The Gifted Collective selected to participate in the adidas Community LAB
We’re thrilled to announce that The Gifted Collective has been selected to join the 2024-2025 adidas Community LAB cohort! This prestigious social accelerator program brings together 12 visionary Black and Latino/a/e business owners from across the U.S. and Canada, all united by a shared mission: advancing equity in sports while building stronger, more impactful businesses.
The adidas Community LAB, now in its latest iteration, is more expansive than ever, welcoming founders from Houston and Toronto alongside participants from Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New York. This year’s program offers $75,000 in grant funding to each cohort member and an eight-month journey of growth, learning, and collaboration. Partners like Black Ambition, Impact Hub, and i.e. (Industry Education) have curated a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide mentorship, workshops, and hands-on support to transform bold ideas into meaningful change.
At The Gifted Collective, our mission has always been to empower athletes from underrepresented communities by equipping them with the skills and resources they need to succeed. From media training to NIL support, financial literacy, and mental health resources, we aim to break down systemic barriers and create lasting opportunities for growth both on and off the field. This program is the perfect launchpad for us to expand our work, enhance our offerings, and deepen our community impact.
Our founder, Andrea Brown, brings to this journey a wealth of experience, with over 15 years in communications and eight years working in Title I public schools. Her passion for reducing inequality and supporting young athletes from Black and Brown communities is the heartbeat of The Gifted Collective.
Participation in the adidas Community LAB is a tremendous honor and an exciting opportunity for us to amplify our mission. Over the next eight months, we’ll engage with leading industry mentors, refine our strategies, and connect with fellow cohort members to collectively drive equity in sports.
We’re looking forward to sharing updates on this journey and can’t wait to see the impact we’ll create together. Follow along as we continue to champion equitable opportunities for athletes and ensure their voices are heard both on and off the field.
Stay tuned—this is just the beginning!
