About MakeGood
The About MakeGood page introduces our mission, vision, and the people driving inclusive innovation through adaptive design.
MakeGood is an innovative non-profit that creates custom assistive devices. We support individuals with special needs, disabilities, and chronic conditions—empowering them through adaptive solutions.
Total Devices Delivered
1600+
Total Lives Impacted
6000+
Current Campaigns
35
Why this field?
Today, over one billion people live with disabilities. At MakeGood, we’re dedicated to rethinking design so it better addresses those needs. Traditional approaches often overlook diverse bodies and minds; as a result, the built environment can exclude far too many people.
Fortunately, we believe that design can—and must—change. While only a small group currently shapes the world around us, we strive to open the design process to everyone. Accordingly, our mission is to foster more just, inclusive, and accessible spaces.
Challenges faced by our communities, both physical and social, are not permanent. Because of this, we actively invite individuals to co-create adaptive design solutions. What’s more, we value shared experience—drawing on collective knowledge to inform every project we take on.
Discover our purpose and process in this About MakeGood introduction. Learn more about our devices or Donate we admire.
Our mission
We believe in design for all. Everyone should be able to perform daily tasks with dignity and confidence. This mission shapes everything shared on the About MakeGood page. Through digital tools, we help people explore, understand, and improve their environments.
About MakeGood has helped over 1600 families reclaim independence and joy
MakeGood collaborates with anyone facing adaptive design or manufacturing challenges. Each project follows a unique process.
We place the “need-knower” at the center of the design team, ensuring they guide the goals, scope, and outcomes from start to finish.
Our team includes makers, designers, caretakers, innovators, and passionate collaborators. We are united by a mission to expand what’s possible in adaptive technology.
By tapping into the creative potential of everyone, we deliver bold innovations and inclusive experiences.
MakeGood offers educational classes to schools, social action groups, and commercial design entities with a desire to Make Good. These classes are focused on design thinking, accessibility first, and adaptive technology making.
Our Board of Directors
Brings together visionary leaders, creative thinkers, and purpose-driven changemakers. Their collective expertise guides our mission to design a better future — one thoughtful idea at a time.
Get to know the people shaping our path forward.
Bridget Bordelon
Professor and Kabacoff Endowed Chair in Hospitality Management – UNO
Dr. Bridget Bordelon is a Professor and holds the Lester E. Kabacoff Chair in Hospitality Management at the University of New Orleans. Her research is focused on promoting inclusion, improving accommodations, and ensuring safety in the hospitality workplace. A recent publication, How the #MeToo Movement Affected Sexual Harassment in the Hospitality Industry: A U.S. Case Study, highlights her dedication to addressing these critical issues. Dr. Bordelon works closely with the hospitality industry to develop solutions that enhance the safety and well-being of both travelers and industry professionals.
She has also co-authored a chapter titled Unlocking Inclusive Travel: Spotlight on New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, and is ServSafe Allergen certified as well as a FAREcheck Instructor. Her recent peer-reviewed article, Exploring the Impacts of FDA Temporary Food Labeling Flexibility Among the Food Allergy Community During the Covid-19 Pandemic, explores the effects of food labeling changes on individuals with food allergies.
Currently, Dr. Bordelon’s research focuses on reducing travel risks for individuals with life-threatening food allergies and exploring the potential of Augmented Reality as a tool to assist travelers with disabilities.
Dawn Vest
Outreach and Resource Coordinator – Brian Injury Alliance and United Spinal of Louisiana
Dawn is the Resource and Outreach Coordinator for the Brain Injury Association of Louisiana and United Spinal Association of Louisiana (BIALA).
She has worked in the nonprofit sector since 2016. In her role, she finds satisfaction in connecting individuals to helpful resources, programs, and services. She assists in fundraising and event planning, manages BIALA’s social media sites, and creates TBI/SCI awareness by continually growing in knowledge and sharing it with others. Prior to BIALA, Dawn served in the foster care community where she worked as a nonprofit boutique manager. During her time there, she witnessed first hand how practical goods can uplift and transform a person’s life. She has genuine compassion to help others feel connected and to provide tools and resources that are useful to improve everyday living.
Dawn is active in supporting women who have been rescued out of human trafficking. She has completed Human Trafficking Awareness Training. Every week, she volunteers at Eden Centers in New Orleans.
