Quantic’s Changemakers: 3 Students that are Transforming Their Communities

As 2024 comes to a close, we’re thrilled to spotlight three inspiring Quantic students who went above and beyond this year to create meaningful change in their communities. From disaster relief in North Carolina, conservation in Madagascar, to wellness programs in New York City, these leaders showcased how efforts can drive meaningful impact around the world.

Laney Tipton: Founder of Mountain Strong

Executive MBA student, Laney Tipton’s, concept of community isn’t just a place—it’s a purpose. When Hurricane Helene struck her hometown of Burnsville, North Carolina in September 2024, it brought devastation to an area unaccustomed to such disasters. Flooding, mudslides, and high winds left homes destroyed and families displaced, many without flood insurance to help them recover. 

With six lifelong friends, she quickly mobilized to address the immediate and long-term needs of her community. What began as a small fundraiser with a modest $5,000 goal rapidly evolved into a full-fledged nonprofit: Mountain Strong. In just seven weeks, the organization raised nearly $240,000, donated vehicles and campers to families in need, and organized community events to foster resilience and togetherness.

Mountain Strong operates with four key pillars, each aimed at addressing different facets of recovery and rebuilding:

1. Direct and Immediate Assistance:
   From clearing fallen trees to delivering essential supplies, Mountain Strong’s volunteers sprang into action. They ensured families had access to critical appliances and materials to begin rebuilding their lives.
2. Mountain Strong Recovery Network:
   This initiative connects donors directly with individuals and families in need, offering financial assistance and resources tailored to each family’s unique situation.
3. Mobilize the Mountains:
   Recognizing the critical role transportation plays in recovery, Mountain Strong collects and distributes donated vehicles to restore access to work, school, and healthcare for families left stranded by the hurricane.
4. General Fundraising and Community Impact:
   Mountain Strong hosts events like Trick or Treat on the Square and Pancakes for Presents, supporting local businesses while uplifting community spirits. These initiatives address both immediate needs and long-term recovery efforts.

Laney’s role as secretary of Mountain Strong involved drafting the nonprofit’s business plan, financial statements, and grant applications—tasks she credits her Quantic Executive MBA coursework for helping her manage with confidence.

“Thanks to my Quantic experience, I could focus on helping others instead of spending time figuring out the basics of business planning,” Laney explains. “It made a huge difference in how quickly we were able to organize and make an impact.”

Laney’s leadership and dedication have made Mountain Strong a cornerstone of recovery efforts in Yancey and Mitchell counties. The nonprofit not only addresses physical needs but also strengthens the bonds that hold the community together.

“I grew up in Burnsville, and my heart is here,” Laney says. “Helping my community get back on its feet has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”

As Mountain Strong continues to grow, Laney remains focused on scaling its impact. With plans for future fundraising events, expanded relief programs, and more partnerships to support recovery efforts, Mountain Strong is a testament to how grassroots initiatives can transform communities in need.

Johanna Mitra: Founder of oloNala

For MBA Student, Johanna Mitra, the fusion of creativity and conservation is more than a passion—it’s a mission. This year, Johanna brought her dream to life by founding oloNala, a nonprofit organization dedicated to uniting local artists, scientists, and educators in Madagascar to develop innovative solutions for biodiversity conservation.

The name oloNala—meaning “humans” and “forests” in Malagasy—reflects the organization’s core belief: that harmony between people and nature is essential for sustainable progress. The nonprofit focuses on promoting environmental stewardship, sustainable development, and quality education through interdisciplinary approaches that tackle Madagascar’s pressing ecological challenges.

Johanna’s inspiration for oloNala came from her extensive background in conservation nonprofits. She has worn many hats, from environmental educator to graphic designer, and has seen firsthand the power of storytelling and science communication in fostering a love for the natural world. 

Under Johanna’s leadership, oloNala has started cultivating a network of local talent—artists, educators, and scientists—who work together to explore creative conservation solutions. Through this interdisciplinary approach, the organization aims to raise awareness about biodiversity loss, advocate for sustainable development, and support innovative educational initiatives that inspire action.

