About Us
The Community Catalyst was founded in 2017 by Yanice Yvette Jackson with a clear mission: to create measurable, community-led change by building bridges between residents, organizations, and local leadership. What began as a grassroots effort in Lansing has since evolved into a growing statewide movement—centered on collaboration, empowerment, and equity.
At its core, The Catalyst exists to uplift marginalized communities through hands-on programs, mentorship, and advocacy. Our work spans multiple areas, with a strong focus on fighting food insecurity, promoting community health, and expanding access to educational and creative resources.
We specialize in:
-
Advancing food justice through urban agriculture, nutrition education, and community-based solutions
-
Offering multimedia workshops in journalism, podcasting, storytelling, author development, and film production
-
Training individuals to lead through civic engagement, grassroots organizing, and local advocacy
The Catalyst is not just a name—it’s a call to action. Together, we create the spark that drives lasting, transformative change.
The Mission
“The Community Catalyst empowers underserved communities by providing access to education, resources, and meaningful connections. Through hands-on programs, mentorship, and creative training, we foster well-being, civic engagement, and healthier, more connected lifestyles..”
Our Vision
We envision thriving, equitable communities where every individual has access to nutritious food, transformative education, and the tools to overcome systemic barriers. By advancing media literacy, collaboration, and sustainable solutions, we aim to break cycles of poverty, amplify unheard voices, and inspire lasting change—ensuring no one is left behind.
How We Came About
The Community Catalyst was founded on the belief that true empowerment begins with education, training, and meaningful connection. Born from a desire to bridge the gap between community voices and systems of influence, the organization was created to foster collaboration, uplift underrepresented stories, and promote thoughtful, well-researched approaches to change.
Founder Yanice Jackson recognized that when people are equipped with knowledge and tools—not just passion—they become powerful advocates for their communities. That vision remains at the heart of everything we do: building bridges between residents, institutions, and opportunities for collective impact.