Own Your Future

In our riveting finale of the 'Giving Legacies' series, we are honored to feature Heaven Hamilton, Chair of the Year Up National Alumni Association. During our discussion, we explored the empowering impact of giving back and examined the diverse ways that the alumni community, led by Heaven, is making a difference for Year Up and its local communities. Heaven shares personal experiences that underscore the profound impact of philanthropy and mentorship, shedding light on the rich history of giving within the alumni community. As we follow her story, we learn how the legacy of Black philanthropists, both in the past and present, has inspired her to drive change in her community. Discover the vital role of the Year Up alumni community in the future of Year Up and its initiatives, and gain insights into the various dimensions of giving, regardless of one's financial situation. Heaven eloquently illustrates how alumni giving contributes to Year Up's broader mission, embodying a culture where Black philanthropy is

In this engaging episode of the "Giving Legacies" podcast series, we are delighted to present the insightful perspectives of Dr. Tyrone McKinley Freeman. As the author of "Madam C.J. Walker's Gospel of Giving," Dr. Freeman leads us on an exploratory journey that reframes the narrative around Black Philanthropy from takers to givers. Join us as we explore the rich history of giving in the African-American culture, scrutinize the discrimination and biases inherent in philanthropy, and uncover the profound significance, challenges, and opportunities surrounding Black giving. Dr. Freeman's groundbreaking work offers fresh insights into the potential of giving to foster equitable social and economic change. Thank you for joining us in celebrating Black Philanthropy Month and the remarkable stories that shape our world. Subscribe to "Own Your Future" to stay connected with more enlightening discussions. Learn more about the Black Philanthropy Alliance: https://www.yearup.org/blackopportunityalliance Follow us on so

In this episode, we have the honor of engaging in a heartfelt discussion with a remarkable father-son duo, Mr. Gerald Grant Jr. and Mr. Gerald Grant III. As co-authors of "The Power of Generational Wealth," their journey exemplifies the lasting impact of education, the strength of giving, and the significance of building a foundation for generational prosperity. Stay tuned for this inspiring conversation, where the Grants share their powerful perspective on Black philanthropy, the legacy of giving, and the potential for positive change. Thank you for joining us in celebrating Black Philanthropy Month and the remarkable stories that shape our world. Subscribe to "Own Your Future" to stay connected with more enlightening discussions. Learn more about the Black Philanthropy Alliance: https://www.yearup.org/blackopportunityalliance Follow us on social media:  Linkedin:  David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidfred/ Gerald Grant Jr.: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerald-c-grant-jr-9a30108/ Gerald Grant III: https://

As Black Philanthropy Month begins, Year Up’s Black Opportunity Alliance is proud to recognize the contributions of giving in all its forms, as we educate ourselves and spread awareness about the deep legacy and wide impact of Black philanthropy across the United States.  To start things off, we sat down with Greg Walton Year Up Board Vice Chair and Black Opportunity Alliance Ambassador, to discuss the work of the Alliance. Greg, a Boston native and IT Support Engineer at MIT, is committed to closing the Opportunity Divide through his active involvement in Year Up, a non-profit for which he became the first alumnus to join the National Board. He co-founded the Year Up National Alumni Summit, mentors numerous alumni, and holds the unique honor of being the first inductee into both the Year Up and Year Up Alumni Hall of Fame. An MIT Excellence Award recipient and a motivational speaker, Greg is unwaveringly passionate about empowering youth and advocating for community service. Learn more about the Black Phila

Join me as I chat with Ellen McClain, President of Year Up, about her transformative leadership journey and vision for bridging the Opportunity Divide. We talked about: Her life before Year Up; Leading through challenging times; Her role as President; Her passion for podcasts, etc. Discover her unique insights and be inspired by her practical yet compassionate leadership style. Get ready for an empowering conversation that will inspire and motivate you about where Year Up is heading.

