About the Founder

Michael Agyin was born to West African immigrants from Ghana and raised in Compton, California. Being Deaf himself, he is a longstanding advocate for youth with disabilities.

At the age of 18, he was empowered by learning American Sign Language and meeting other Deaf students. He became determined to break the barrier that exists between hearing and Deaf worlds.

Michael was forced to reevaluate his life in 2011 when he was diagnosed with diabetes. After being in and out of the hospital, he chose to live by getting off the couch and getting some exercise.  He didn't know that his choice to run would save his life.

From a few steps, to one mile, to a half marathon, Michael has turned his life around and now regularly participates in running events.  He says running saved his life and now he wants to give this blessing to others.

He founded Bless Your Sole.  This organization collects moderately worn athletic shoes and donates them to in need men, women, and children that are deaf, hard of hearing, and/or have other disabilities.