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EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES THROUGH INNOVATION, EDUCATION, AND OPPORTUNITY
"Where Purpose Meets Possibility"
The Designing Hope Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals through education, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Founded by award-winning designer and philanthropist Linda Rowe Thomas, the Foundation creates access to opportunity for underserved individuals through hands-on training, mentorship, and community development programs in Cass, Bowie, Hopkins, and Dallas counties.
WHO WE SERVE
We serve:
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Youth and young adults (ages 13–29)
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Women and minority entrepreneurs
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Neurodiverse innovators
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Rural and underserved communities in Cass, Bowie, and Hopkins counties
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We focus on education, entrepreneurship, and innovation to close opportunity gaps and create long-term economic mobility
WHAT WE DO
Why What We Do Matters
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Combines education, entrepreneurship, and innovation under one model
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Designed for inclusion, access, and long-term impact
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Led by lived experience, not theory
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Focused on real outcomes: jobs, businesses, and economic growth
Our 7 Signature Programs include:
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AI READY Academy – Workforce and AI literacy
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Project ELEVATE – Entrepreneurship and business launch
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NextGen Innovators Lab – Youth coding and innovation
Our Signature Initiative
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Phoenix Rising - Supporting burn survivors through recovery, aftercare, and empowerment.
WHY DESIGNING HOPE
7 SIGNATURE PROGRAMS
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Serving Cass, Bowie, Hopkins & Dallas Counties
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500+ Individuals Impacted Annually (Projected)
A VISION ROOTED IN RESILIENCE
The "Founder’s Vision"
Designing Hope was founded on the belief that access, not ability, is what limits opportunity. Having witnessed how resilience, mentorship, and education can change the trajectory of a life, founder Linda Rowe Thomas envisioned an organization that meets people where they are and equips them to move forward with confidence and purpose. Her work has earned national recognition, including honors from President Barack Obama and the World Peace Federation, reinforcing a vision rooted in service, inclusion, and the power of opportunity to create lasting impact.
"Over the past 20 years, I’ve worked to create opportunities that drive real economic and social change. Every dream deserves the opportunity to become reality." - Linda Rowe Thomas
DESIGNING HOPE INNOVATION CENTER
"Building the Future Where Innovation Meets Purpose"
The Designing Hope Innovation Center is a first-of-its-kind community hub designed to bridge innovation, inclusion, and economic empowerment in the heart of Hopkins County, Texas.
This visionary campus will serve as a state-of-the-art learning and entrepreneurship ecosystem — connecting youth, innovators, and community leaders through education, technology, and opportunity.
PHASE ONE COMING SOON TO HOPKINS COUNTY!
