Jonathan Atkins

Jonathan is The Acceleration Project’s Director of Community Engagement, bringing more than 15 years of experience advancing inclusive entrepreneurship, organizational culture, and stakeholder engagement across Fortune 500 companies, high-growth startups, and mission-driven nonprofits. His work centers on building thriving,

connected ecosystems that equip under-resourced small business owners with the community, confidence, and capacity to grow.

At TAP, Jonathan leads the strategy and design of the organization’s community engagement platform, shaping both digital and regional experiences that deepen client and alumni connection, amplify small business success stories, and strengthen partnerships with corporations, funders, and community organizations. He works closely with the VP of Programs and Partnerships and program leadership to develop scalable engagement models, pilot new activation strategies, and ensure that TAP’s community remains a vibrant source of support and shared learning.

Before joining TAP, Jonathan served as a global people, culture, and inclusion leader for organizations including Google, Pattern Energy Group, Teach For America, and Abercrombie & Fitch. As the Founder of Passing The Torch Consulting, he has advised more than 20 nonprofits, foundations, and corporate teams on organizational culture, DEI strategy, and community-centered leadership. His career reflects a deep commitment to economic mobility and the belief that small businesses thrive when they have access not only to resources, but to relationships.

Jonathan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Economics and is completing his Master’s in Leadership and Human Resource Development. He also maintains multiple certifications in diversity, equity, and inclusion, organizational leadership, and change management.

Outside of work, Jonathan enjoys writing about workforce equity and inclusive innovation, exploring new cities, mentoring emerging leaders, and creating community in every space he enters.

His Expertise: community engagement, ecosystem building, DEI strategy, program design, partnerships, organizational culture