AMBITION: The Dialogue

I am the founder of AMBITION!Founded in 2010, AMBITION is a non-profit, school-based entrepreneurial program for disadvantaged youth that fosters innovation, solution-driven thinking, confidence and positive work ethic through collaborative hands-on participation, real-world business experience and powerful, consistent connections with successful business leaders, entrepreneurs and special guests.I founded the program to bring my dinner table to those who don’t have the opportunities that I did -- to bring access and opportunity so that these kids can be successful in achieving their dreams. In addition to our weekly meetings with the students, we have two ancillary programs that we are particularly focused on right now. Documenting the students, the mentors and the experiences bring immense life to the program and serve as a great resource tool for learning.CURRENT FOCUS:THE DIALOGUE: Race and Racism SeriesBringing together youth and adults from ethnically, demographically and socio-economically diverse backgrounds, THE DIALOGUE was developed to ignite fair and insightful, solution-driven conversation around socially relevant topics.THE DIALOGUE is about stripping away what we’ve been taught to think and feel in order to uncover our own feelings and our own truths. It’s about being proactive rather than reactive. It’s asking and listening to uncomfortable questions. It's a valuable lesson in understanding and self-discovery.THE DIALOGUE creates a safe and supportive space where participants ask questions, share opinions and examine ‘why’ they feel the way they do about the topic at hand. They can dissect their reactions and discern if they actually feel that way, then decide for themselves what should and should not affect them. The moderated conversations include a select group of approximately 30 youth and adults from ethnically, demographically and socio-economically diverse backgrounds. Insights are shared and in keeping with AMBITION’s solution-driven methodology once takeaways are clarified, action items are established.YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT MEA modern day, Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover. “YOU DON”T KNOW ABOUT ME” unites brave and powerful voices to inspire deep and meaningful conversation.A reminder that what you see is NOT necessarily what you get, “YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME” is an uncensored call-to-action that uses a power-not-pity, unapologetic, solution-driven approach when giving voice to our challenges, secrets and successes. It’s what happens when we shift the tone of our message and declare our path to resolution.