Impact REport: Grace Ross
The Generation Distinct Pitch Room took place at untitled_ 2024, where young leaders had the opportunity to present their world-changing visions to a panel of successful entrepreneurs, much like a "Shark Tank" experience. We awarded $1,000 to three different winners, providing them with the momentum needed to kickstart their Kingdom-building projects. untitled_ is designed to remove the barriers that prevent young leaders from launching their visions into the world, which is why we introduced the Pitch Room this year. The experience fostered growth, confidence, and communication skills, equipping participants to advocate for their ideas with conviction. We are already preparing for untitled_ 2025, where we plan to fund even more projects and continue empowering young leaders to pursue their purpose and impact the world.
Meet our Impact Award Winner, Grace Ross
Creating a “Mental Health” Certification Process for Churches
Can you start by sharing the vision and purpose you presented for the Generation Distinct Pitch Room?
I presented my mission to see a suicide-free church by providing suicide prevention training to church staff and lead volunteers. This idea was born when the church came alongside me, helping me break free from living in suicidal ideation for over a year and experience God as my healer.
What is the core “why” behind your vision, and how does it align with the wrong you were born to make right?
My core “why” is that I am tired of seeing people lose their lives because of a lack of resources, support, and help in finding hope. I believe there is a significant gap in how the Church addresses and navigates the current mental health crisis, and I feel called to bridge that gap.
How did your time at Generation Distinct’s untitled_ Gathering help you refine or build your vision? Was there a specific moment, lesson, or connection from the cohort that helped prepare you for the Pitch Room?
Being at untitled_, surrounded by people who were interested in and believed in my vision, brought me clarity. I realized this vision was far bigger than I’d imagined, leading to the launch of my nonprofit foundation, Soulsafe Collective.
How did it feel to share your vision in front of a panel of leaders during the Pitch Room?
I was honestly terrified to share my vision, thinking it might be too big and that no one would support it, and fearing I wouldn't be able to handle it. But the Lord moved and overcame those fears.
When you found out that you had won the Pitch Room, what was your immediate reaction, and how did it feel to know that your vision had been validated by the panel?
I was honestly shocked, yet I had prayed for a sign if this calling was meant for me. Winning was the affirmation I needed to pursue this calling and not give up on what I feel He is calling me to.
Since winning the Pitch Room, what progress have you made in building out your vision or project?
I’ve created a dedicated workspace for the nonprofit, attended a course on founding nonprofits, launched an Instagram page, and am working on a social media content plan while designing the coursework for churches. The framework, mission, vision, and legacy statements for the nonprofit are now complete.
How has the ongoing support from the Generation Distinct community and mentors helped you navigate the challenges of building your vision?
I am grateful for the ongoing support, accountability, and connections that have helped me pursue this mission. Their commitment to my vision has empowered me not to give up.
As you continue moving forward with your vision, what are your next goals, and how do you plan to expand the impact you’re making?
My next goals are to start uploading content to increase visibility and awareness, meet with potential board members to register the nonprofit, and create high-quality coursework designed to bring freedom and impact to churches nationwide.