By: Charlene Canter
As the founder and driving force behind the Sustainable Access Foundation (SAF), Dr. Danika Tynes has championed global equity and sustainability, empowering artists, social entrepreneurs, and change-makers around the world. With the upcoming Amplifying Voices Showcase and Fundraiser in partnership with An Officer and Gentlewoman, LLC (AOAGWLLC), the event promises to uplift Atlanta’s creative community while supporting SAF’s mission. I sat down with Dr. Tynes to learn more about the inspiration behind the foundation, the upcoming event, and her vision for creating lasting change.
A.L. Henderson (AH): What inspired you to start the Sustainable Access Foundation, and how does it reflect your broader mission of global equity and sustainability?
Dr. Danika Tynes (DT): For Dr. Danika Tynes, the idea behind the Sustainable Access Foundation (SAF) was born from a deep commitment to creating meaningful, lasting change in underserved communities. With her background in international development and her passion for economic and environmental sustainability, she knew that the key to empowering people was through access—access to resources, opportunities, and platforms that would enable them to thrive. SAF’s mission is to create pathways for marginalized individuals and communities to take ownership of their futures, whether through social entrepreneurship, artistic expression, or environmental consciousness.
She emphasizes that the foundation’s approach is not about providing charity but about creating systems that foster independence and equity. Dr. Tynes’ extensive academic background, combined with her hands-on experience, has equipped her to build initiatives that bridge global issues with local solutions. SAF is a manifestation of her belief that access is a fundamental right, not a privilege.
AH: The Amplifying Voices Showcase and Fundraiser sounds like an incredible event. What do you hope to achieve through this particular initiative?
DT: The Amplifying Voices Showcase and Fundraiser is a key event that encapsulates SAF’s mission of amplifying underrepresented voices. Dr. Tynes hopes the event will serve as a powerful platform for Atlanta’s diverse and vibrant artistic community, giving local performers and artists the chance to showcase their talent and connect with broader audiences.
Beyond the artistic performances, the fundraiser element plays a critical role in supporting SAF’s ongoing initiatives. Dr. Tynes views this event as a celebration of creativity, but also as an opportunity to invest in future leaders and changemakers. She hopes the event will inspire attendees to see the power of art as a vehicle for social impact and economic growth.
AH: What makes the partnership with An Officer and Gentlewoman, LLC (AOAGWLLC) unique, and how does it align with SAF’s goals?
DT: Dr. Tynes was particularly excited about the partnership with An Officer and Gentlewoman, LLC because of their shared values around equity, inclusion, and empowerment. Led by Raquel Riley Thomas, a U.S. Army veteran and a leader in the media and entertainment industry, AOAGWLLC has a strong commitment to amplifying diverse voices and promoting opportunities for underrepresented communities.
According to Dr. Tynes, this partnership reflects a natural synergy between two organizations committed to driving change through creative platforms. By working together, SAF and AOAGWLLC can broaden their reach, enabling the Amplifying Voices Showcase to serve not only as a local event but as a model for how the arts and social impact can intersect globally.
AH: How do you envision the future of SAF, especially with the growing demand for social entrepreneurship and sustainable initiatives?
DT: Looking to the future, Dr. Tynes envisions SAF continuing to grow as a global leader in creating sustainable and equitable opportunities for marginalized communities. She sees the foundation expanding its reach through partnerships, like the one with AOAGWLLC, and continuing to develop initiatives that address both local and global challenges.
Social entrepreneurship is a growing area of interest for SAF. Dr. Tynes is particularly passionate about supporting entrepreneurs who are committed to sustainability and social impact. SAF’s focus will remain on building ecosystems where these entrepreneurs can thrive, whether they are artists, environmental advocates, or community organizers. Dr. Tynes believes that by providing the right tools and resources, SAF can help these changemakers drive transformative solutions to pressing global issues.
AH: As a philanthropist, educator, and global leader, what advice would you give to aspiring social entrepreneurs or artists who want to make a meaningful impact?
DT: Dr. Tynes is a firm believer in the power of resilience and persistence. Her advice to aspiring social entrepreneurs and artists is to stay true to their vision and mission, even when faced with obstacles. She encourages them to build strong networks, seek mentorship, and always remain open to learning from others.
For her, making a meaningful impact requires both innovation and collaboration. Dr. Tynes stresses the importance of aligning personal passion with a broader purpose and reminds emerging leaders that success comes not just from financial gain, but from the impact they create in their communities. She sees art, entrepreneurship, and sustainability as interconnected, and she urges aspiring changemakers to use these tools to uplift others.
As the Amplifying Voices Showcase and Fundraiser approaches, Dr. Tynes hopes that this event will serve as a catalyst for even greater engagement and support for SAF’s mission of equity and sustainability, both locally and globally.
For more information on the Foundation, go to the website www.sustainableaccessfoundation.org
Published by: Josh Tatunay
