Of course, this begs the question – why? “From my experience, most disadvantaged folks have no access to entrepreneurship. They’ve historically been deemed not good entrepreneurship material, and instead viewed as workers not owners. Exposing them to the thought process of being an owner is a radical message. And I saw that YBA was providing one of the best venues to communicate that message.”

Jim immediately recognized that his extensive senior leadership with corporate and non-profit organizations was the perfect match for YBA. “YBA brings together students with people actually running businesses and sharing that knowledge. Kids get to see someone who looks like them, and comes from their background and environment. They can conclude, ‘Well, if that guy can do it and can make his dreams come true, then I can do it too.’ That’s incredibly important.”

Following his year of guest speaking, Jim expanded his volunteering role with YBA and has done resume coaching, exit interviews after completing YBA programs, and mock interviews. “I’ve participated in every YBA program offered. It’s a labor of love.”

Jim often challenges students to start dreaming big and map out a plan to get there – a plan that he challenges them to make a commitment to. “A number of years ago when I spoke at a Boys & Girls Club, I talked to the group about their dreams and developing a five-year plan to achieve them. I asked if anyone would step up to take a photo with me, as a means to hold them accountable to work on their plan. Twin boys stepped up and agreed to take the challenge. When I came back four years later to speak again, the teacher told him that the twins did exactly what they said they would do. They went to community college to accrue transferable credits and then went on to university. And now they’re in the career they wanted. It was so rewarding and affirming.”

At this stage in his life, Jim wants to invest his time into programs that he believes give the highest return. “You can’t put a price on the impact you’ll have on these students’ lives, especially by volunteering with YBA programs. We have to think generationally – how can I have a positive impact on our next generation so our country can continue to be a beacon of the world.”

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“I wouldn’t be where I am today if I didn’t have mentors that saw something in me and took a chance. I’ve always felt that I should pay it forward and take a chance on teens that don’t have the best advisors in their immediate families.”

That’s why Youth Business Alliance’s mission and programs truly resonated with her, and she decided to get involved as both a guest speaker and a corporate partner.

Sho’s only request to YBA was that DSA Signage’s involvement stay in their local community of Compton. “We know our community can really use help. And we wanted our employees to take part in bettering the community in which they live.”

Sho’s first YBA guest speaking event was at Animo Compton High School, where she presented to more than 20 seniors who were considering college. “To try and connect, I asked the students if they’ve been in these sessions before – many said yes. Then I asked if they were bored and distracted. Not surprisingly, another yes. And when I asked why, they said, ‘we don’t relate to the speakers.’ When I leveraged my background – an immigrant, working in construction, and not having many advisors guiding me as to how best to move forward – I become much more relatable.”

DSA Signage then hosted Animo Compton students for an on-site field trip and plant tour. One of the key parts of the event was an interactive panel discussion with members of the DSA team, representing engineering, marketing, facilities, and supply chain management.

One of the highlights of the field trip was an exercise run by the supply chain team. “We had students divide into three groups to create an art project representing who they are and what they thought of their school. Then we offered to take their art and actually produce it and install it at their school. It’s currently in the works!”

Sho wants to continue DSA Signage’s partnership with YBA as she sees the value of providing mentorship for local students as well as a great feeling of community volunteerism for her staff. “When our team is engaged and feeling like they’re making a difference, that’s what’s most important. We all want to wake up wanting to do something good every day. That’s why we need more organizations like Youth Business Alliance that focus on areas where we can truly make a difference.”

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But even with original dreams seemingly fulfilled, Linda felt an emptiness. She felt a higher power calling her to do more and reach other people that struggled just like her. That led Linda down a path of service. “One Sunday, I attended church and heard that they were looking to hire an administrator. I felt like G-d was telling me that I should take the position, even with a significant pay cut. It was ultimately the best decision, as I felt I made huge community contributions throughout my 17 year tenure.”

Linda’s service career has culminated into her current position as a CRA Community Outreach Officer at CTBC Bank. She has a special fondness for her work with Youth Business Alliance, as CTBC Bank has a long history of working with YBA, providing financial literacy workshops and field trips to bank branches and providing students with insights in bank operations and other bank-related career choices. Linda specifically has enjoyed doing these programs with multiple YBA high school partners, including Animo Jackie Robinson Charter High School, Manual Arts High School, and John F. Kennedy High School.

One particular ‘lightbulb’ moment really stands out to Linda. “I was invited to do a three-part financial literacy workshop for one of YBA’s partner high schools. In session one, I shared FDIC information to explain how to develop a spending plan. Students were completely unresponsive and many were taking naps.”

Linda quickly realized that the way to reach high school students is through simple authenticity. “Credit cards was the topic of the second session. The first thing I did was show my actual credit card statement – with my personal information blacked out of course! – so students could see how your credit card statement is actually a reflection of you and your personal priorities. This also gave me a springboard to explain necessities vs. luxuries. This was the kind of real talk that students perked up for and really wanted to hear.”

Linda shared that by the third session, her Brooklyn accent was out, her speaking and clothing style was much more relaxed, and she became much more relatable to the students. “When I started talking about college and cars with this approach, it just worked. Students respond to genuineness and truthfulness.”

Looking ahead to 2024, a handful of students are coming to CTBC Bank’s corporate office for a work-based program – an opportunity for high school seniors to learn soft skills by shadowing staff in different bank departments. Linda sees every new program as another service opportunity. “Having a life focused on service and community is hard-wired in me. CTBC Bank’s partnership with YBA gives me plenty of opportunities to be of service and make my heart sing.”

