Dustin Young | Founder

Dustin Young is a visionary, change-maker, and leader in the field of community development and wellness spaces. Dustin’s unwavering passion towards making a difference in his community is embedded through various touchpoints starting with his organization Our Own that he co-founded with fellow mentor to the community and mental health advocate, Lee Johnson.

Our Own has revolutionized the nonprofit sector and refined what wellness, mental health, and entrerpenurialism look like in BIPOC communities by identitfying pressure points and trauma the youth face and implementing solutions that foster a macro impact with a micro approach.

“Our Own is a nonprofit organization where we take a multifaceted approach to focus on the whole body and everything within our community.”

Dustin's commitment to community building was inspired by his grandfather, who taught him the importance of leaving a positive impact on the world and the power of unity. He saw firsthand the impact that one person could have on their community and the difference it could make.

A degree in Psychology and Sociology gives Dustin a unique perspective and insight into the behavioral patterns and traumas that plague inner-city youth. Through his work with various nonprofit organizations, he has gained a deep understanding of the importance of non-traditional engagement strategies that reduce stigmas related to mental, physical, and emotional health. His approach is not only effective but also charismatic, which enables him to inspire and mobilize individuals and organizations towards a common goal.

What sets Dustin and Our Own apart from other community development leaders is his ability to see beyond the current moment and envision a brighter future for the youth. His ultimate goal is to create legacies that sustain success for generations to come by providing access to resources and opportunities that facilitate growth and trajectory shifts in individuals' lives. His passion and drive for this work are infectious.

Dustin believes that creating this ecosystem with Our Own allows him to get into communities, into family's homes, into the schools, and connect directly with the youth to actually help provide solutions. Taking the individualized approach is not just efficient, it’s relatable.