On behalf of the CoThinkk family, we would like to congratulate the grant recipients and thank all of the community leaders!
Keynote Speaker:
Geny Hernández López
Geny Hernández López is a southern woman from the coast of Chiapas, Mexico. She is a popular educator – both in her work and lifestyle. She grew up on the border of Mexico and Guatemala, and since she was a child, her life has coexisted with migrants’ live.
Geny arrived in Asheville almost 10 years ago, since then, she has been involved in the struggle for immigrant rights and in social, cultural, and educational work in her community.
She has collaborated with Nuestro Centro, now Raíces, and plays many roles within the organizations that fall under the La Milpa Collaborative.
Geny loves to dance to all rhythms, from salsa to tango. for Geny, dance and music feed her soul. currently, Geny coordinates El Telar Shared Resources for Home Childcare, but she is transitioning towards direction of La Milpa Collaborative.
Honoring Kelly Goins:
Diana Blackett
CoThinkk took a minute to recognize the life and legacy of founding member Kelly Goins, whom the group lost two years ago. In Goins’ honor, CoThinkk has added $500 to all of its grant awards for wellness, self care, and/or professional development that furthers social entrepreneurship.
Kelly Goins, a passionate community leader, entrepreneur, and founding member of CoThinkk left an indelible mark on our community through her passion and tireless work to build the capacity of critical nonprofit organizations in our community.
Honored by Diana Blackett.
See The Evening In Photos
Click arrows to see more. All photos by Still Smiling Photography
2022 GRANT RECIPIENTS
A well deserved congratulations to our grantees!
Acupuncture Free Clinic of Asheville
COmmunity Extravaganza
Elegant Blendz
Elevation of Youth/Adults in Communities
Every Black Voice Campaign
Food Reparations Coordination
Herbal Euphoria Apothecary
How to Eradicate Fear – Cherokee Entrepreneurs
I Voice Media, LLC
La Alianza
Models of Community Care
Picture Worth 1000 Words
Southside United Neighborhood Association
The Power of Our Origin
Umoja Health, Wellness and Justice Collective HOPE 4 the Future Afterschool Program
WR’s Gutter Cleaning, Pressure Washing and Snaking Maintenance, LLC
CONGRATS TO ALL THE APPLICANTS:
2022 LEADERSHIP AWARDEES
Congratulations to all the amazing leaders nominated and recognized by community!
NNWEYNA SMITH
COMMUNITY LEADER AWARD
MICHAEL HAYES
COMMUNITY LEADER AWARD
FRANCINA EDMONDS
COMMUNITY LEADER AWARD
DAWNA LEDBETTER
COMMUNITY LEADER AWARD
KATHY ARRIOLA
COMMUNITY ALLY AWARD
ALLYSON M. DEESE
COMMUNITY ALLY AWARD
RUBI MAR
NEXT GENERATION LEADER AWARD
CONGRATS TO ALL THE LEADER AWARD NOMINEES!
A Big Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Thank You to our Speakers and Community Members:
Geny Hernández López
Rob Thomas
Diana Blackett
Cenzontle Language Justice Co-Op
El Telar Childcare Services
Naima Harrell
Marsha Fretwell
Word on the Street
Greta Anderson
Annual Events Committee
CoThinkk Members
AND MORE