Building It Together 

This month we are highlighting some of the social entrepreneurs who have been a part of NBA’s Social Entrepreneurship (SENT) Cohort. Today, we are pleased to feature DeJuana Golden, a member of NBA’s 2025 SENT Cohort and founder of The Healing Garden Project. The Healing Garden Project aims to build therapeutic gardens, safe spaces in under-resourced communities that create centers for respite, restoration, nourishment and healing. They provide garden design, installation, and education services that support mental wellness, expand food access, and strengthen community resilience.  

We recently connected with DeJuana to learn more about why she applied to be part of NBA’s SENT Cohort program and the experience she had participating in it.    

What inspired you to apply for the SENT Cohort?  

At the time, I was searching for a program focused on social entrepreneurship that specifically supported early-start nonprofit and faith-based organizations creating meaningful change in their communities. The NBA SENT Program stood out as one of the few opportunities that aligned with that vision. After researching previous cohort members and learning about the impact they were making, I knew it was exactly the kind of program I needed. 

Can you describe the impact the SENT Cohort had on you?  

One of the greatest gifts of the SENT Program was that it put me in community with leaders who understood the journey I was on. Being a founder and social entrepreneur can be incredibly isolating, but SENT introduced me to “my people”—passionate, mission-driven leaders navigating many of the same challenges while working tirelessly to strengthen their own communities. That sense of belonging was both energizing and sustaining. It reminded me that I wasn’t building alone. 

Beyond the relationships, SENT provided a practical framework for turning my vision into a thriving organization. The program equipped me with the tools, strategy, and accountability to move from an idea to implementation. By the time I completed the program, The Healing Garden Project had been legally established and was already launching its flagship program, transforming vision into tangible community impact. 

What was your favorite part of being involved in the program? 

My two favorite aspects of the SENT Program were the in-person gatherings and the collaborations that naturally emerged from being together. The in-person experiences gave me the opportunity to step away from the demands of daily work and connect with fellow leaders in a meaningful way. We engaged in hands-on learning, worked through challenges in real time, explored new ideas, and created space for both joy and rest. 
 
Just as valuable were the relationships that developed. I found myself having deeper conversations with cohort members and exploring ways that we could work together, which was invaluable. Those connections extended beyond the program itself and reminded me that our work is stronger when we build it together. 
 
Did anything surprising or unexpected take place during your time in the program? 

I couldn’t have imagined how many lifelong friends I would meet through the program. Throughout our year of working closely together, encouraging each other, being a support system, and confidant to one another, you develop a kinship and community that holds a deep understanding.  
 
One moment in particular stands out to me. During one of our in-person gatherings, I received the devastating news that I had lost a loved one back home. In one of the hardest moments of my life, my cohort members immediately surrounded me with compassion. They held space for my grief in ways that were both tangible and deeply personal, offering comfort, presence, and care when I needed it most. That kind of support isn’t something you find everywhere. 
 
If someone in your network was considering applying for the SENT Cohort, what advice would you give them?   
 
I would encourage them to fully immerse themselves in the experience. Take advantage of every resource, attend every session, and say yes to as many opportunities as you can, because each one becomes a building block for your growth as a leader and for the future of your organization. 
 
I would also encourage them to be open about what they need. Don’t be afraid to share with your cohort or the SENT leadership where you need additional education, tools, or support. One of the greatest strengths of the program is the people behind it. Darnell and Ashley genuinely want to help you succeed. You may be surprised by the resources, connections, and encouragement that become available simply because you asked. 

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Applications are currently being accepted for NBA’s 2027 Social Entrepreneurship Cohort. This 12-month program leads faith-rooted social entrepreneurs like DeJuana Golden through a journey of active process of formation and conversation and provides the opportunity to receive specialized coaching to help support and strengthen their social enterprise. Learn more and start the application process at https://nbacares.org/secohort.  Applications will be accepted through August 1^st.