Kuol Malou and Julian Beaudion came to the realization that businesses owned by refugees, immigrants and people of color needed a better way to connect and be represented. As a result, they co-founded the HUB SD (the HUB).
Based out of Sioux Falls, SD, the organization’s mission is to serve aspiring, emerging, and excelling refugees, immigrants, and BIPOC (black, Indigenous and people of color) communities. The HUB develops programming for professionals to form a collaborative network across industries, job functions, and interests while learning best practices to excel in their fields. They create platforms for people to connect, share ideas, and realize how much they can achieve when they work together.
“We wanted to create a space where business professionals, citizens and community members could come together and be transparent in conversations and discuss ways we can work together to make our communities better. We wanted to offer opportunities for individuals to connect and share ideas without limitations,” shared Malou.
What does it take to be part of your community? Who is a good candidate? Typically, community organizations like The Hub may seek individuals who are passionate about the cause they support, in this case, health equity for refugees, immigrants, and people of color. Candidates might need to show a willingness to participate actively, respect diversity, and contribute positively to the community.
What are the benefits of being part of The Hub? Joining such a community often provides a sense of belonging and the opportunity to work toward meaningful change. Members may gain knowledge about health equity, develop skills in advocacy and community organization, and have the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals.
How does your organization play a role in achieving health equity for the community that you serve (refugees, immigrants, and people of color)? Organizations like The Hub typically work to achieve health equity by advocating for policies that address systemic health disparities, providing resources and education to the communities they serve, and fostering an environment that respects and supports diversity.
One of The HUB’s New Year’s resolutions is to “Develop a legislative platform to ensure all business policies created on a state and local level are equitable.” How does this translate into a communities’ overall health? Developing an equitable legislative platform could mean advocating for policies that address social determinants of health, such as access to quality healthcare, healthy food, clean air and water, and safe housing. By ensuring these policies are equitable, The Hub would be working towards health equity, which can lead to improved overall health for the communities they serve.
The HUB’s business development services are designed to help organizations unlock their potential and achieve their goals. They begin by conducting a thorough consultation to identify gaps or opportunities in current operations. They offer a diverse range of programming designed to equip professionals with the tools and resources they need to excel in their respective fields. The HUB’s professional development program provides leadership and business skills through workshops, panels, and master classes.
Malou concluded, “We are more than a training center. We’re a community hub that fosters collaboration and networking across industries, job functions, and interests. By bringing together people from diverse backgrounds, we create a dynamic platform for sharing ideas, insights, and perspectives. We firmly believe that everyone has something valuable to contribute, and we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment where everyone’s voice is heard.
Visit the Hub SD Web site to learn more about their organization, the communities they serve and how you can enlist the HUB SD in your organization’s efforts. Attend our Health Equity Series: Continuing the Conversation to learn more about health literacy. Malou is a featured presenter; details below.
Continuing the Conversation: Health Literacy | June 14 @ 11 a.m. CT
Attend this session to learn more about health literacy and its impact on achieving health equity. We will also hear from community health workers addressing health literacy barriers in our communities.
Health Literacy Speakers:
Kuol Malou, CEO and Co-Founder | The HUB SD
Kendra Jasso-Chukwuyem, Community Health Worker | Avera Community Health Resource Center
Allie Wanner, Community Health Worker | CHI St. Alexius Health