Celebrating organizations and leaders that leave a lasting impact on their communities.
Nonprofit organizations are the backbone of communities around the United States. They have a deep understanding of local needs and are constantly striving to make a positive impact on the people they serve.
Since 2022, the MLS All-Star Hometown Heroes Showcase, an initiative tied to Major League Soccer’s (MLS) All-Star week, has helped bring awareness to the fundamental role these organizations play in helping communities thrive.
During 2025 MLS All-Star week in Austin, Texas, RBC Wealth Management–U.S. partnered with MLS, Black Players for Change (BPC) and local club Austin FC to spotlight four local nonprofit organizations and their leaders who exemplify innovation, resilience and service. Sponsored by RBC WM–U.S., the 2025 MLS All-Star Hometown Heroes Showcase honored changemakers in environmental sustainability and youth leadership, and who remove barriers to access soccer participation, each shaping a stronger, more inclusive Austin through mission-driven work. As part of the recognition, each organization received a $15,000 grant to support their respective missions.
Tim Marwill, a financial advisor in RBC Wealth Management’s Austin branch, represented the firm on the Hometown Heroes selection committee, alongside several representatives from MLS, BPC and other partners. “This year’s MLS All-Star Hometown Heroes embody the spirit of service, innovation and community support that RBC Wealth Management is proud to champion,” he says. “Through this initiative, we continue our commitment to helping communities thrive—on and off the field.”
Here are this year’s inspiring honorees:
This organization helps break cycles of hardship through advocacy, professional support and trauma-informed programs, which help families impacted by systemic barriers. From peer mentoring and mental wellness workshops to financial education and community aid, Tomorrow’s Promise Foundation provides tools that promote healing and long-term stability.
“This recognition is not just for me, but for the entire team at Tomorrow’s Promise Foundation who work tirelessly to uplift our youth and families, especially those impacted by systemic challenges,” says Bill Wallace, founder and executive director of the organization. “Together, we are building a stronger community, one where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
This program helps create pathways to professional success by equipping high school students with workforce readiness training and paid internships. Through job skills programming, mentorship and scholarship support, students gain critical experience and a stronger foundation for future careers.
“In a city as dynamic as Austin, we believe every student deserves access to opportunities that prepare them for lifelong success,” says LaKissa Bright, founder and president of Ladders for Leaders. “This recognition amplifies our mission and affirms that when we uplift young people, we strengthen our entire community.”
Austin Youth River Watch blends environmental education with youth development by engaging students in water quality monitoring, restoration work and outdoor adventures. With a focus on leadership and equitable access, the program offers hands-on experiences that inspire connection to nature and prepare students for careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and beyond.
“What began as a safe and supportive space for me as a high school student has grown into a lifelong connection, one that helped ignite my passion for the outdoors and the environmental field,” says Fidel Campuzano Gonzalez, co-executive director of Austin Youth River Watch. “Every day, we empower youth to connect with nature, discover their potential and build brighter futures—just as Austin Youth River Watch did for me.”
Latinitas empowers girls through culturally relevant science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) education, and reaches thousands with bilingual after-school programs, summer camps and technology bootcamps. By pairing mentorship with skill-building and leadership development, the organization helps young women see themselves as innovators and changemakers.
“Being named an MLS All-Star Hometown Hero is an incredible honor that affirms the impact of this work,” says Gabriela Kane Guardia, executive director of Latinitas. “For over 20 years, we’ve created spaces where youth in Austin can hone their STEAM skills and grow as confident leaders. It means so much to be recognized in our hometown for envisioning a future where Latinas lead with confidence.”
Along with the four nonprofits, Ismael Guzmán was also recognized as this year’s Honorary Hero, an accolade given to an individual who has not only made a positive impact on the lives of those around them but has also worked extensively to broaden soccer’s reach in their community.
Driven by a passion to serve, the longtime community leader founded East Austin Soccer Club to ensure all children—regardless of income—could access high-quality, competitive soccer. Guzmán’s hands-on commitment extends beyond the pitch, from mentoring players to personally maintaining the club’s home field. Through his vision and dedication, generations of youth have gained not just athletic opportunity, but confidence, purpose and a sense of belonging.
“Supporting initiatives like Hometown Heroes reflects what RBC stands for—lifting the communities where we live and work,” says Marwill. “It’s an honor to help recognize these incredible leaders who are creating lasting impact across Austin.”
Feature photo caption: From left to right: Gabriela Kane Guardia (Latinitas), Bill Wallace (Tomorrow’s Promise Foundation), Ismael Guzmán (East Austin Soccer Club), Fidel Campuzano Gonzalez (Austin Youth River Watch), LaKissa Bright (Ladders for Leaders).
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