Every Action Counts,
It’s How We Started.
We’re a community-driven platform for young adults and professionals where giving back is part of how we live—real, social, and sustainable. By integrating service into everyday life—through events, volunteering, and mentorship—we make doing good accessible, social, and deeply rewarding.
How it started
In 2019, Nnaemeka Anene started TTM with a vision to make giving back more accessible, social, and impactful.
What began as a personal mission quickly caught on—friends he met while attending The Ohio State University joined the journey, helping to shape and scale TTM into the growing movement it is today.
From that simple idea and small group of passionate volunteers, we’ve grown into a regional—and soon, global—movement.
We work at the intersection of service, education, and growth—with three core areas of impact:
Combating Homelessness
Advancing Education
Supporting Professional Growth
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Combating Homelessness
We’re committed to providing immediate support and preserving dignity for those facing homelessness. Whether it’s serving essential meals, packing survival kits, or cleaning the streets of underserved communities, we act locally to spark lasting hope.
Partnerships with Community Organizations
We’ve partnered with organizations like Huckleberry House in Ohio to host holiday dinners that create moments of joy and connection for youth and families in crisis.
Supporting Local Food Access
In New York City, we've volunteered with 9 Million Reasons, helping stock and distribute meals through their pantry—offering critical hydration and nutrition to those most in need.
Cleaning Up Our Shared Spaces
In Columbus, we’ve joined forces with Keep Columbus Beautiful, because a cleaner neighborhood helps restore community pride—and creates safer, more welcoming spaces for those without shelter.
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Advancing Education
We’re committed to providing immediate support and preserving dignity for those facing homelessness.
Whether it’s serving essential meals, packing summer survival kits, or cleaning the streets of underserved communities, we act locally to spark lasting hope.
Preparing the Next Generation
We support students at like the ones at KIPP Columbus, by helping them prepare for college and leadership through mentorship, college-readiness events, and career exploration.
Mentorship Through Connection
We’ve created pen-pal and peer mentoring programs between The Ohio State University students and local middle schoolers—building empathy, leadership, and service into the college experience.
Empowering Youth After School
We’ve partnered with organization like the YMCA of Columbus to support after-school programs that spark curiosity, boost confidence, and reinforce community-centered learning.
Supporting Professional Growth
We believe that personal and professional development fuels collective success.
Through our workshops, mentorship programs, and leadership opportunities, we equip young professionals to grow, and give back as they rise.
Leading Through Experience
Our members take on real leadership roles in planning events, managing teams, and building projects, gaining transferable skills and confidence in the process.
Growth You Can Feel
We don’t just create space to grow, we celebrate it. Through connection, leadership, and shared mission, our members find value in every action they take.
Real-World Career Prep
We envision offering future members hands-on professional development; like resume labs, mock interviews, and industry-focused career workshops, led by TTM partners and mentors. These experiences will empower our community to build confidence and elevate their careers.
Things That Matter wouldn’t be possible without the people behind it. We’re a passionate, diverse team of doers, builders, and connectors.
Nnaemeka
Anene
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Nnaemeka grew up in Dayton, Ohio, and studied Materials Science & Engineering at The Ohio State University. He now drives operations at OTC Industrial Technologies. In 2019, a hashtag—#thingsthatmatter, became the spark for Things That Matter, which he formally launched in 2021 to make volunteerism simple, rewarding, and structured around clear impact pillars.
As a “doer of many things,” Nnaem focuses on making giving back a natural part of life—rewarding every volunteer with real growth and connection. He leads TTM with transparency and a constant eye for improvement.
“I wanted to prove that doing good can be as easy as scrolling—only way more rewarding.”
When he’s not steering TTM’s vision, Nnaem curates Nnaem & Friends events, travels the world, and dives into music and basketball.
Yonatan
Tsige
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Originally from Ethiopia and raised in Ohio, Yonatan studied neuroscience at The Ohio State University, where his passion for leadership and service took root. His career journey spans clinical research, and nonprofit impact work, evolving into his current role leading R&D technology solutions.