The word “nurturer” certainly describes Shanique, but this Year Up Alum is so much more. While growing up in Washington D.C., Shanique confronted the challenges of coming out to her family while also navigating how to build a career beyond the retail world.  From raising her young daughter and building a strong marriage with her wife, Shanique has dedicated her career to helping young professionals navigate the often intimidating nuance of success in the IT world. ⁠

We’ve all heard it: the claim that it’s impossible to make a career out of art-making. But with gumption, confidence, and bravery, Melanie Hernandez has turned this societal expectation on its head. Follow Melanie to Miami, Florida, where she details her ventures in growing a business off of her commission-based paintings. Her canvases are as bright as her career prospects in this new episode of Own Your Future: “The Courage to Paint Rainbows”, hosted by Alisha Cox. 

If there’s one thing you should know about Michael, it’s that he cares about voices. All of them. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Michael has borne witness to inequity in the education system and job market and has dedicated his life to lifting others up. In a career that’s taken him through corporate America and across the country, Michael has made it his mission to use his voice to make a difference though service, marketing, and music. Take a trip from Philly to Seattle in this newest episode of Own Your Future, “Hope is a Creative Word”, hosted by Alisha Cox. 

Ruth has always been a fighter, but moving to Atlanta from Jamaica is an uphill battle. Which will it be: paying the bills or using her spare money for groceries and gas? Education and financial stability seem like a far-off dream, but Ruth's got aspirations for a bigger, better life. Tune in to witness Ruth's triumphs in Own Your Future's newest episode: "Keeping the Lights On", hosted by Alisha Cox. 

Greg Walton has been happily married for ten years, with enough room in his home outside Boston for his kids to grow up running free. But life has been an uphill battle for this veteran MIT employee. Greg had to wrestle through the foster care system and navigate the impacts of spending a year in prison as a young man. How did he re-direct the course of his life, and cultivate the skills necessary to become a financial success for his family? Find out in this brand-new episode of Own Your Future “Riding Out the Rollercoaster,” hosted by Alisha Cox.

On this episode we shared the story of Mckenzy valentine, from Year Up South Florida Class 2, about growing up in America as a black man with Haitian Background, the struggle for his mom to keep a roof over their heads, his Year Up story, and the movement he is leading through "Become a Threat".

The third episode of Season One, “A Million Apples in the Basket”, circles around Bronx native and University of Chicago PhD candidate Durrell Washington. The episode follows Durrell as he reflects on his academic experiences analyzing the effects of mass incarceration with black and brown people, as well as his career prospects to become a social worker: “I knew I wanted to help kids, help empower young people of color who come from those neighborhoods that I come from.” The episode tracks the challenges Durrell has faced and continues to face as a black man in moving through university and academic spaces, sharing powerful words of wisdom for young people with bright minds who, like him, want to use their talents to make the world a better place.  

Episode Two of Season One, “The Road Less Traveled”, highlights the journey of Year-Up graduate, National Influence Team Member, and Entrepreneur Jordan Urrutia, who graduated from the program with Class 15. Transplanted from Providence, to Boston, to Minneapolis—Jordan weaves his story of building a valet business from the ground up with his partnership and marriage to Oneyda Escobar, Year Up Class 10. Jordan relays how honest work and his Year Up training helped him build the confidence to face the emotionally taxing challenges that accompany running a new business while also raising a family: “I want to take my family to the top...from the skill set that I had developed with Year Up and the positions I was able to work at… I felt like “hey, I have the skills to do this on my own’”.    

Own your future. A new podcast sharing the stories of young people from challenging economic backgrounds, disadvantaged schools and neighborhoods who found their place in the corporate skyscape/landscape.

Year Up introduces, Own Your Future, a podcast that follows the extraordinary journey of underprivileged young adults entering their ideal careers. Each story is unique as each individual is different. We invite for you to sit back, place your study notes to the side and listen to a story which is relatable in thought, passion, and hard work. Year Up brings you, Own Your Future.

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