Changemakers: Hunter’s Fund Fall 2024 Grant Winners

We’re thrilled to introduce our four Fall Grant winners! These young entrepreneurs are making waves in their respective fields with fresh ideas and bold solutions. Read on to learn more about these talented individuals and the projects they’re pursuing with support from Hunter’s Fund!

Meet Amari Currie, Founder of Missed Calls Clothing

Amari Currie is a freshman at Clark Atlanta University studying Business Administration with a focus in Supply Chain Management. But he’s more than just a student—he’s also the founder of Missed Calls Clothing, a lifestyle brand with a powerful message: leave negativity behind and move forward.

Amari created Missed Calls Clothing in February 2023 with the goal of helping people stay focused on positivity. His brand’s message comes through loud and clear in his new line of sweatsuits, which feature the words “D.N.D. WARRIOR” printed on the front. Amari’s sweatsuits are a reminder to not let anything—or anyone—that brings negativity into your life get through.

For Amari, starting Missed Calls Clothing has been an opportunity to grow as a leader. "I am a natural-born creative leader," he says. "I have always enjoyed leading a group towards a common goal, using effective communication and teamwork skills." Running his own brand has put those skills to the test.

Amari has been awarded a grant from Hunter’s Fund to help him take his brand to the next level. With this grant, he plans to produce more of his D.N.D. Warrior sweatsuits and grow his business. “Missed Calls Clothing is the ultimate leadership test for me and I fully intend to see this project through,” he says. 

Missed Calls Clothing is more than just a brand to Amari—it’s a reflection of his personal growth and entrepreneurial spirit. He’s ready to keep pushing forward–with help from Hunter’s Fund–just like the message of his clothing line.

Melinda Robinson: Leading the Way in Sustainable Farming for St. Vincent's Future

Melinda Robinson, a Hunter’s Grant recipient and young farmer from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, is leading the charge for sustainable agriculture in her community. A graduate of St. Vincent Community College, Melinda has dedicated herself to empowering other young farmers through modern farming techniques.

"My journey in agriculture began early in life, rooted in the traditions of my community and fueled by a deep commitment to addressing the challenges faced by local farmers," says Melinda.

She is now heading the SEEDS Program (Sustainable Education and Empowerment in Hydroponic Systems), an initiative designed to introduce hydroponic farming to young farmers in the Vermont Valley.

Hydroponics, a farming technique that uses nutrient-rich water solutions instead of soil, is crucial for regions like the Vermont Valley, which struggle with water scarcity. 

"Growing up amidst the lush landscapes and close-knit farming communities of Penniston, I witnessed firsthand the impact of climate variability and the need for solutions," Melinda says.

Through the SEEDS Program, local farmers will gain access to hydroponic systems, helping them grow crops more efficiently while conserving water. The program also includes educational workshops to teach farmers important skills like system management, pest control, and sustainable farming practices.

In addition to hands-on training, the SEEDS Program will focus on community outreach with events designed to raise awareness about the benefits of hydroponics.

Thanks to Hunter’s Grant, she is paving the way for a more resilient and prosperous future for young farmers in St. Vincent.

Justin Press: Revolutionizing the Job Search with Hire Match

Justin Press, a senior at the University of Central Florida studying Photonic Science and Engineering and Hunter’s grant recipient, is on a mission to change the way people find jobs. He’s the founder of Hire Match, an AI-powered platform designed to improve job matching and make hiring more efficient for both job seekers and employers.

Hire Match takes job searching to the next level by using AI to match candidates with jobs in a smarter, more personalized way. Instead of relying on traditional keyword searches, Hire Match digs deeper, considering factors like dates, roles, and relevance to ensure a more accurate match. It also asks job seekers specific questions to get a better understanding of their qualifications. For employers, this means a more optimized candidate pool that saves time and resources. Job seekers get personalized feedback, including the probability of landing an interview and tips on how to improve their chances.

"I’ve reviewed hundreds of applications and interviewed countless people," Justin says. "I know the challenges job seekers face, and I’m committed to making the process easier for them." As CEO of Hire Match, Justin oversees the development of the platform and ensures it helps people find jobs that align with their skills and passions.

Hire Match isn’t just about streamlining the job search—it’s about celebrating individuality. Justin’s platform empowers candidates to showcase their unique talents, helping them stand out in a crowded job market. For employers, Hire Match offers a way to build diverse, dynamic teams that thrive on fresh perspectives and enthusiasm.

With a grant, Justin plans to enhance Hire Match by securing AI credits to ensure companies have access to the best candidates. “This grant will allow us to scale our efforts and make a real difference in the way people navigate the job market,” Justin says.

Karim Toufiq: Bringing Precision and Fair Play to Amateur Baseball with ZoneCast

Hunter’s Grant winner Karim Toufiq, a recent graduate of City College of New York with degrees in Computer Science and Economics, is setting out to transform amateur baseball. He co-founded ZoneCast, a startup that uses computer vision technology to develop an automated ball and strike system designed specifically for youth and amateur baseball.

"Starting in the summer of 2023, we hatched an idea to improve the amateur baseball scene with technology," says Karim. ZoneCast's goal is simple: to bring fairness to the game by eliminating the inconsistencies that come with human umpiring. The system uses a precise and cost-effective camera setup that can be installed on almost any baseball field. By automating the calls for balls and strikes, ZoneCast helps reduce conflicts, ensures fairness, and creates a better experience for everyone involved.

Inconsistent strike calls are a common issue in youth sports, and Karim recognizes the impact. "Inconsistent strike calls often lead to heckling and even physical altercations that serve no place within youth sports," he explains. ZoneCast aims to put an end to these disputes by providing accurate, automated calls.

Karim’s background in software engineering led him to create a functional prototype of the system using a simple webcam. "This system gives players and coaches more control and helps avoid being penalized for poor pitch calls," Karim explains.

With help from Hunter’s Fund, ZoneCast aims to accelerate its research and development, bringing their innovative system to more leagues and tournaments. Karim is on a mission to make baseball more fair, enjoyable, and accessible, one pitch at a time.