Today, he runs an innovative agency that builds user-centered platforms and GTM systems for growing startups. At TTM, Yon uses his background in service, design and product development to help scale the organization's mission.
"I build and design systems that help people reach their potential, whether through software or community. That's why I'm all in on TTM."
A dedicated problem-solver and lifelong learner, Yon balances an active lifestyle with his drive to explore new technologies that create positive change.
Suhaib
Abudulwahed
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Born in Iraq and raised in Dayton, Ohio, Suhaib studied neuroscience from The Ohio State University and is currently pursuing his medical degree at the Boonshoft School of Medicine. He's passionate about improving health outcomes in underserved communities and believes in taking action beyond the clinic walls.
His role with Things That Matter reflects that commitment as he helps guide operational strategy to expand TTM's impact in education, homelessness, and youth empowerment.
"TTM bridges service and purpose. As a future physician, I want to build systems that truly care for people, and this is an essential part of that work."
Outside of his studies and service, he's a devoted soccer enthusiast, music lover, and cherishes quality time with friends and family.
Jordan
Mitchell
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An engineer by trade and servant leader by calling, Jordan Mitchell is a Senior Software Engineer at GE Aerospace and a real estate investor based in Ohio. He’s built a career at the intersection of innovation and community, from mentoring youth in engineering programs to coaching robotics and leading panels on college access.
Jordan brings that same commitment to TTM, building partnerships that multiply impact and make service a lifestyle for the next generation of leaders.
“For me, this is kingdom work, building something here that lifts people up and leaves a legacy of care.”
With deep roots in service, mentorship, and tech leadership, Jordan ensures TTM’s strategy is grounded in both purpose and results.
Makalia
Smith
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An engineer by trade and servant leader by calling, Jordan Mitchell is a Senior Software Engineer at GE Aerospace and a real estate investor based in Ohio. He’s built a career at the intersection of innovation and community, from mentoring youth in engineering programs to coaching robotics and leading panels on college access.
Jordan brings that same commitment to TTM, building partnerships that multiply impact and make service a lifestyle for the next generation of leaders.
“For me, this is kingdom work, building something here that lifts people up and leaves a legacy of care.”
With deep roots in service, mentorship, and tech leadership, Jordan ensures TTM’s strategy is grounded in both purpose and results.
Teneeyah
T. Hale, MSW
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Born and raised in the inner city of Columbus, Ohio, Teneeyah is a first‑generation college graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Leadership, and Management, specializing in Nonprofit Management, and a Master of Social Work from The Ohio State University.
Her lived experience fuels her commitment to youth empowerment, equity, and helping young people navigate systems that weren’t built with them in mind. “I believe in equipping people with the full landscape — the players, obstacles, and advantages — so they can move through the world with clarity, confidence, and power."
As the Columbus Program Coordinator for the Young Scholars Program at The Ohio State University, she leads academic guidance, family engagement, and college‑readiness support for first‑generation students. She also serves as a Program Specialist with CoolGirlsTech, expanding STEM access for girl‑identifying students, and is a member of the Things That Matter volunteer committee, helping plan and execute community fundraising and donation events.
Outside of her work, she is a dedicated mother, community advocate, curriculum designer, and meaningful‑conversation enthusiast, creating and cultivating spaces where all people feel seen and supported.
Antonio
Butler
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Antonio Butler is a former student-athlete at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Ethnic Studies with a minor in Education. He later earned a master’s degree in Cultural Foundations and Leadership Administration from Kent State University.
Originally from Cleveland, Antonio relocated to Columbus four years ago and has built a career in medical device sales while remaining committed to serving his community.
As a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., service, leadership, and uplifting others have always been important to Antonio. His passion for mentorship, community engagement, and bringing people together strongly aligns with the Things That Matter Foundation’s mission.
He is proud to help the organization grow, create meaningful opportunities for young professionals to give back, and make philanthropy both impactful and engaging.
