The Truist Foundation Inspire Awards are the culmination of a rigorous, months-long journey designed to scale nonprofit solutions that drive economic mobility. For Network Frequency, the 2025 cycle was a hallmark of our commitment to high-stakes storytelling.

For over eight months, our team worked hand-in-hand with MIT Solve and the Truist Foundation to act as the visual architects for the six finalists. We didn’t just capture an event; we spent months developing and producing the Finalist Pitch Videos—cinematic assets that the nonprofits now own to continue their mission-critical work long after the competition.

The Six Finalists: A Cohort of Innovation

Under the steady leadership of Truist Foundation President Lynette Bell, this challenge focused on reskilling and career navigation for adult workers. We had the privilege of working intimately with these six visionary organizations to bring their stories to life:

1. FreeWorld (First Place & Audience Favorite): A tech-enabled solution reskilling formerly incarcerated citizens for the trucking industry.

2. Encore Employment Enterprises (Second Place): “Seniors R The Answer,” a call-center training program specifically for older adults.

3. Lifecycle Building Center (Atlanta, GA): Equipping adults in low-income communities with skills in building material recovery and deconstruction.

4. The Masonry Foundation: “ReCastED,” a model offering tradespeople a flexible pathway to Career and Technical Education (CTE) teaching positions.

5. Integrity Transformations CDC: A digital platform, “BestFit,” helping adult learners manage basic needs and non-academic barriers to employment.

6. Electrical Training Alliance (VEEP): A pre-apprenticeship program for military personnel re-entering the civilian workforce in the electrical trade.

Real-Time Delivery at the Carolina Theatre

When the journey reached the stage at the Carolina Theatre in Charlotte, our team shifted into “Live Experience” mode. Beyond the months of pre-production, we provided photography, video capture, and on-site post-production support. This allowed for a real-time social media rollout, ensuring the energy of the pitches—and the final announcements by Lynette Bell and emcee Robin Roberts—was felt globally the moment it happened.

Purpose in Action

We want to extend a sincere thank you to the Truist Foundation for trusting Network Frequency as an invaluable partner. It is rare to work with a brand that so consistently puts action to their purpose. By providing these finalists with high-quality media assets they can repurpose for years to come, Truist isn’t just funding nonprofits; they are empowering them with the tools to tell their own stories.

We are honored to continue our support of these philanthropies and look forward to seeing the long-term impact of the over $500,000 in grants awarded this year.

Atlanta truly sparkled at the 2025 Eddie Awards, an inspiring evening orchestrated by Synergies Work and proudly supported by Network Frequency. We had the immense privilege of handling the event planning, production, and capture for this pivotal gathering, celebrating innovation and inclusion across the disability community.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to Aarti Sahgal, the visionary founder and CEO of Synergies Work. Her tireless dedication and profound belief in equitable opportunities are not just commendable—they are transformative. Aarti has built an organization that doesn’t just advocate; it actively builds bridges, creates pathways, and shatters barriers for entrepreneurs with disabilities.

Synergies Work: Catalyzing Inclusive Entrepreneurship

Synergies Work is a groundbreaking non-profit accelerator dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs with disabilities to launch and grow successful businesses. They provide comprehensive training, mentorship, and crucial access to funding, transforming innovative ideas into thriving enterprises. By fostering an ecosystem of support, Synergies Work addresses critical gaps in traditional startup ecosystems, ensuring that talent and brilliant ideas are never overlooked due to disability.

Their impact is profound: they cultivate economic independence, drive social innovation, and shift perceptions, proving that disability is a source of unique strengths and perspectives.

A Network of Impactful Partners

The success of Synergies Work is amplified by its robust network of partners who share their commitment to inclusivity. These collaborations are vital in extending their reach and resources:

• The Coca-Cola Company: A foundational supporter, helping to scale programs and amplify the message of inclusive entrepreneurship.

• Cox Enterprises: Providing crucial mentorship and business development resources.

• Mailchimp: Offering vital tools and expertise for digital marketing and communications.

• Google for Startups: Delivering access to technology and mentorship, fostering growth within the startup community.

• Wells Fargo: Contributing financial literacy and capital access, empowering entrepreneurs to secure their futures.

These partnerships underscore a collective dedication to building a more equitable economic landscape where every entrepreneur, regardless of ability, has the chance to thrive.

Network Frequency: Amplifying Stories, Enhancing Experiences

At Network Frequency, we believe that impactful work deserves impeccable presentation. For the Eddie Awards, our team meticulously managed every detail, ensuring the night was a seamless celebration of achievement. From the elegant staging and flawless audio-visuals to capturing every award-winning moment, we crafted an environment that perfectly reflected the significance of Synergies Work’s mission.