The National Benevolent Association is pleased to announce the members of the 2025 Social Entrepreneurship (SENT) Cohort. Launched in 2021 by NBA’s Social Entrepreneurship program, the SENT Cohort is a 12-month journey where new faith-rooted social entrepreneurs are brought together to be a part of a community of support and growth as they work through an active process of formation and conversation.

“This is our fifth cohort adventure, and I am excited about what these leaders will teach us as we accompany them through their exploration and design process,” said Rev. Darnell Fennell, Director of Social Entrepreneurship. “We are all transformed by this shared journey.”

Cohort members will have four huddles during their time in the program, two in-person and two-virtual. These huddles are multi-day sessions that allow members to connect and learn from each other. In addition, they will receive specialized coaching to help and strengthen their organization and have access to ongoing learning and networking opportunities through NBA, including the annual SENT Seminar held each fall.

This year’s cohort consists of nine members whose social enterprises offer a variety of services across the country:

• Lavonne Carson, Hope Center of Northwest Indiana, Hammond, IN
• Seungil Eo, YOUR Place to Shine, Mukilteo, WA
• Collette Gaffney, Sunflower Spiritual Care and Education, New Orleans, LA
• Kristin Galle, Imagine Music Academy, Denton, TX
• DeJuana Golden, The Healing Garden, Lakewood, CA
• Lynn Martin, Cultivating Caring Communities, Inc., Indianapolis, IN
• Zaemelys Ramos-Rodriguez, Bees & Lavender, West Covina, CA
• Nan Riddle, Keiki Camp Ulu Pono, Wahiawa, HI
• Sherri Session, Cultivating Caring Communities, Inc., Indianapolis, IN
• Ralph Steele, Center for Economics, Education & Healing, Bedford, TX

Learn more about our newest SENT Cohort members and their projects, and watch their pitch videos, at our 2025 SENT Cohort page.