Entrepreneur to share personal story to encourage at-risk youth
HOUSTON (December 3, 2010) – HoustonWorks USA will have Kwame Jackson, CEO/Founder of Legacy Holdings, LLC, and finalist of NBC’s “The Apprentice,” host a motivational lecture for at-risk youth at the HoustonWorks USA Annex at 10 a.m., Monday, Dec. 6 at 1906 Cochran. Jackson will be addressing an audience of foster and at-risk young people that are current clients of HoustonWorks USA human services division.
Jackson will cover a variety of topics, such as leadership, surviving while thriving in corporate America and the importance of being an entrepreneur. Additionally, he will provide “no-nonsense” advice for job-seeking youth with criminal backgrounds and social barriers.
“HoustonWorks USA is proud to present to the youth of the Houston area, a true motivator who epitomizes perseverance and self-made success. Kwame Jackson delivers powerful inspiration and insight about being a true entrepreneur and how to overcome,” said Alana Thomas, HoustonWorks USA board member and account executive, The New 93 Q and Country Legends 97.1.
“HoustonWorks USA is pleased to have this opportunity for our youth to learn from a self-made individual such as Kwame Jackson. He is an example that you can still achieve your career goals, regardless of any personal challenges or setbacks,” Larry V. Green, CEO HoustonWorks USA, said.
In addition to his stint on “The Apprentice,” Jackson’s professional experience includes roles at Procter & Gamble and on Wall Street as an Investment Manager for Goldman Sachs. His entrepreneurial ventures include “Krimson by Kwame” a collection of men’s designer ties featured at select department stores including the Dillard’s at The Galleria and The Woodlands. He has also been honored as one of People magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People” and as one of 2004’s “50 Hottest Bachelors.” Currently, he is one of the nation’s most sought after guest speakers.
“For the business world of tomorrow to succeed, it is imperative to nurture these young minds to reach into their untapped potential,” Jackson said. “There are already enough people telling them – you can’t. It’s time to hear some- you can.”
Jackson will also serve as guest mentor for students in the YouthBuild Houston program, a construction training program for high school dropouts. Through YouthBuild Houston, at-risk young people, ages 18-24, work toward their GEDs and work certifications, learn job skills and serve their communities by constructing low-income housing. Participants receive hands-on training working with Houston Habitat for Humanity and perform hundreds of community service hours in minor home repairs for the elderly.
The event is free and open to the public. At-risk and low-income youth are encouraged to attend. Representatives from HoustonWorks USA will be on hand to provide information on career services and outreach programs.
About HoustonWorks USA:
Founded in 1984, HoustonWorks USA is the leading provider of services focusing on job placement, continuing education and vocational training. Serving more than 1 million annually, HoustonWorks USA provides job seekers with a variety of workshops including job search techniques, interviewing skills and resume writing, or use of the resource library with Internet access and postings of local, state and national job openings. Training is also available in career fields such as healthcare, business, computers and education. HoustonWorks USA manages several of the largest Workforce Solutions offices in Houston and the surrounding region for the Houston Galveston Area Council. These offices offer a wide range of services for job seekers as well as employers looking for trained workers. HoustonWorks also provides numerous youth programs including internships, scholarships, summits and summer camps. HoustonWorks is a 501(c) 3, tax-exempt organization. Visit www.houstonworks.org for additional information.
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