We champion innovative solutions to social challenges
aboutus
Joltage is a social change design firm that supports the creation of community-driven solutions to complex social challenges.
We believe community members closest to the problems often come up with the best solutions. We work alongside these community members to design, iterate and incubate micro-ventures: small-scale, community-driven and sustainable projects that respond to complex social challenges. We partner with community-based organizations and institutions to fund, support and scale, when appropriate, these community-driven, proven solutions.
In the course of our work, we use and teach design thinking and strengths-based approaches, techniques, and tools that help community members develop innovative solutions. We embrace the philosophies of
"Think Big, Start Small" and "Act Locally, Think Globally".
Check out a few of our projects below and learn about what we are growing and nurturing in the Joltage Labs. Feel free to contact us to learn more about our services and projects.
our projects
Friends of Gwyns Falls Leakin Park
Friends of Gwynns Falls Leakin Park (FOGFLP) is a community-driven nonprofit dedicated to preserving, enhancing, and activating Gwynns Falls Leakin Park through community engagement, equitable access, and sustained stewardship. Working alongside the state of Maryland and city of Baltimore the Friends are focused on making Gwynns Falls Leakin Park the the city's first state park.
Avenue Market
Avenue Market, originally known as the Lafayette Market, was built in 1871, and has served as a place for food access and community gathering for generations. Joltage is working with Baltimore Public Markets to help reimagine this community institution for a new generation and spur the revitalization of the historic Pennsylvania Avenue corridor and surrounding neighborhood.
PGCSIF Co Working Space
Prince George’s County Social Innovation Fund’s mission is to build social capital and invest in new approaches to solving social challenges in Prince George's County. Joltage partnered with community members and PGCSIF to prototype and launch a co-working space for nonprofits and social entrepreneurs. Through an innovative partnership with a local church, Joltage helped PGCSIF turn an abandoned storefront into a popup, co-working space for six months. The learnings from the project helped PGCSIF refine its approach and investment strategy.
Columbia Heights
Community Marketplace
Columbia Heights Community Marketplace (CHCM) was started by local community residents who wanted greater access to fresh, nutritious food and a way to build community connections. With support from the managing principal of Joltage, CHCM was able to launch a successful online, crowdfunding campaign to help support and advance its mission. CHCM went on to become an official partner of Community Foodworks, a network designed to help move the needle toward a dynamic, equitable food system.
Joltage lab
Exploring ways to create greater access to outdoor experiences, knowledge and gear for Black people and communities of color.
Rooted in the Wild
CHILDRENS BOOK & CURRICULUM
Zion loves exploring the outdoors, but today is special—his grandmother, Nana Ama, is teaching him the secrets of the wild. As they journey through the forest, Zion learns how his ancestors built shelters, harnessed fire, found food, and crafted tools to live free in the wild.
OURTEAM
Joltage team members have deep lived experience working in communities, alongside residents, and in partnership with organizations and institutions on a host of complex, interrelated challenges in housing, education, health, economic equity, transportation, and food justice. Our team members bring unique perspectives and approaches to championing solutions to social challenges.
Founder & Managing Principal
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