02/14/2022

What a True Leader Does Every Day

Consider adding these three things to your daily routine

When people ask me from where I come, I proudly tell them I’m from “Deep East Oakland.” I was raised in the heart of the East Oakland community where, like many other youths, my loving and nurturing family faced substantial hardships. The compounding effects of those hardships—along with the violence, substance abuse, and community blight spurred by decades of systemic oppression—took a toll on me during my adolescent years. I struggled with depression and was in critical need of hope and encouragement, in ways I didn’t yet understand.

My family’s budget often did not cover basic living expenses, and my community’s underfunded public schools offered few resources for enrichment activities. So when my mom learned about the East Oakland Youth Development Center (EOYDC), she immediately leaned on the center’s free programming and support to help me and my siblings. There I met the CEO, Regina Jackson (whom I still lovingly refer to as Ms. Regina), when I was just 11 years old. She transformed my life in powerful ways.

Ms. Regina is a purpose-driven leader who nurtured, fostered, mentored and equipped me with many of the life and leadership skills I have today. I believe her commitment to cultivating the next generation of leaders played an instrumental role in preparing me for my dream job of becoming CEO of the EOYDC.

Please select this link to read the complete article from Fast Company.