Family, giving back, togetherness, unity…all of these things create the foundation that brought the organization, Our Own, to the attention of filmmaker and philanthropist Jake Viramontez. Our Own is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit with a multifaceted approach to further bridging the gap to ensure racial equity and social justice. The community-centric organization was a major inspiration for Sony’s Create Action program and shows the importance of locally-based organizations that work to build strong and consistent impact for underserved communities. Our Own’s hard work continues to gain momentum, and you can catch a segment featuring the organization this week on The Kelly Clarkson Show on Thursday, January 26, at 2:00 PM PST.
Our Own co-founders Dustin Young and Lee Johnson with filmmaker Jake Viramontez on the Kelly Clarkson show.
During the Kelly Clarkson show, Our Own received a second surprise grant of $50,000 and $15,000 in gear from Sony to support the work they're doing within their Los Angeles community.
Social entrepreneurs and cultural producers Dustin Young and Lee Johnson founded and have led Our Own since 2018. As big believers in the power of community and the concept of the village, they developed the organization with a mission to dismantle systemic barriers and create the access needed in nutrition, education, entrepreneurship, maternal health, mental and physical fitness.
During the Kelly Clarkson Show's segment with Our Own and Viramontez, Young and Johnson received a surprise from Sony. Our Own was given an additional $50,000 grant and $15,000 in Sony gear to continue their mission of providing offerings like a Class Wellness Space Retrofit Program, Be Right Back Steam and Mentorship Program, SELF Mental Physical & Maternal Health Program, and the Seed & Soil Agritech & Nutrition Initiative. They also just announced their paid internship program starting in February 2023 to provide employment pathways and mentorship to young adults throughout Los Angeles. The internship is open to current and soon-to-be college students to learn the business of sports and live entertainment. Follow them on Instagram @ourown and visit their website ourown.com to learn more.
