Published On: May 15, 2026

SV2 is thrilled to announce our Spring 2026 Economic Mobility & Inclusion Grantees: Fortitude Careers and MyPath!

Each organization receives an annual unrestricted grant of $30,000 for a total of $90,000, paired with SV2’s “beyond-the-dollars” support and collaborative partnership. This selection was made possible by the dedicated participation of 38 Donor Partners and our Staff. We would like to extend a special thank you to Steve Mazer and Sophie Vong-Karlage for their compassionate, conscientious, and catalytic leadership as Co-Leads of this Grant Round.

Fortitude Careers

Mission: To offer free eight-week programs designed to teach critical life skills alongside an introduction to the construction trades. The program aims to strengthen futures by combining “Life Mastery” training—including financial literacy and career services—with hands-on trades introduction and industry certifications.

“Fortitude is part of the reason I keep going. Even now, when I’m going through challenges, I always think of Fortitude!” — A.D. Summer Build Participant

Nicole founded Fortitude Careers with a commitment to reaching young people often overlooked by traditional systems – those navigating economic instability, learning challenges, trauma, or a lack of direction and support. Through persistence, community partnerships, and her unwavering belief in the potential of every participant, she has helped build pathways into trades careers that offer dignity, economic mobility, and purpose. Her leadership continues to shape Fortitude’s mission of helping young people develop confidence, resilience, and the fortitude to redefine their futures.

MyPath

Mission: To promote economic mobility and financial wellness for low-income youth by connecting them to savings and credit-building tools and pathways to economic power.

“I joined MyPath my senior year in High School because I was interested in learning about the United States’ financial system and financial tools. Since joining MyPath, I have felt more comfortable working and negotiating with financial service providers. I have also been able to expand other youths’ knowledge about financial services and even advocate for our needs at the federal level. I believe youth’s voice is power and we need to be supported every step of the way because we are the future.” — Maria E., Youth POWER Member

Margaret launched MyPath in 2007 in partnership with young people to design economic mobility models for youth from communities historically excluded from financial access. Based on the resulting financial capability innovations and impact – the country’s first college savings program, first banking and savings program for youth employment programs and first financial mentoring model for young adults – Margaret and MyPath are recipients of the James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award, the National Innovation Award from Credit Builders Alliance, and the Soaring Eagle Award from Rise Economy.

Beyond the selection of these two organizations, this Grant Round served as a profound learning experience for the SV2 community. Our Donor Partners did more than just evaluate applications; they immersed themselves in the complexities of the Bay Area’s economic landscape.

By engaging directly with the missions of Fortitude Careers and MyPath, our partners gained fresh perspectives on what it takes to build systemic equity. Upon reflecting on the journey, SV2 Donor Partners shared:

“I was able to revisit a sector I care deeply about and re-think for myself what is most important and impactful. I learned not just about some new organizations but also about the sector as a whole, and felt like we were able to build community at the same time.” — Deb Dauber, SV2 Donor Partner

“I really appreciated learning about different organizations doing valuable and important work in the Bay Area and considering the many facets of and approaches to increasing economic mobility.” — Linda Solon, SV2 Donor Partner

These reflections underscore the heart of the SV2 model: that we grow as givers even as we support those doing the work. We are deeply grateful to have learned from so many inspiring and insightful examples of economic mobility and inclusion. We look forward to continuing our journey alongside our new Grantees and the entire SV2 community!