As a Louisiana native, she knows what it means to miss New Orleans. Dawn lived out of state for many years and is now happily back in her hometown. She enjoys spending time with her family, playing pickleball, and exploring new restaurants
Dr. Esteban Gershanik
Physician Executive – LCMC Health
steban currently works as a Medicine Hospitalist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He also serves as a Physician Advisor for Clinical Documentation Integrity in the Department of Quality and Safety. Previously, he was the Medical Director of Quality, Safety, and Equity in the same department. Additionally, Esteban teaches part-time at Harvard Medical School as an Assistant Professor in Medicine. There, he serves as a course director and teaches healthcare quality, safety, and equity. He has also participated on Technical Advisory Panels for multiple healthcare equity programs. For example, he contributed to the Joint Commission’s Healthcare Equity Certification Program. Moreover, he supported the Massachusetts Health Equity Data Standards and Accountability groups. He is also an ambassador for the HIMSS Global Health Equity Network Advisory Task Force.
Currently, Esteban continues to serve as a Pediatric Hospitalist at Children’s Hospital of New Orleans. Previously, he held key roles during the COVID-19 response. He worked as Chief Medical Officer and Medical Director for Alternative Care sites and drive-thru testing. He also served as CIO and Health Informatics Director at the Louisiana Department of Health. In that role, he led efforts in opioid surveillance and Medicaid expansion policies. Additionally, he worked as Prometheus Analytics Medical Director for value-based care.
He contributed to Partners eCare as a Clinical Process Redesign Clinician. There, he helped develop HIT tools to improve safety and care quality. At present, he continues advising start-ups and working in public health initiatives.
Esteban earned his undergraduate degree from Emory University. He then completed his medical degree, Master of Public Health, and residency at Tulane University. Furthermore, he was an inaugural graduate of the Master’s in Clinical Informatics at Harvard Medical School. This program was supported by the National Library of Medicine through a Biomedical Informatics Fellowship.
Jace Dugas
Owner and CEO – Additive Innovators and Louisiana Additive Manufacturing Association
Born and raised in New Iberia near Jefferson Island, Jace Dugas began his career in manufacturing at Fredericks Machine. As Operations Manager, he worked with all departments to streamline the company’s manufacturing and quality processes. Toward the end of 2019, he decided to advance his career by starting his own business, concentrating on 3D scanning and 3D printing. In addition to owning Additive Innovators, Jace is also the Founder / CVO of the Louisiana Additive Manufacturing Association, “LAMA.”
Currently, Additive Innovators is Louisiana’s only commercial 3D scanning and printing equipment provider. It covers the Gulf Coast with its 3D printing equipment and the entire USA with its 3D Scanning equipment. While it proudly says that its largest customer is LSU, it also works with many other customers, such as Tabasco, Exxon, Shell, and Baker Hughes.
Jace’s goal for Additive Innovators is to help Louisiana businesses grow into Industry 4.0 with the proper equipment and processes and to put Louisiana back on top with the latest technological advances- while keeping and protecting our intellectual properties by making our products here in the USA with USA-made equipment.
Dr. Jeff Ebin
Founder – Ebcore.io
Dr. Ebin is an Emergency Room Physician and a distinguished innovator in the field of assistive technology. With a portfolio of creating over 150 new assistive technologies, he is dedicated to advancing the field of assistive technology and improving countless lives worldwide.
Johnathon Koski
Community Manager – New Orleans Bio Innovation Center
Johnathon is a healthcare strategist and business development expert. He is passionate about improving the way healthcare systems operate. After losing three relatives to pancreatic cancer by age 16, he found purpose in solving system inefficiencies. As a result, he committed his career to healthcare transformation. He started as a speech-language pathologist in nursing homes. Later, he transitioned into roles in marketing, operations, and strategic development. During this time, he also earned a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration.
In addition, Johnathon has managed over 100 business development professionals. He has also consulted with more than 50 hospitals nationwide. Notably, he became the top-rated director for leadership and team building. As a consultant, he achieved the highest performance rating in his organization. Currently, he helps healthcare organizations scale, streamline, and succeed in today’s complex industry environment.