Johanna’s vision doesn’t stop with Madagascar. She hopes to expand oloNala’s impact to other biodiversity hotspots, creating a global network of conservationists and creatives working to protect our planet’s most vulnerable ecosystems.

Johanna credits her Quantic MBA for helping her navigate the complexities of founding and managing an international nonprofit. The program has equipped her with skills in leadership, project management, and cross-cultural communication, enabling her to coordinate across multiple time zones and bridge cultural differences effectively.

“I applied to the Quantic MBA program because I wanted to feel confident managing an organization across different cultures and countries,” she explains. “The program has given me the tools I need to build oloNala and make a lasting conservation impact.”

Now in the process of becoming a tax-exempt nonprofit, oloNala is poised to grow its initiatives and reach a broader audience. Johanna’s dedication to blending art, education, and conservation offers a unique model for addressing global environmental challenges.

Kristen Wiltshire: Co-Founder of The Gaton Foundation

Giving back to her community is a family affair for MBA Student, Kristen Wiltshire. In 2022, Kristen co-founded The Gaton Foundation with her mother to address food insecurity, wellness disparities, and environmental challenges in New York City. Guided by compassion and a commitment to social impact, The Gaton Foundation has quickly become a force for good, fostering optimism and connection among underserved communities.

This year, Kristen and her team scaled the foundation’s reach and impact, quadrupling their efforts and strengthening partnerships with some of NYC’s most iconic food and wellness brands. From holiday cheer to year-round support, The Gaton Foundation continues to make a difference in the lives of countless families.

The Gaton Foundation operates on the belief that meaningful change starts with compassion and community. The organization focuses on addressing critical social needs while promoting sustainability and minimizing waste. Here’s how they make an impact:

1. Free Monthly Grocery Delivery Project:
   Partnering with NYC Department of Education schools and Salvation Army shelters, The Gaton Foundation delivers groceries to students and families who struggle to access nutritious meals. This program ensures that families have consistent access to food staples, providing a foundation for stability and well-being.
2. Pie to the People:
   One of the foundation’s standout initiatives, Pie to the People, provides holiday pies and baked goods from NYC’s best bakeries to families in need of extra cheer. In 2024, Kristen and her team quadrupled the reach of this program, spreading holiday warmth to more homes than ever before.
3. Scaling Partnerships for Greater Impact:
   By collaborating with brands like The Migrant Kitchen, Oishii Berry, Martha’s Country Bakery, and Paloma Bakery, The Gaton Foundation ensures that high-quality, nutritious food reaches families who might otherwise go without it. These partnerships not only amplify the foundation’s impact but also highlight the importance of community and shared responsibility.
4. Sustainability and Conscious Choices:
   A key pillar of The Gaton Foundation’s mission is to minimize its environmental footprint. Kristen and her team prioritize sustainable practices and consciously avoid participating in food systems that involve animal products, aligning their operations with ethical and environmental goals.

Kristen credits her Quantic MBA coursework with giving her the skills and confidence to lead The Gaton Foundation effectively. From scaling partnerships to managing logistics, the lessons she’s learned through her studies have helped her navigate the complexities of running a growing nonprofit.

“My Quantic MBA has been instrumental in helping me think strategically about how to grow our initiatives,” Kristen shares. “It’s given me the tools to scale our programs while staying true to our core values of compassion and community.”

Beyond its programs, The Gaton Foundation is about building connections and inspiring others to give back. Kristen’s vision is not only to support families in need but to foster a sense of hope and optimism across the communities they serve.

“We believe in activating the power of individuals to make a difference,” Kristen explains. “Through our programs and partnerships, we’re showing that small acts of compassion can create a ripple effect of positivity.”

As The Gaton Foundation continues to expand its impact, Kristen is focused on scaling its operations, while exploring new ways to support underserved communities. Plans for 2025 include additional wellness programs, new partnerships with local businesses, and innovative approaches to addressing food insecurity at scale.

Laney, Johanna, and Kristen embody the essence of Quantic’s mission: empowering leaders to create meaningful change in their industries and communities. As they continue to expand their impact, their stories remind us of the transformative power of education, passion, and purpose.

Here’s to celebrating their achievements and looking forward to another year of innovation and community-driven leadership!