Who We Are
Do Something Cool (DSC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation that empowers youth through sport, culture, and community. We believe that sport, culture, and community can be powerful tools for change, and our mission is to use these tools to empower youth to reach their full potential.
We strive to help youth learn and develop skills that lead to social, emotional, academic, and physical well-being and hope to help young people lead lives that are good for others as well as themselves. Through our programs and initiatives, we aim to inspire young individuals to accomplish audacious endeavors that will inform and inspire us all.
Cool (adjective)
Our interpretation of Cool challenges conventional labels. It transcends a single definition; it’s an ever-changing emblem of authentic individuality and collective action.
Cool is the ambition to lead, venturing boldly into new territories. Cool is the bravery to try something new, no matter the fear. The courage to explore new paths, embracing the challenges that come with them. Cool is the willingness to embrace new experiences fearlessly and the boldness to push boundaries. Cool is the commitment to a greater cause, a community, the act of giving back, and the humble gesture of supporting someone else’s climb towards overcoming adversity.
Our Story
Do Something Cool was founded by Bryan Hawkins and his sister Sarah Kawada. Woven from their own narratives of victory, trial, and the profound influence of remarkable people who’ve crossed their paths — the life-changing encounters with individuals and communities who dared to dream and act.
This nonprofit project is their way of paying it forward, a nod to those who’ve opened doors and shown that the horizon is full of limitless possibilities.
Friends of DSC
Every ‘Friend of DSC’ carries a unique tale and are friends we’ve known for decades in many cases. These are masters of their craft and subject experts within their industry. While we hail from various corners of the world, from different backgrounds, we do share a common trait — an unwavering passion to make a difference in the lives of youth.
Chris Mater
Sport - Surfing Australia
Chris has spent his 20-year sales, media and marketing career in a fast paced, consumer-focused environment within both the USA and Australian markets. His focus has been on building brands and selling products. With his experience in planning, buying, content creation and distribution. Chris draws upon extensive marketing, sales and media experience garnered through being a key leader within the Red Bull organization, as well as his experience with Morrison Media early in his career.
Rachel Rubenstein
Art - Artist
Rachel is a mixed media painter from Los Angeles whose work explores abstraction inspired by the strength that comes from moving through pain, her masterful blend of abstraction and color techniques results in a visual symphony that resonates deeply with our emotions. Her creations are housed in several private collections throughout the USA and she exhibits in several group shows in Los Angeles and New York City.
Timothy Granaderos
Film - Actor
Timothy, an American actor known for roles in "13 Reasons Why" and "Tagged," is also an advocate for causes he believes in, using his platform to raise awareness and inspire positive change.
Ian Cumming
Film - Independent Filmmaker
Ian, a filmmaker based in LA, specializes in documentaries and advertising, with clients including America's Navy, Red Bull, and John Deere. His work has been recognized by various awards and film festivals globally.
Gülcan Yayla
Education - Patika, Co Founder & CEO
Gülcan, Co-Founder and CEO of Patika, aims to make Turkey a global technology talent hub while addressing youth unemployment. With experience at Kodluyoruz, Malala Fund, and the World Bank, she focuses on improving education systems and supporting girls' education.
Chris Kawada
Learn - Founder & CEO of Fire Sprinkler Solutions
Chris Kawada, Founder & CEO of Fire Sprinkler Solutions, started as an apprentice in the industry and is now recognized by the American Fire Sprinkler Association as a role model for industry newcomers. He's an entrepreneur and small business owner, also serving as a jujitsu brown belt, youth instructor at Kings MMA, and board member at the San Diego chapter of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
Dave Richards
Learn - Founder of Parallel AI & Ex- Tik Tok, Salesforce
Dave Richards, the Founder of Parallel AI, boasts a rich background as an ex-Principal Software Engineer at TikTok, Salesforce, and various other tech firms. Despite a brief stint at a technical college in St. Louis, where he explored an automotive mechanic trade path, Dave's ambition and dreams of living large led him to pursue a career in tech, eventually bringing him to San Francisco. Notably, he is entirely self-taught as an engineer, having bypassed formal education and coding camps.
Juan Aguilera
Sport - Jiu-Jitsu Instructor and PTSD Treatment Facilitator
Juan is a second-degree Gracie Jiu-Jitsu black belt and longtime instructor. He also leads innovative PTSD treatment for special forces veterans, using psychedelic therapy. His influential work has been featured on CBS and included in notable academic journals.
Nicholas Custer
Learn - Thriving after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) & Residential water delivery wizard
In 2013, Nick faced a grim 3 hours to live prognosis en route to the ICU. Followed by the 'experts' saying he'd never walk again shortly after. Despite these challenges, Nick's relentless spirit and determination led him to defy the odds. He exemplifies unparalleled determination in mastering new skills, especially given his journey of overcoming a traumatic brain injury (TBI). His path of rediscovery, spanning walking, talking, and living, stands as a resounding testament to the indomitable strength of resilience and embodies the essence of our non traditional learning focus area.