Bridging Nonprofit Gaps for Transformative Change: Mackenzie Langley’s Journey with Lighthouse

Mackenzie Langley, founder of Lighthouse, spearheads a mission-driven endeavor revolutionizing the nonprofit landscape. Lighthouse serves as a collaborative social network empowering nonprofit leaders to forge strategic partnerships and leverage untapped resources, enriching impact and efficiency. Inspired by personal challenges post-accident and driven by a vision to bridge gaps in the nonprofit sector, Mackenzie reimagined connectivity, aiming to propel nonprofits toward transformative change.

The mission of Lighthouse is to eliminate the disconnect between available resources and those in need. Mackenzie’s journey, ignited by personal struggles in accessing nonprofit support, highlighted the sector’s archaic connectivity, prompting a quest for innovative change. Recognizing inefficiencies in resource allocation and organizational practices, Mackenzie envisioned Lighthouse as a technological solution, empowering nonprofits to unlock their full potential and create sustainable solutions for their communities.

Mackenzie Langley, founder of Lighthouse, shares transformative insights and visionary perspectives in this interview with FYC, offering a compelling narrative of innovation in the nonprofit sector.

What is the mission and purpose of Lighthouse?

Lighthouse is revolutionizing the nonprofit sector by building a collaborative social network that makes it easy for nonprofit leaders to develop strategic partnerships and share resources to enhance their impact and efficiency. At Lighthouse, we believe that there is no reason available resources should be left unused solely because people in need are unable to access them. By making it easy for nonprofit leaders, who already possess the skills to build sustainable solutions, with the necessary tools to address the challenges in their communities we are ensuring that public need and public good can always find each other at the intersection of opportunity.

What inspired the creation of Lighthouse, and how did the idea for this organization come about?

At 16 years old I was a passenger in a car accident that left me paralyzed. In a moment, I went from a healthy and active teenager to needing help and support in a way I could have never imagined. After my accident, I needed specific support, and finding nonprofits online was challenging.

What I would come to realize is that the nonprofit sector is stuck in the “Yellow Pages” era. It remains hard to connect online. As a result, whether you are looking for help or are eager to connect with new opportunities to give back through volunteering and donating, Google is entirely unhelpful.

My early career in the nonprofit space also taught me that organizations don’t always work as efficiently as they could be. The outdated practices for allocating resources often result in organizations not having as great an impact as they could be.

Living in the technological revolution we are in, I realized that this problem doesn’t need to persist. By revolutionizing this sector we are setting up nonprofits and the communities they serve for success against the challenges that they face.

In what ways do you see technology, particularly AI, playing a role in shaping the future of social impact and charitable initiatives, based on your experience with Lighthouse?

The nonprofit and social impact space is notably technologically delayed. There are so many opportunities to use innovative technology tools, such as AI, to increase the impact and efficiency of the sector. At Lighthouse we want to be intentional about any implementation of tech we include in our products. We want to ensure we are not simply adding tech because it is “buzzworthy”. We want it to truly add value to the community we are fostering. I am excited to share that in collaboration with FYC Labs we identified a truly valuable opportunity to add AI components to the platform that are in line with our vision and values. More on this to come!

Community engagement is crucial for platforms like Lighthouse. How do you plan to foster and grow the community around your platform in the long term?

At Lighthouse, the community is at the center of everything we do. We are intentional about building Lighthouse alongside our nonprofit partners rather than for them, fostering a community that nonprofit leaders take ownership and pride in.

We’ve implemented strategic approaches to ensure a collaborative community:

Launching by location- we hyperfocus on the unique needs of every community, building meaningful connections and opportunities for joining nonprofits.
Being reachable- nonprofits can share their experiences with us on Lighthouse and in their day-to-day work. This strengthens our understanding and community bonds.
Meetups- developing Lighthouse to encourage both on-screen and off-screen connections. In-person opportunities facilitate relationship-building, a key factor in the nonprofit space, and provide educational value.

In the long term, our intentional foundation is set to support nonprofits in fostering a thriving community as we scale. It’s not just about growth; it’s about building a sustainable and impactful collaborative environment.

Lighthouse aims to connect people with nonprofits. Can you share a success story or a memorable instance where your platform facilitated a meaningful connection between a user and a nonprofit organization?

At Lighthouse, our vision is to create a vibrant marketplace connecting nonprofits and individuals. We want to ensure that no available resources go unused. One impactful example showcases the power of collaboration within our community.

Decade2Connect, a nonprofit on Lighthouse, found themselves with 23 surplus bed frames following a transition from residential to outpatient care post-COVID. Uncertain about the next steps, they reached out for assistance. Through Lighthouse, we orchestrated the transfer of these bed frames to CASA, another nonprofit furnishing homes for those aging out of foster care.

This story vividly illustrates the tangible benefits of uniting nonprofits. Decade2Connect saved resources previously allocated to storage. Then CASA could redirect time and effort from grant applications for funding the furniture to focusing their efforts on serving their community.

