AYEAROF IMPACT
2024ANNUALREPORT
Transforming Lives and Empowering Futures
Our Mission and Vision
Our Pathway to Impact
Co-Founder’s Message | Danesha Smith
Impact by the Numbers
Financial Overview
Co-Founder’s Message | Andre Smith
Revolutionizing the College Internship: Bridging Learning and Experience
Beyond the GREEN: Exposure to Golf as a Gateway to Business Success
The Future of AI Intermedia Is Here: A Visionary Digital Magazine
Celebrating Partnerships: Collaborations That Drive Change
Organizational Partners
Media Partners
Faces of Access & Exposure: Voices
ABOUTOURORGANIZATION
Shine2Inspire is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to bridge the wealth divide by equipping students—ranging from middle school to university—with the tools, knowledge, and exposure needed for financial success.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to create pathways to financial success and unlock potential for students across the middle school, high school, vocational/trade school, and college/university levels by exposing them to global entrepreneurship and wealth-building opportunities.
OUR VISION
We envision a world where the wealth gap no longer exists and all individuals have equal access to opportunities for financial success and lasting generational prosperity.
OURPATHWAY TOIMPACT
Inputs
Philanthropy and Investments
Executive and Program Staff
Strategic Partnerships
Activities
Current Activities:
SHINE Enthusiast
SHINE on the Links
SHINEU
2025–2030 Planned Activities:
SHINE Investment Fund
SHINE M&H
SHINEU (Global)
SHINEU (Sp)
SHINEU Fellows
SHINEV&T
SHINEU–Anexperientialbusinessand entrepreneurialdevelopmentprogramtailored tocollegeanduniversitystudents,from sophomoresthroughseniors
SHINEontheLinks–Aninitiativeintroducing youthandyoungadultstogolfasabusiness andsocialnetworkingplatform culminatingin thesignatureShine2InspireAnnualGolfClassic
SHINEEnthusiast–AnAI-driven,interactivedigital magazinethatservesasaplatformforamplifying communityvoicesandshowcasingShine2Inspire programs,projects,andinitiatives
SHINEUFellows–Analumniinitiativeforselect returningShineUparticipantsthatincludes opportunitiesforongoingentrepreneurship educationandpaidadvisoryroles
At Shine2Inspire, we believe transformative impact begins with intentional action. Our Pathway to Impact is our theory of change illustrating how we create opportunities for financial success by empowering students through exposure to global entrepreneurship and wealth-building opportunities. By addressing the root causes of the wealth gap, we pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future.
Outputs
YouthandYoung-Adult Engagement
FinancialLiteracyand Proficiency
BusinessandEntrepreneurship
Skills
CommunityEngagement
OrganizationalSustainability
DigitalEngagementandBrand Visibility
BoardandExecutiveLeadership
Effectiveness
ProgramGrowth
SHINEV&T–Anexperientialbusinessand entrepreneurialdevelopmentprogramtailored tovocationalandtradeschoolstudents
SHINEU(Global)–Aninternationalexchange entrepreneurshipprogramfocusingonbuilding globalbusinessacumenandentrepreneurial expertise OpentoSHINEUandSHINEV&T participants
Outcomes
Short-Term Outcomes: Exposure Access
Intermediate Outcomes: Social Capital Cultural Capital
Long-Term Outcomes: Entrepreneurs/Business Owners
SHINEM&H–Anexperientiallearningprogramdesigned formiddleandhighschoolstudents
SHINEU(Sp)–AspecializedprogramforSpanish-speaking collegestudents,offeringexperientialbusinessand entrepreneurialdevelopment Opentoparticipantsfrom SHINEUandSHINEV&T
SHINEInvestmentFund–Afinancialinitiativetoprovide SHINEU,SHINEV&T,andSHINEM&Halumniwithaccessto anestablishedinvestmentfundfortheirentrepreneurial ventures
MESSAGE FROM OUR CO-FOUNDER
What started as a discussion on the golf course and three college professors brainstorming business internship ideas has evolved into a vision beyond our wildest dreams of closing the wealth divide through entrepreneurship. In less than two years, we have ignited a passion for a much-needed mission in an ever-changing global economy. I will say it repeatedly: The difference we make is that we do the work, not talk about the theoretical work. We understand what it means to be on the front lines of economic despair and prosperity In all of our experiences, it comes down to exposure and the right environment. Shine2Inspire is where exposure and environment meet
We chose entrepreneurship because it defines who we are. Entrepreneurship is one of the most genuine ways to develop asset creation and wealth It is the disciplined entrepreneur who knows that s/he doesn’t travel the journey alone. They understand penny-pinching, they understand “losing your shirt”, they understand customer acquisition and retention, and they know they can’t survive on pen and paper but instead must leverage technology. The entrepreneur knows financial stamina and health, and the truest entrepreneur sees failure as an opportunity for growth We show this early.
The years 2023 and 2024 were focused on building 2024 was a year of laying the foundational blocks, or as entrepreneurs know it, the startup phase. We are consumed with wealth creation and beginning early. We are just getting started, and we know we will empower the next generation of entrepreneurs through our partnerships and social village.
Cheers to Energy, Education, Empowerment, and Engagement in preparing entrepreneurs!
IMPACTBYTHE NUMBE
Every number tells a story of impact and progress. Our “By the Numbers” infographic highlights key metrics from the past year, showcasing how our signature programs SHINEU, SHINE on the Links, and SHINE Enthusiast are creating pathways to financial success and unlocking potential for students. These figures reflect the lives touched, opportunities created, and steps taken toward bridging the wealth gap and building a brighter future.
