Innovative Change Makers

08/23/2026

Today we celebrated another awesome Y.E.S Summer Program with a pool party! It was a chance for the kids to have fun, enjoy each other, and celebrate a summer full of experiences and memories.

07/29/2026

🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾

⭐THANK YOU, SHINING STAR COMMUNITY PARTNER: Each month, Tacoma Public Schools honors a community partner who makes a meaningful difference for students and families through the Shining Star Community Partner Award.

May's award went to Innovative Change Makers, led by founder Brian Gatewood Sr., for creating meaningful, accessible programming for TPS students. Through initiatives like the Innovative Cutz mobile barber safe space, youth braiding workshops, and school-based pop-ups, they provide safe and trusted environments where students can build skills and connect with positive role models. Their work intentionally integrates career exploration,
entrepreneurship, and wellness, helping young people envision and pursue brighter futures.

Thank you, Innovative Change Makers, for your commitment to Tacoma students!

06/01/2026

Another group of youth graduated from our ICM Braiding Workshop.

A few weeks ago they were learning the basics. Today they’re showing off their work with confidence.

We LOVE seeing youth discover talents they didn’t know they had.

05/24/2026

Youth grades 6-12 join us next Friday for impact night at first creek!

Music, Food, Open Gym, Hair Cutz, Mental Health resources and good vibes.

A positive space to connect to other youth and trusted adults in their communities

We will see you there! 6pm until 9:30pm

05/18/2026

Innovative Change Makers Mother’s Day Adult braiding workshop!

Facilitated by Tyeisha Cooks 🙌🏽

Braiding, Bouquet making 💐, Fellowship and Food.

05/16/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Innovative Change Makers is bringing the community together for a FREE night of fun, creativity, conversation, and healing.

Join us for our Mental Health Awareness Edition of Paint & Vibes at EastSide Community Center on Saturday, May 23rd from 6pm to 9pm. We’ll have mental health professionals sharing information about available resources, self care, and support, along with a guided decompression session. Youth voices will also take the mic to share their experiences and perspectives.

Free paint supplies! Music, games, prizes, good energy, and our NEW Live Family Feud game!

Pull up and vibe with us. 💚

05/10/2026

FOR THE MOTHERS! 💐

We’re bringing the community together for a special Mother’s Day Braiding Workshop filled with connection and good energy. Whether you already braid or want to learn something new, this is a space to vibe, create, laugh, and leave with new skills and memories.

FREE workshop!
Lunch and beverages served!

Sometimes moms spend so much time pouring into everybody else that they rarely get time poured back into them. This day is for YOU.

Spots are limited.
Register with QR code.

05/08/2026

Catch us this summer doing “Beyond The Cut” Pop up sessions for youth and young adults ✊🏽💈

05/05/2026

IMPACT 🫶🏾