Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
With nearly two decades of distinguished experience in the legal industry, Matthew has established himself as a leading expert in eDiscovery & Litigation Support. The transformative events of the COVID-19 pandemic inspired him to pivot his career toward the finance sector, where he now channels his expertise to make a meaningful impact.
As a Registered Representative through FINRA and a licensed life insurance professional in over 20 states, Matthew specializes in guiding individuals, families, & small businesses through the complexities of financial planning. His services include retirement planning, annuities & 401(k) solutions for companies. Matthew is passionate about helping clients of all ages clarify their dreams & goals, crafting strategic pathways to secure their futures and achieve lasting peace of mind.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Matthew is the Founder and President of The Great Giveback, an organization dedicated to empowering individuals of all ages to realize their full potential. Through programs focused on physical activity, positive mentorship, & mental health awareness, The Great Giveback fosters resilience, self-confidence, & community growth.
Matthew’s commitment to this cause underscores his belief in the power of community & holistic development in nurturing the potential of future generations.
Mia & Ezekiel are the passionate founders of Cielo Salsa, a company known for its custom salsa creations, including their standout Mango Habanero Salsa, which perfectly blends sweetness with a fiery kick. Along with their salsa specialties, the incredible mother/son duo offer meal prep services for individuals seeking healthy, flavorful meals, personal chef services & event catering that adds a vibrant, delicious touch to any gathering.
Cielo Salsa is all about personalization, using fresh ingredients to create bold flavors that leave a lasting impression. Whether it's a jar of their signature salsa or a fully catered event, Mia & Ezekiel bring creativity & passion to every dish they prepare.
Chibi Emejue, an 18-year-old African community leader & activist from Maryland, has emerged as a beacon of hope & strength for his community. Raised in an environment where communal bonds were weak, Chibi felt a profound call to action. Determined to foster unity & support, he committed himself to becoming a pillar of his community, guided by his faith and unwavering dedication to others.
Growing up, Chibi experienced firsthand the challenges of a fragmented community. Rather than being discouraged, these experiences fueled his passion for activism and leadership. He embraced the role of a community leader, striving to create a more connected & supportive environment for everyone around him. His actions are deeply rooted in his faith, allowing God to lead him in all his endeavors for others & himself.
Zayof2mrw is a multi-talented creative powerhouse who wears many hats in the music and entertainment world. As a producer, DJ, vocal engineer, artist, & event runner, Zay has made a name for himself through his versatility, innovative sound, & passion for the arts. With a unique ability to blend genres & craft unforgettable experiences, he brings an electrifying energy to every project he undertakes.
Beyond his work in music, Zay is deeply committed to giving back to the community. Whether it’s mentoring young artists, organizing community-driven events, or using his platform to inspire & uplift, he is dedicated to making a positive impact both on and off the stage.
Driven by a vision of shaping the future of music, Zayof2mrw continues to push boundaries, foster connections, and create art that resonates. His work reflects not only his creative spirit but also his dedication to building a better tomorrow.
Teshome Workagegnehu's journey from Ethiopia to the United States is a powerful testament to resilience, community, and unwavering generosity. Born & raised in Ethiopia, Teshome fled his homeland in his mid-20s due to political instability. He spent two challenging years as a refugee in Kenya before being granted asylum in the United States.
Teshome moved to Maine where he welcomed his first daughter. In 1997, he celebrated the birth of another daughter in Washington, DC, & in 2003, he was blessed with a son, also born in DC. A remarkable turn of events occurred when Teshome reunited with his high school sweetheart after 30 years of separation. Their reunion culminated in marriage, & Teshome embraced the role of fathering her three children, further expanding his loving family.
For over 25 years, Teshome has been a cornerstone of the Ethiopian community in Washington, DC. Teshome is often described as someone who would "give the shirt off his back" to help others. His contributions to the community are vast and varied, including organizing cultural events, providing mentorship to young Ethiopians, & assisting new immigrants in adjusting to life in the United States.
Teshome's life is guided by a deep sense of duty to his community & a belief in the power of kindness & support. Teshome continues to inspire others to contribute positively to their communities and uphold the values of generosity and compassion.
Erin has been apart of The Giveback Project since her sophomore year of high school, driven by a personal commitment to make a real difference in her community. Growing up in a single-parent household, Erin saw firsthand the sacrifices her father made to provide for her, which instilled in her a deep sense of responsibility; not just to her family but to others as well. His resilience & resourcefulness inspired Erin to give back, knowing that success doesn’t happen in isolation; it takes a supportive community & persistence.