Financial Overview
The financial overview information in this report has been provided by Transparency and accountability are at the heart of everything we do. Our financial overview provides a snapshot of how financial resources were stewarded in 2024 to maximize impact. From program investments to operational efficiency, every dollar was strategically allocated to create opportunities, empower students, and drive meaningful change.
Statement of Financial Position
Financial Overview
Financial Overview
Financial Overview
MESSAGEFROMOURCO-FOUNDER
In business you never fail; you just find alternate solutions.
–AndreSmith,Co-Founder
At Shine2Inspire, we believe that every challenge presents an opportunity to grow, adapt, and create meaningful impact. Our journey has been one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication to empowering individuals and communities.
Through our programs, partnerships, and shared vision, we continue to illuminate paths to success, proving that every obstacle is just a stepping stone toward greater achievement. Thank you for being part of our mission to inspire, uplift, and make a difference.
Revolutionizingthe CollegeInternship: BridgingLearning andExperience
I would rate SHINEU a 10/10…I wouldn’t change anything!
– Carl Nixon, 2024 SHINEU Participant
of SHINEU participants engage in an immersive experience focused on data science, business intelligence, and AI to address real-world business challenges.
of SHINEU participants are educated on investing and opening a brokerage account.
of SHINEU participants receive golf instruction from an LPGA certified instructor.
Beyond the Green: Exposure to Golf as a Gateway to Business Success
Girls (ages 13-17) who qualified and participated in Shine2Inspire's Annual Golf Classic
Participating in SHINE on the Links gave me the confidence to step onto the golf course with self-assurance and opened my eyes to the incredible opportunities the game offers.
– 2025 Participating Competitor
The Future of AI In Media Is Here: A Visionary Digital Magazine
SHINE Enthusiast is more than a digital magazine it’s a groundbreaking platform at the intersection of artificial intelligence and media innovation. For decades, magazines have served as a cornerstone of print media, informing, inspiring, and connecting readers through storytelling and curated content.
Building on this rich legacy, SHINE Enthusiast leverages cutting-edge AI tools to create engaging, personalized content that highlights global entrepreneurship, wealth-building opportunities, and the stories of emerging leaders. As the future of media continues to evolve, SHINE Enthusiast stands as a testament to how technology can amplify impact, spark creativity, and empower the next generation of changemakers.
SHINE Enthusiast is redefining the future of media with innovation at its core—combining the power of AI with storytelling to inspire, inform, and empower a new generation of changemakers.
– Danesha Smith, Co-Founder
ORGANIZATIONAL PARTNERS
MEDIA PARTNERS
faces of Access and Exposure: Voices of Our Participants
At Shine2Inspire, our mission comes to life through the stories of the students we serve. These are the voices of young individuals who, through access to opportunities and exposure to new experiences, have gained the tools to dream bigger and achieve more. From learning financial literacy to participating in innovative programs like SHINEU internships and the Shine2Inspire Annual Golf Classic, their journeys highlight the transformative power of empowerment and education. These stories inspire us to continue bridging the wealth gap and creating pathways to success.
ThePowerof Philanthropy: Fueling Shine2Inspire's Mission
Philanthropy embodies the very essence of humanity—the desire to care for and uplift others, creating opportunities for those who might not otherwise have access to them. At Shine2Inspire, this spirit of giving fuels every aspect of our mission, transforming aspirations into action. The generosity of our donors and supporters enables us to offer life-changing programs like SHINEU internships and host impactful events such as the Shine2Inspire Annual Golf Classic.
Through these contributions, we are not just bridging the wealth gap; we are also fostering a deeper sense of connection, compassion, and shared purpose. Together, we’re empowering students to unlock their potential, creating pathways to success, and building a legacy of equity and opportunity. This collective effort reflects the best of humanity and inspires lasting change for future generations.
We celebrate the incredible individuals and organizations that make this work possible—see their names proudly listed below.
Donors/SupportersList
Individuals
Lisa Amma
Darrell Anderson
Apria Brown
Cassius F. Butts
Dr. Shelva Clemons
Leilani Collier
Shavonne Dargan
Adrian Fontenette
Fabienne Fontenette
Justin Golshir
Denise Graf
Kimberly Greene
Aleka Jones
Brigitta Hoeferle
Angela Locke
Samuel Lucas
Leanna Lynn
Mark McGruder
Tran Nguyen
Dr. Talecia Parks
Xeron Pledger
Carlos Scott
Andre Smith
Danesha Smith
Adobe Employee Giving Program
Cause of Effect
Gatorade Equity in Sports
Stretch ATL
Thomson Reuters
Wells Fargo
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Danesha Smith
CO-FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT
Owner, Sunshine & Sunrise Enterprises, LLC
Cassius F. Butts
BOARD ADVISOR
Two-time United States
Presidential Appointee, Author and Speaker
Denise Graf
SECRETARY
Andre Smith
CO-FOUNDER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Owner, Sunshine & Sunrise Enterprises, LLC
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Shelva Clemons, Ph.D.
BOARD MEMBER
Visiting Assistant Professor, Morehouse College
Tran Nguyen
L. Dargan
BOARD MEMBER
Senior Vice President, Strategy & Marketing - CURATED by Live Nation
Reggie Walker
Dyson
BOARD ADVISOR
Founder and CEO, Positive Force, LLC
Franchise Operations Administrator, Sunshine & Sunrise Enterprises, LLC
BOARD MEMBER
Owner, Verge Tersylbran JV, LLC
BOARD MEMBER
Owner, Mojo Coffee Senior Manager, Adobe
Shavonne
Billie
