Organization: ArkBuilders Inc.
Year Founded: 2018
Cause: Community Development
Location: Columbus, OH
How It Started
This is one of the few times where small talk turned into big things. I met George Hicks in the summer of 2018 at a mutual friend’s gallery show. After making the rounds to view the wonderful art pieces, I gravitated towards the snack table cause duh. I hate making small talk, but I’ve grown accustomed to it these past few years after many MANY networking events. SO George and I started a conversation.
How are you?
How do you know Heather?
What do you do for a living?
That’s where it started: what do you do? He was building a nonprofit and I was looking for clients for my growing design business. At the time, I was still taking whatever job I could find to make some cash on the side. He was needing someone who was willing to go the distance with him and his nonprofit.
How It’s Going
Since then, George and I have been working together in a small team to build his nonprofit, ArkBuilders Inc., to help communities in Central Ohio. Together, we are “building community in communities”. ArkBuilders Inc. is a 501c3 that works to build community relationships through mental health awareness, youth and program development. I love working with George and his team and has since opened up a few doors for me with new clients. ArkBuilders also managed to do amazing work in the community during the pandemic.
They spent several weeks working at food drives, handing out care packages, and giving students the opportunity to create projects of their own.
I’ve loved working within ArkBuilders’ brand standard too. Using these muted colors while still keeping the tone light and fun to encourage volunteers to join makes for a fun challenge every month. Some of the projects I’ve gotten to work on have been their branding for conferences and events. I’m a sucker for print projects!
Looking Forward
ArkBuilders Inc. is going through a transitional phase to better serve its community. This is requiring a ton of communication with the team, patience, and focus. I’m very excited to continue this journey with George and his amazing nonprofit and I’m always happy to help him serve. It takes a village, afterall.