PepsiCo Foundation Contributes $50K to Youth Design Center In Partnership with Doritos SOLID BLACK® Initiative.

[BROOKLYN, New York] – [February 28, 2023] - The PepsiCo Foundation, in partnership with Doritos® and their SOLID BLACK® initiative, has contributed $50,000 to the Youth Design Center. This donation is part of the Black Changemakers program, powered by Doritos, through which a selected group of Black leaders of nonprofit organizations are supported through training, coaching, and funding to help advance communities of color.

SOLID BLACK is an ongoing initiative to provide resources and a platform for Black Changemakers who use innovation and boldness to drive culture and give back to their communities. Since the Executive Director, Quardean Lewis-Allen, is one of their 2023 participants, the PepsiCo Foundation awarded the Youth Design Center $50,000 to help the organization grow and expand. Additionally, Lewis-Allen will receive high-quality leadership development training to propel YDC’s mission forward. Other participants include Alvin Irby of Barbershop Books; Adrinda Kelly of BE Nola; Antoinette Carroll of Creative Reaction Lab; Gabrielle Madison of Bonton Farms, and more. 

“Many Black community and non-profit leaders face roadblocks in gaining access to capital to start, sustain, and scale up their work. In partnership with Doritos SOLID BLACK, the Black Nonprofit Changemakers program seeks to narrow that gap and provide participants with the assets they need to survive, adapt, and thrive,” said C.D. Glin, President of the PepsiCo Foundation and Global Head of Philanthropy for PepsiCo. “We believe those lead to lasting impact with lived experiences in local communities. In addition, these Black nonprofit leaders are proximate to the issues their organizations strive to address and closest to the Black communities we’re working to support more broadly.” 

Youth Design Center is committed to working with disconnected youth to lower their barriers to entry to STEAM professions and increase their experience in the innovation economy. We are grateful for the support and investment from the PepsiCo Foundation. Our mission is crucial to promoting equity and inclusion in our communities, and we are honored to be able to make a positive impact through our work. 

"This contribution comes at a critical time, as our organization will celebrate its 10th anniversary in May," said Quardean Lewis-Allen, Founder and Executive Director of Youth Design Center. “It supports our expansion goals, allowing us to train and support more young people looking to break into the design and creative industries."

The PepsiCo Foundation has partnered with Indiana University’s Lilly School of Philanthropy and Network for Good to facilitate the funding. This program aligns with PepsiCo Foundation’s goal to provide communities worldwide with access to nutritious food, safe water, and economic opportunity to grow, prosper and thrive. In addition, the foundation will collaborate with industry peers, local and international organizations, nonprofits, and their employees around the globe. The PepsiCo Foundation is on a mission to build a more sustainable food system and equitable world through the power of community. The Youth Design Center is honored to work with such bold and purposeful partners as part of its 10th anniversary. 

Learn more about the Pepsico Foundation and Doritos SOLID BLACK® here.