Atlanta, it's our time to step up
This season, Hawks fans nominated 672 changemakers across the city who are stepping up for their communities and making a difference. Atlanta Changemakers is about recognizing those people—and the role all of us can play in moving this city forward.
Meet Mikal Driver
Mikal Driver, our winning changemaker, is a proud son of Atlanta and a career educator committed to helping young people unlock their full potential. With more than a decade of experience in education and youth development, he works to create systems that expand opportunity for students and families across the city.
As the founder of Prodigious Academy, Mikal leads a year-round learning hub focused on empowering urban youth through critical thinking, discipline, and experiential learning. He has also supported youth and educator development through roles (present and past) with organizations including Atlanta Public Schools, OneGoal, The Literacy Lab, Usher’s New Look, and KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools.
At the core of Mikal’s work is one belief: when we build strong ecosystems around young people, we do more than improve outcomes—we transform trajectories.
You can be a Changemaker
This is what it looks like.
People see something that needs to be done—and they do something about it. It’s already happening all over Atlanta.
Join us to stay connected and find ways to get involved.
Get involved
These organizations are doing important work across the city and there are ways to step in and help:
Habitat for Humanity: Be The People Who Build Atlanta. Big Brothers Big Sisters: Be The People Who Mentor Atlanta. Points of Light: Be The People Who Serve Atlanta.
Meet more Atlanta changemakers and get inspired
Café Momentum Atlanta
Café Momentum Atlanta led by Executive Director, Sandy Welfare is a nonprofit, casual fine-dining restaurant creating pathways out of incarceration for justice-involved youth. Through paid internships, education, case management and mental health support, young people are equipped to reach their full potential.
Café Momentum Atlanta:
- Builds safer, stronger communities through workforce development and mentorship
- Partners with local leaders, businesses, farmers and advocates to bridge gaps across communities
- Invites Atlantans to eat, drink and change lives through everyday action
Since launching in Atlanta, Café Momentum’s model has remained rooted in dignity, accountability, and unconditional support. In its first 12 months, the organization has supported over 30 interns while providing individualized education, case management, and mental health services. This strong retention and ongoing engagement underscore the effectiveness of a bottom-up, city-led approach powered by local partnerships and national infrastructure
Realize the Dream
Realize the Dream, led by Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King is a project to honor Dr. King's legacy by helping Americans contribute 100 million hours of service by his 100th birthday.
Realize the Dream:
- Equips young people to lead with courage and empathy
- Builds programs that strengthen connection across communities
- Honors the values instilled by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King
- Shows Atlantans how small acts of service create meaningful change
What is Be The People?
Everyday, millions of Americans are taking on and solving problems in their communities. Be The People is here to elevate those stories, support those problem solvers, and reignite the American spirit by proving that America works best when we help each other.
Together, we’ll show that a country of the people, by the people, and for the people only works when we choose to Be The People. A ten year commitment, built by a national coalition and powered by communities across the country.
Hawks × Be The People partnership
Atlanta has always been a city built by its people. And Be The People reignites that American spirit, by helping Americans do what they do best — step up, serve with heart, and help each other rise. Great communities are built by neighbors who roll up their sleeves and solve problems in their own communities.
Join us to:
- Celebrate community leaders and local heroes
- Be a fan who contributes to a cause you care about
- Honor the city’s culture, history, and future
- Get inspired and take action
Want to explore more ways to get involved in Atlanta? Check out these organizations:
Per Scholas: Be The People Who Train Atlanta. Support tuition-free tech training.
First Step Staffing: Be The People Who Employ Atlanta. Support job placement efforts. Help create opportunities for people getting back on their feet.
Path United: Be The People Who Guide Atlanta. Volunteer or coach young people. Support programs helping youth find their path.
Wellspring Living: Be The People Who Restore Atlanta. Stand with survivors rebuilding their lives.
HoPe: Be The People Who Educate Atlanta. Support students and families through education programs. Help expand opportunity for Atlanta’s Hispanic community.
Georgia Works!: Be The People Who Employ Atlanta. Support transitional employment programs. Mentor or connect with hiring opportunities.
Kidz2Leaders: Be The People Who Mentor Atlanta. Mentor and walk alongside children of incarcerated parents. Help provide stability, opportunity, and community over time.