About WORTH
Our Story
Why We Were Founded
The WORTH Foundation was established in 2016 with the goal of promoting civic knowledge and democratic participation in communities as a direct response to the U.S. Presidential Election.
Our Mission & Vision
The WORTH Foundation cultivates leadership and promotes civic and community engagement to reduce poverty and injustices, strengthen democratic values, and advance human achievement. We envision a world of empathetic, informed, and confident leaders who contribute to strengthening communities!
Our Commitment & Purpose
"To create positive transformative change in our communities and ultimately the world through civic education, leadership development, and community engagement focused on developing leaders and building community."​
Our Founder: Dr. Tina Pierce
Dr. Tina Pierce is a lifelong resident of Columbus, Ohio, who prides herself on being a public servant committed to advocating for communities of all shapes, sizes, and abilities. She is a proud graduate of Columbus City Schools and holds four degrees from The Ohio State University, as well as certification from Harvard Business School. Dr. Pierce values education as a tool for societal advancement and brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and determination to everything she does, as evidenced by her career in education, service, and community activism.
Dr. Pierce has taught multiple subjects, including Political Science, Black Studies, Women and Gender Studies, and Public Affairs, at institutions such as Ohio State University, Denison University, and Columbus State. Since 2019, she has served as a valued community member on the Columbus Board of Education. In this role, she advocates strongly for children and emphasizes the importance of realizing the potential of every student, treating them as if they were her own child.
In 2011, Dr. Pierce founded WORTH (Working through Obstacles Reaching True Heights), and in 2016, she established the nonprofit arm of the organization with her son, Andrew II. Over the years, she has grown this organization into a respected educational consulting group and nonprofit that educates communities, uplifts individuals, and creates foundations for change. Currently, she serves as the Chief of Strategy and Belonging for The Ohio State University's Alumni Association. Dr. Pierce is the proud mother of four children: Andrew II, Malcolm, Catherine, and Michelle.