With The Giveback Project, Erin focuses on providing educational resources, community outreach events & mentorship to underserved communities, hoping to make a tangible impact. Erin is passionate about leading with both heart & intellect, determined to take on big challenges while staying rooted in the needs of the people around her. For her, leadership is about serving others & lifting them up, & she’s committed to using her platform to help others reach their full potential.
At just 18 years old, Amari Briggs has dedicated his life to giving back & making the world a better place. Believing that true joy comes from the smiles created through acts of kindness, Amari strives to embody positivity & compassion in everything he does. His mission is to help others feel better, safer, & happier through his actions.
On March 1, 2023, Amari’s life changed when he was struck by a car, leaving him with a severely injured leg. After undergoing two surgeries & enduring months of rehabilitation, he relearned how to walk & run, overcoming challenges that many believed he couldn’t. This journey of resilience & faith has strengthened his resolve to support others facing similar struggles.
Guided by his faith in God, Amari is committed to inspiring hope & providing encouragement to those who feel trapped in their circumstances. His story is a testament to perseverance, & his unwavering smile reflects his belief that brighter days are always ahead.
Alex Chung is a talented young cinematographer with a passion for creating captivating digital content. Since the age of 14, Alex has been transforming ideas into compelling visuals that resonate with audiences. By just 15, his work earned him a nomination for a National Broadcasting Company Emmy, showcasing his remarkable talent & dedication at an early age.
Over the years, Alex has collaborated with renowned brands & clients, including Hey Dude, CVS, Red Bull Athletes, & Celsius Athletes. As a young adult, Alex leverages his unique perspective and firsthand experience with social media to create content that authentically connects with his generation. His deep understanding of digital platforms allows him to craft content that captivates & engages audiences in powerful ways.
Alex’s innovative approach has been instrumental in driving digital movements for various events & organizations, such as The Great Giveback. His ability to blend creativity with strategy makes him a valuable force in shaping the digital landscape. Through his work, Alex continues to inspire and influence, proving that age is no barrier to making a significant impact.
Opie Muir, 19, hails from the Frederick, Maryland area & graduated from Brunswick High School in 2023. Currently a student at Towson University, Opie is pursuing a degree in Electronic Media & Film, dedicating himself to mastering the art of music mixing & production.
For Opie, his name carries profound meaning—One Person Inspiring Everyone. Opie’s journey of faith & self-discovery has been shaped by both triumph & tragedy. In April 2021, Opie faced a life-altering loss when his mother disappeared & was found deceased days later. The grief was overwhelming, but on June 3, 2021, in the midst of despair, Opie experienced a powerful encounter with God. In his words, “God picked me up when I had no intention of getting back up.”
The following months were a period of healing & self-reflection as Opie navigated life without his mother, learning to see his own value & purpose. In February 2024, Opie received a clear message from God: he needed to be baptized. Though unsure of what lay ahead, he obeyed, driven by his belief that "obedience is God’s love language". That pivotal moment reinforced his commitment to living a life of purpose & faith.
Guided by principles rooted in scripture, particularly 1 Corinthians 13, Opie believes that “All I have is love, because if I don’t have love, then I don’t have anything.” This philosophy underpins both his creative pursuits & his personal mission to inspire & uplift others.
Opie’s journey reflects resilience, faith, & a deep passion for music & storytelling. He aspires not only to create meaningful art but to be a source of light & inspiration for everyone he meets.
Noah Johnson is a driven young professional dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the financial services industry. A high achiever both academically & athletically, Noah graduated high school with a 4.0 GPA & played three seasons of varsity football for what is widely regarded as his school’s best team in the past 50 years. Known as the glue that held his teammates together, Noah exemplifies leadership & commitment both on & off the field.
Beyond sports & academics, Noah has a long-standing passion for service. He has volunteered every summer, first with his church & later with his school, consistently giving back to his community in meaningful ways.
Choosing an unconventional path, Noah decided to forgo college to pursue entrepreneurship in the financial services sector. He has already earned his life insurance license & is diligently studying for his Series exams to become a Registered Representative through FINRA.
Noah is especially passionate about educating young people on the importance of financial literacy. He believes that retirement is attainable for everyone, as long as they understand & apply the rules of money. His mission is to empower the next generation to take control of their financial futures, offering them the tools & guidance to turn aspirations into reality.
The Great Giveback
Copyright © 2025 The Great Giveback - All Rights Reserved.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.