The MAC Foundation

Talent is Universal.
Opportunity is Not.

The MAC Foundation exists to bridge the gap for underresourced entrepreneurs, turning ambitious dreams into thriving local businesses.

Impact Ledger — Live
Invested in Entrepreneurs to Date
$202k+
Scholarships awarded to date
$44k+
Individuals impacted to date
1,714+
Invest in a Visionary
Explore Our Programs
What we believe

Equal economic opportunity, built one entrepreneur at a time.

Mission

Connect. Empower. Elevate.

MAC Foundation's mission is to connect, empower and elevate underrepresented entrepreneurs.
Vision

Equal economic opportunity

Equal economic opportunity for all — regardless of where an entrepreneur started.
Values

Culture, mobility, inclusion.

We believe in empowering, connecting and elevating entrepreneurs and promoting cultural awareness, economic mobility, and inclusive economies.
Why We Exist

Our Roots in Advocacy

“

When we founded the MAC Foundation in 2021, we didn't just want to provide resources; we wanted to provide a legacy. In Nebraska and the Midwest, traditionally overlooked entrepreneurs often face challenges obtaining capital and finding networking opportunities. Our work is rooted in closing these gaps by creating pathways to access, cultivating leadership, and building a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem for the next generation of founders.

Karine Sokpoh

President, MAC Foundation

Meet the Architects of Change
Impact in Action

Four programs. One mission.

Four pathways, one mission — turning talent into thriving businesses and careers across the Midlands.
Suit Up

Suit Up

Professional clothing is only the beginning. Suit Up equips participants with the confidence, critical digital tools, career counseling, skills, and support to walk into interviews ready to succeed.

“The interview, CV review, and LinkedIn workshops boosted my confidence in job applications. I’ve since applied for more than six jobs, optimized my LinkedIn profile, and built valuable connections. Thank you for the great work!”

— Samuel Olumide

Learn more
Register for Suit Up
Rising CEOs

Rising CEOs

We don’t just teach entrepreneurship — we launch businesses. In just 10 weeks, we help young innovators transform raw ideas into real businesses by providing the exact mentoring, digital tools, and capital they need to succeed.

Rising CEOs challenges, connects, and grows you in ways that are always worth it.

— Kelsey Herrera, Founder of ParentKind & 2025 Champion

Learn more
Apply today
Scholarship Fund

Scholarship Fund

A scholarship does more than help pay for college — it creates the freedom to dream bigger, pursue new opportunities, and build a future of service.

“Receiving the MAC Foundation Scholarship eased my financial burden, allowing me to focus on my studies. It also reminded me that my hard work is recognized and inspired me to keep growing.”

— Princess Beatrice Sunday-Jimmy

Learn more
Apply for a Scholarship
Umoja Forum™

Umoja Forum™

Stronger communities are built through conversation, collaboration, and understanding. Umoja Forum™ creates spaces where diverse perspectives come together to solve challenges, strengthen relationships, and build a more connected future.

Umoja Forum™ brings together leaders, experts, advocates, and residents to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and create solutions that move communities forward.

Learn more
Attend a Forum
The Weekly Pulse

Community Spotlight

Every week, we rotate the ecosystem into the spotlight — a Rising CEO one week, the scholar they are inspiring the next.

Week 1 - Rising CEO Spotlight

Kelsey Herrera

Founder and CEO of ParentKind & Senior at Marian High School

Rising CEOs challenges, connects, and grows you in ways that are always worth it.

The 2025 Rising CEOs Champion transformed just over $500 in startup funding and an entrepreneurial vision into ParentKind, a real, operating business providing personalized newborn subscription boxes and community connections designed to support first-time parents and reduce the stigma surrounding parental struggles.

But the impact of Rising CEOs went far beyond seed funding. Through mentorship, guidance, and meaningful connections, she gained the confidence, skills, and support needed to turn her idea into action — laying the foundation for ParentKind to grow, thrive, and make a lasting impact on families and their communities.

Support Local Growth
By the Numbers

Your Support, Their Success

We don't just measure success by statistics — we measure it by the legacies we build.

$202k+

Invested in Entrepreneurs to Date
Across every program, direct funding turning ambition into thriving local businesses.

$44k+

Scholarships Awarded to Date
Eliminating financial stress so the next generation can focus on studies and research.

1,714+

Individuals Impacted to Date
Job seekers, scholars, entrepreneurs, and community members reached across our ecosystem.

3+ Years

Systemic Advocacy & Consistency
Meeting with legislators to share the stories and the interests of those in our community.
Invest in a Student
See the Full Impact Ledger
save the date
MAC Foundation Annual Fundraiser

Gratitude Gala & Awards 2026

The Child Within: Dream. Dare. Do.

Every great achievement begins with the audacity of a child's imagination. Join us at the Institute for Culinary Arts for an evening dedicated to those who dream without limits, dare to disrupt the status quo, and do the hard work of building a legacy.
Date

Saturday, November 7, 2026

Time

5:30 PM – 10:30 PM

Location

MCC Institute for the Culinary Arts

Secure Your Tickets
Become a Sponsor
Support the Future Makers Toy Drive
How You Can Help Shape the Future

Get involved

01 / Mentor

Become a Mentor

Share your professional journey with a Rising CEO — your experience is the guidance they can't get anywhere else.
Become a Mentor →
02 / Give

Fuel a Dream

Your donation goes directly toward scholarships and professional development tools for entrepreneurs across the Midlands.
Fuel a Dream →
03 / Connect

Stay Connected

Join our ecosystem and be the first to know about the next Suit Up, Rising CEOs, Gratitude Gala or Umoja Forum™.
Stay Connected →
Workforce Development

Turning Ambition into Action

The Career & Internship Hub connects scholars and Rising CEOs to vetted internships, mentorships, and workforce experiences through our CareerPathway.com partnership.
Healthcare

Nursing · Research · Public Health

STEM & Aviation

Tech Innovation · Aerospace

Business & Finance

Management · Accounting · Law

Skilled Trades

Construction · Tech Trades

Explore the Career Hub

Talent is everywhere. Help us make sure opportunity is too.

Every donated suit, every mentorship hour, and every scholarship dollar closes the gap between ambition and access.
Invest in a Visionary
Join the Ecosystem