Creating Pathways to Economic Equality

Editor’s Note: This is part of a series of posts about the Opportunity Summit

By Tracy Williams, 2014 ProInspire Fellow

I had the distinct privilege of attending the 2015 Opportunity Nation Summit in Washington, DC and it was one of the most inspirational and transformative events I have ever experienced. I am incredibly passionate about bridging the opportunity divide by ensuring that education and economic opportunity are equality accessible to all. Of the many profound moments during the summit, one that struck me was when Blair Taylor, Chief Community Officer of Starbucks, declared without mincing words that the idea that poverty is necessary for the economy to thrive is a ridiculous notion. When business, non-profit, and policy work together, we can create pathways to opportunity for our most disadvantaged youth.

“Kids in my city are dying from a lack of exposure.” – Michael Nutter, Mayor of Philadelphia

All of the young people who were brave enough to share their stories echoed this sentiment. They simply did not know what opportunities existed beyond what they saw in their neighborhoods; let alone how to take the first step to get there. All of us who attended the summit heard incredible stories of triumph and perseverance. We heard from Servon Lewis, who went from not knowing to where to look for a job or who to ask for help to making more money than his entire family combined thanks to the IT training program from Per Scholas. We heard from the bright and bubbly Zandra Shelton, who despite growing up surrounded by homelessness, poverty, and addiction has gone on to be a leader in her high school and will be enrolling in college this fall. We heard from the incredible journey of Michael Long who went from juvenile detention to Truman Scholar and founder of SailFuture, a youth intervention program. Phenomenal organizations such as Year Up, Urban Alliance, Jobs for America’s Graduates and Genesys Works give youth the stepping stones to create a path to economically sustainable careers.

ProInspire Fellows Yewande Akinleye, Tracy Williams, Angela Richardson at 2015 Opportunity Summit

The summit opened with a moving speech from the Honorable Senator Cory Booker. He highlighted the importance of changing policies that make it difficult for the most vulnerable populations to change their circumstances. He called for changes in federal drug laws that punish young people for felony possession charges that make it nearly impossible for them to find meaningful employment well into adulthood. He also spoke about the Leveraging and Energizing America’s Apprenticeship Programs or LEAP Act, which would offer federal tax credits to employers for hiring apprentices, with higher incentives for apprentices under 25.

How can you become a part of the movement to expand economic mobility and close the opportunity gap in America? Here are a few small steps that lead to monumental changes!

• Be a Mentor: All of the young people who spoke at the summit said that they were able to achieve success become someone believed in them and told them it was possible. Be that person to a young person in your community.
• Partner with Job Training Programs: Are they ways that your company or organization could use interns or apprentices? Connect with local programs to find out how you can help develop critical job training skills that will help prepare a young person for a lifelong career.
• Hire Youth: If you are in a position to make hiring decisions or own your business employ youth or consider creating an apprenticeship model.
• Stay Connected: Visit OpportunityNation.org to learn about the movement and how you can be apart of it.

“All kids need is a little help, a little hope, and someone who believes in them.” – Magic Johnson

Tracy is on a mission to increase cross sector collaboration and diversify leadership in the areas of education equality and access to economic opportunity. Tracy is a fellow with ProInspire, Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) and StartingBloc. She uses her experience as a CPA in the private sector and her passion for social change as a driving force for impact. An Atlanta transplant residing in DC, Tracy enjoys a newfound love of running, class pass, culinary adventures and traveling both the world and her backyard.