This success story mirrors numerous instances on our platform, from clothing and hygiene products to baby formula and worker safety gear. It exemplifies our core belief: when nonprofits collaborate, the community does better.

What challenges has Lighthouse faced, and how have you overcome them?

At Lighthouse, navigating challenges is inherent to our journey as an early-stage startup. Our commitment to solving a crucial problem in the nonprofit space has fueled our resilience in overcoming obstacles. Passion is our driving force, propelling us to delve deep into the intricacies of the nonprofit sector. It also makes us remain open to refining our solution to better align with their evolving needs. This dedication has not only shaped our adaptive approach. It has also fortified our resolve to create meaningful impact through innovative solutions.

What’s next for Lighthouse?

To say I am so excited about what’s next for Lighthouse would be an understatement. First thing on the agenda is finishing up the build-out for Lighthouse 2.0. Then getting into the market in Denver. We are eager to fine-tune the product as needed. This way we can establish product market fit and set our sights on the second launch location. After such an incredible response from CodeLaunch and the DFW, we may very well find ourselves there next!

Right now, we’re putting the final functionality features on Lighthouse 2.0 and gearing up for its launch in Denver. After so much incredible feedback from the local nonprofits there, we are excited to get it out there and into the hands of the nonprofits. We’re confident that this product is tuned to their needs. After the buzz at CodeLaunch and the warm welcome in DFW, who knows? The next geographic stop might be closer than we think

How can people support your mission?

Even as we are gearing up to launch in Denver, we’re excited to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations everywhere, regardless of where you are. If you’re passionate about our mission and are outside Denver, join our waitlist at lhsocial.co/waitlist. Your input guides us on where to launch next and ensures we’re building something meaningful together, one community at a time.

Connect with Mackenzie and Lighthouse on LinkedIn!

Check out our nonprofit page!

Celebrate GivingTuesday with our Nonprofit Clients!

GivingTuesday is a worldwide initiative promoting the profound impact of radical generosity. Established back in 2012, the concept of the day was pretty modest- fostering goodwill and celebrating giving. At FYC Labs, we are committed to helping nonprofits thrive. Over the years, we’ve partnered with various nonprofit organizations, leaving a lasting impact on their communities. Through collaborative efforts, FYC Labs assists nonprofits in leveraging technology to maximize their outreach.

Today, we would like to ask you to embrace the movement and check out some of our nonprofit clients. Every contribution and donation will be greatly appreciated!

FYC Labs Attends Inc. 5000 Conference: A Recap

At FYC Labs, we understand that recognition in the business world is a significant achievement and we were honored to rank number 791 on the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America. This recognition is a testament to our hard work, dedication, and innovation. Last week, FYC Labs Partner and CFO Graham Peck, embarked on an inspiring 3-day journey to join other honorees at the Inc. 5000 Conference and Gala in San Antonio, Texas. This event provided us with the opportunity to meet and learn from some of the brightest minds in the business world.

The grand finale of the Inc. 5000 event was the Black Tie Gala, hosted by the multi-talented actor, author, and activist Terry Crews. This extravagant event featured live entertainment, networking opportunities, and the chance for honorees to come together, providing an ideal atmosphere for forging new partnerships and friendships.

The Inc. 5000 event also served as a fantastic networking opportunity for all attendees, allowing the exchange of ideas and experiences. In particular, we were thrilled to see FYC Labs’ partner, Doe Media, as an honoree at the event. It was a wonderful occasion to celebrate the achievements of fellow entrepreneurs and innovators, creating a sense of camaraderie and inspiration.

Key Speaker Sessions

The event featured a diverse range of speaker sessions, each offering valuable insights into various facets of entrepreneurship and business growth including:

Building the Future of Fast Growth

Michelle Cordeiro Grant, founder and CEO of Gorgie; David Regn, co-founder and CEO of Stream; Curtis Hite, chairman and CEO of Improving, shared insights into strategies for rapid business growth.

Building the Future of Transparency

Experts discussed the next-gen 2-D barcode’s impact, featuring Carrie Wilke, SVP, standards and technology at GS1 US; Michael Walters, founder and president of studio503; Psyche Terry, co-founder and CEO of UI Global Brands and Urban.

The Future of Mental and Physical Health

Deepak Chopra, founder of The Chopra Foundation, delved into the well-being of entrepreneurs, focusing on mental and physical health.

Building the Future of Marketing and Branding

Industry leaders, including Sarah Lee and Christine Chang, co-founders of Glow Recipe; Rohit Bhargava, founder of Non-Obvious Company; Andrew Benin, co-founder and CEO of Graza, discussed innovative strategies for brand success.

Your Next Move- Disruption for a Healthier Future: Improving and Expanding Nutritious Options for All Ages

Jennifer Garner, co-founder and chief brand officer of Once Upon a Farm, shared her insights on improving and expanding nutritious options for all ages, disrupting the industry for a healthier future.