Maggie Homer
Clinical Specialist Speech-Language Pathology – Rehab at Touro Infirmary
Margaret “Maggie” Homer has over 14 years of experience in speech-language pathology with an emphasis on rehabilitation post brain and spinal cord injuries. In her role as Clinical Specialist Speech Language Pathology at Touro Hospital, LCMC Health she builds programs promoting patient-centered and evidence-based practices. She is the lead clinician for the Assistive Technology (AT) Lab at Touro Hospital.
The AT Lab promotes early trials and use of assistive technology to promote return to activities of interest while patients undergo intensive rehabilitation. Maggie’s passion for early assistive technology and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interventions has led to her presenting both locally and nationally.
Maggie has her master’s degree in communication disorders from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. Also she became a board-certified specialist in swallowing and swallowing disorders in 2023. Maggie has lived in New Orleans since 2017 and grew up in Covington, Louisiana. In her down time, she enjoys running, gardening and puppy raising future service dogs for non-profit Canine Companions.
Mark Raymond
Founder and Executive Director – Split Second Foundation
Mark Raymond, Jr. is the founder and CEO of The Split Second Foundation (SSF), a nonprofit healthcare startup based in New Orleans. SSF is dedicated to promoting the wellness of individuals with disabilities by providing comprehensive care, resources, and education. The foundation offers services such as fitness programs designed to improve mobility and strength, along with mental health support through counseling and emotional services. SSF’s team guides individuals through case management, resource navigation, and advocacy, helping them feel empowered and valued.
Mark’s commitment to equity and justice began after a life-changing event.In 2016, he experienced a diving accident that left him paralyzed. As a result, he discovered the lack of resources available for people with disabilities. This realization motivated Mark to launch the Split Second Foundation. Through the foundation, he raises awareness of disability rights and challenges. In addition, he advocates for equity, funds research, and promotes practical solutions. These efforts aim to improve the lives of people with disabilities.
Moreover, Mark has a long history of community service. He has advanced initiatives that center equity and inclusion. For example, he helped rename historic streets in New Orleans. He also worked to improve accessible healthcare across the Gulf South. What’s more, Mark excels at building relationships and driving positive change. Consequently, his work has made a significant impact on many lives. Furthermore, he serves on several federal, state, and local boards. There, he continues to advocate for disability rights and representation.
Tom Ambrose
Partner – Black Bay Partners
Tom is a Partner at Black Bay Partners, where he serves on the firm’s Investment Committee and oversees Black Bay’s efforts in sourcing investments, executing transactions, monitoring active portfolio companies, and strategy. Black Bay is a growth-oriented private equity firm focused on the energy & chemical sectors. Prior to co-founding Black Bay, Tom was a Vice President at NGP ETP, where he was responsible for sourcing investments, transaction analysis and execution, and monitoring portfolio companies in the oilfield service and technology sector. Prior to joining NGP ETP in 2011, Tom served as the Senior Analyst for Halliburton Company’s in-house M&A and Corporate Development group. While at Halliburton, Tom worked on a number of strategic acquisitions and transactions across the range of Halliburton’s product and service offerings, as well as corporate strategy projects sponsored by the executive team.
Tom holds a B.S.M. in finance and economics from Tulane University, where he graduated magna cum laude and was a Distinguished Scholars recipient, along with an Energy Specialization from the Tulane Energy Institute. He is also on the board of Winston Rhea Scholars.
Yue Liu
Assistant Professor of Research – LSU AG AGGRC
Dr. Yue Liu is the Associate Director and Assistant Professor of Research at the Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center (AGGRC) at Louisiana State University Agricultural Center. His expertise spans open-source hardware development, interdisciplinary technology innovation, genetic resource management for aquatic species, grantsmanship, student mentorship, and strategic development for nonprofit organizations.
Beyond academia, Yue is passionate in advocacy and support for children with disabilities and special needs. As the father of a daughter with a developmental disability, he has worked with dozens of therapists and educators over the years, gaining firsthand experience in special education and intervention strategies. He believes that a community-driven open-source hardware movement is a vital solution to challenges in education, STEM fields, and disability services. Outside his university work, Yue is an avid tennis player, a certified yoga instructor, and an entrepreneur for multiple small businesses, including Zero Kelvin, Faundare Family Financial Strategies, and Faundare Capital.