Tinashe Chaponda: Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and founder of Sosani Studios [Video]

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Tinashe Chaponda, founder of Sosani Studios, was recently named to Forbes 30 Under 30 for his work in digital marketing and influencer amplification. 

Originally from Zimbabwe, Chaponda moved to West Michigan as a child, where he was inspired by the community support and wealth-driven opportunities he observed. His upbringing and early experiences in Kalamazoo, Michigan, shaped his drive to give back.

Chaponda’s ambition was clear from an early age. While a freshman at Western Michigan University, he founded Focus Kalamazoo, a volunteer organization aimed at connecting students with local nonprofits. His efforts quickly grew from hosting 11 events in his first year to 56 events by his sophomore year, involving hundreds of volunteers and raising significant funds for community projects.

“Having the Kalamazoo Promise …