In conclusion, the Inc. 5000 Conference and Gala provided valuable insights and inspiration for all attendees, reinforcing our dedication and innovation at FYC Labs. As we continue to grow and innovate, the experiences gained from this event will undoubtedly serve as a source of motivation and guidance.

We are also thrilled to announce that we were recently recognized as a leading IT Services provider by Inc. Magazine’s Power Partners list!

Small Businesses and AI: Increasing Efficiency and Addressing Misconceptions

Integrating AI-powered chatbots or virtual assistants into your small business operations is no longer just a futuristic notion- it’s a strategic move that can lead to substantial cost-saving advantages. These digital entities, often built upon the foundation of OpenAI’s LLM Chat GPT, have evolved beyond mere text-based interactions. As we delve into the possibilities of expanding these language model tech stacks, small businesses stand to gain a powerful tool capable of infusing their unique voice, context, and domain-specific knowledge. This evolution represents a pivotal moment, allowing businesses to extract and integrate their own expertise seamlessly into these chatbots, resulting in truly personalized and efficient customer support.

In this post, Founder and CEO/CTO of FYC Labs Justin Fortier talks about the potential benefits and addresses a common misconception about AI that has gained undue prominence in recent discussions.

What cost-saving advantages can small businesses potentially gain by implementing AI-powered chatbots or virtual assistants to manage customer inquiries and support?

Chatbots essentially are white-labeling and repurposing OpenAI’s LLM Chat GPT. Looking ahead, as these LLM tech stacks expand, small businesses will gain the capability to infuse their unique voice, context, and domain-specific knowledge.

We can begin extracting your domain-specific expertise and integrating it with the chatbot, and that’s when everything will change. So, this aligns with the experiment I’m conducting- merging these elements to craft exclusive, tailored chatbots that truly understand your business and your clients.

What is the most significant misconception regarding AI?

The truth is that most discussions revolve around ChatGPT, but AI has been around for decades. A considerable amount of machine learning expertise remains highly valuable – predictive analytics, comprehending trends, and making predictions. All of this remains incredibly useful, and you should still be seeking out data scientists to tackle your statistical challenges.

However, with the wide fascination of Large Language Models (LLMs) like OpenAI, we tend to overlook all of this. OpenAI is one prominent example of LLMs and ChatGPT is what most people are discussing.

But the misconception is that all AI is encapsulated within ChatGPT, which isn’t accurate. There are still numerous other developers and data scientists diligently working. I think the biggest myth is equating OpenAI with all of AI. There are countless other language models out there.

You have the freedom to explore a number of open-source models that individuals have trained. Currently, BERT stands out as the most popular one, along with object detection and style transfer models. The world of AI offers a treasure of fascinating possibilities.

What’s particularly exciting, in my opinion, is how GPT has democratized our access to these models. It kind of opened our eyes up that with pre-trained models, we don’t need to put as much effort as we once did. Previously, a significant struggle was collecting data. You’d be working with a small dataset, attempting to apply AI and machine learning. However, the limited data wouldn’t be enough for meaningful predictions.

However, with the availability of these large open-source models, the game has changed. For instance, take object detection – I can simply download that model and run it through TensorFlow to make my own predictions, without only relying on OpenAI’s version. There are also alternatives from Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. I can run these models independently. This marks a revolution for developers venturing into AI because there used to be a substantial barrier to entry.

What are the primary ethical concerns associated with AI?

When it comes to the labor aspect, for me AI isn’t so much about replacing jobs as it is about enhancing our overall productivity. This will inspire us to set higher goals. People will still play a crucial role in this journey. Either through refining AI prompts to use the technology more effectively or reviewing AI-generated output, which isn’t always completely accurate. It doesn’t encompass all tasks, it isn’t flawless, and it’s not magic.

We’ve come to realize that we must validate what AI produces, so there’s a growing need for individuals to handle this task. I’m not overly concerned about job displacement in the short term. Instead, I believe AI will make many of us more efficient. Moreover, it will be a significant learning tool to second language learners who maybe are insecure and encounter communication challenges in their roles. Being a second language speaker can trigger feelings of impostor syndrome, and AI can provide substantial support in such cases.

This is one aspect that I believe will level the playing field. It enables new minds, experiences, and talents to rise and compete effectively.

What is the most critical aspect that small businesses should be aware of regarding AI?

There are numerous methods available nowadays for spamming, spoofing, and impersonating others, and I must admit, my biggest concern lies with deep fakes. I approach messages like this with caution. Small businesses are vulnerable to these types of attacks. This issue can’t be solved just through traditional cybersecurity methods like improving passwords. It’s about training individuals to recognize social engineering attacks and establishing clear protocols within the company for responding to them. In my view, that’s the most unsettling aspect of it all.

Small businesses should approach AI with a blend of enthusiasm and caution. They should recognizing the opportunities AI presents while remaining vigilant about potential risks. By staying informed, adapting to evolving technologies, and prioritizing ethical considerations, small businesses can harness the transformative power of AI to thrive in an ever-changing landscape.

Month: November 2023