Startup Dojo

When did you first notice you wanted to get into business? For me, I always knew I would wind up in the business world, one way or another. It all clicked for me senior year of college when I was introduced to the world of entrepreneurship and startups. I always wondered if someone introduced me to the startup world earlier in life, what would have been? And that’s exactly why I’m so excited to introduce the Young Executives of Color (YEOC) program.

I’ve been involved with the YEOC since 2006, when it began with 30+ minority high school students across the Puget Sound area. I was lucky enough to be one of the first mentors (BEDC Fellows) and still contribute as a guest speaker or judge for case competitions. It’s now grown to over 110+ students, and continues to build steam. These kids take one Saturday each month to come to the UW campus and learn about business (i.e. accounting, entrepreneurship, marketing, business ethics, etc.) while bonding with mentors who were once in their shoes.  

Last Saturday, I judged their 2010 Case Competition and bumped into Yerusalem Yemane, a former student during my program who now is a full-fledged mentor. She encompasses exactly what the program is all about. She reflects back on her time in the program:

“YEOC basically connected me with the right people and positioned me in the best position possible for succeeding at UW and in the Foster School of Business. The relationships and networks I’ve established have given me numerous opportunities.”

On top of being super smart and extremely driven, after taking advantage of the program in high school — she’s now giving back.

“Being a YEOC mentor has taught me a lot, but it really gave me motivation to succeed. As a mentor, I was constantly being pushed by my students to keep doing bigger and better things. I didn’t want to let them down and I wanted to show them that if I could do it, they could do it to.”

Yerusalem has probably heard this enough from me, but it’s awesome to see how she’s blossomed to person she is today. She’s even participating in The Harvard Business School Summer Venture in Management Program this summer. I’m proud of her.

There’s a ton of great stories like Yerusalem within the YEOC and that’s why I’m such an advocate for it. So if you’re a minority high school student in the Puget Sound area, apply for this program — you won’t regret it.

• APPLY: Become a YEOC Student!

Do you participate in a similar program? Share your experiences below.