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In January 2023, YBA’s Executive Director Betsy Blanchard went to YBA Alumni Justin Choo with an unusual yet exciting proposal. “As one of our YBA scholarship students, I had kept in touch with Justin since he graduated Rise Kohyang High School, became a student at UCLA and started working as an intern at Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’s office. I thought it would be amazing to see if Justin could coordinate a field trip for current Rise Kohyang YBA students to tour City Hall. What happened next was amazing!”

Betsy connected Justin with Rise Kohyang’s YBA instructor Sue Chae. “I was so happy to reconnect with Ms. Chae as she led my YBA class when I was in high school,” Justin shared. “And I was equally excited to try and set up a field trip for current Rise Kohyang YBA students.”

Justin quickly went to work, asking his supervisor about the possibility of a VIP tour of City Hall and surrounding landmarks for Rise Kohyang YBA students. “As City buildings were just starting to reopen post-COVID restrictions, City Hall didn’t have any tour guides on staff yet,” explained Justin. “However, my supervisor was willing to rally co-workers and heads of departments to take time out of their schedules and give a personalized tour.”

Approximately 80 Rise Kohyang seniors ventured to Downtown Los Angeles in March and first were led on an extensive tour of City Hall. “Our tour included a visit to the main Council meeting room where we discussed current legislation being passed and the responsibilities of the Mayor and Councilmen,” shared Justin. Students also visited El Pueblo de Los Angeles, the location of the first town in Los Angeles, and Grand Central Market.

“This field trip gave our YBA students a behind-the-scenes view of City Hall, which was amazing since most of them had never been to City Hall before,” shared Ms. Chae. “Our YBA students also were intrigued by the gifts on display that were sent by Los Angeles’s sister cities such as Nagoya, Japan, Guangzhou, China and Busan, South Korea.”

A YBA champion, Ms. Chae uses its curriculum and programs to the fullest. “This is our fifth year partnering with YBA for our business leadership/college prep class. Every year, we use YBA resources more and more, whether it’s a “Shark Tank”-style competition, business leader presentations, or help with mock interviews. We take advantage of everything that YBA has to offer and so when Justin came to me with the offer of a VIP field trip to City Hall, I immediately said yes!”

Betsy’s initial idea has now blossomed into an ongoing dialogue between Justin and Ms. Chae about other ways Justin can “pay it forward.” “Since last year, Ms. Chae and I have been discussing a potential field trip to UCLA for future Rise Kohyang senior classes,” shared Justin. “Ideally, I’d recruit other UCLA students like me that went to Rise Kohyang to step up, lead a campus tour, and encourage more seniors to apply. It’s just another way that I can give back to Rise Kohyang and YBA.”

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A life-long coach to kids through sports and his church, it was a natural choice for Gino Spinelli, Gino Spinelli, Executive Director at Manufacturers Bank, to jump in as a YBA volunteer more than three years ago. Here’s some insight into how Gino leverages his financial expertise and love for kids and coaching into every opportunity he has to volunteer for YBA.

When did you first connect with YBA? What programs have you supported so far?

When I was at my previous bank, I decided to extend my love for working with children and find new ways to volunteer. The bank planned to participate in 5-6 YBA events, including mock interviews, and I immediately signed up.

That has led to my continued volunteerism with YBA for more than three years. During that time, I’ve taught classes on insurance and guided students on the nuances of financial literacy, including things like how to balance a checkbook. These are things they really don’t teach anymore and kids don’t have a clue!

Now that I’m at Manufacturers Bank, I’ve continued my volunteer work with YBA as I simply love it. Nothing is better than seeing the light bulb go off in their mind. During mock interviews, I tell them that they should have the attitude that these companies would be lucky to have them and point out different ways that they can make themselves shine. These kids are really trying – and the program works as long as you talk with them and not at them.

How do you feel you’re making a difference through your volunteer work with YBA?

I was a dyslexic child and, as a result, I took the long road to achieve success. Because of my personal experience, I can appreciate the challenges that some of these kids face.

One way I feel I make a difference is that I try to make a connection with each student I meet. I believe that connection is key – if you can make a connection, you can get your message across and have an impact.

For example, I often share details about my love for cars and watches. This opens up the conversation with students through common interests. I’ve also noticed that at the start of mock interviews, students are often shy, with their head down and eyes on the floor. By the end of our time together, I’ve made a connection and then I see their head up, eyes looking at me and a firm handshake. Then I know I’ve made a difference!

How do you see your relationship with YBA developing in the coming years?

I will absolutely continue to volunteer. I’ve already signed up to do more mock interviews.  And I loved being a judge at YBA’s Summer Camp this past June. We need to teach students how to get what they want to help get them to their next step. And of course, keep it positive and uplifting!

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For the past four years, Youth Business Alliance has hosted an incredible Summer Camp – and this year was no exception. Structured “Shark Tank” style, the camp brings together 12 lucky students to work in teams to create and present business pitches for actual prizes. They’re guided through the process by talented mentors and learn first-hand through field trips.

This year’s camp started on July 17th where the 12 YBA students gathered at the USC Marshall Greif Center and met their mentors and panel of judges.

Leading the charge was Gonzalo Casillas, Business and Finance Teacher and Athletic Director at Dr. Maya Angelou Community High School. Mr. Casillas worked collaboratively with YBA to implement the camp curriculum, arrange the program logistics and lead the overall event.

“This entire program was great,” shared Casillas. “It was phenomenal working with the students to ultimately see it crescendo to a final project where everything finally clicked. It was amazing.”

Over the course of the two-week program, YBA Summer Camp students worked on their “Shark Tank” style business ideas and presentations and learned about business even more in-depth through field trips to Universal Studios, CTBC Bank and South Music (a production studio).

New Designs Charter High School Seniors Kimberly and Alanys didn’t know what to expect as they had never taken a YBA program before. “The first day was difficult because it was a new environment and new people,” shared Kimberly. “We learned about finance, assets, and how to develop and market a business as an entrepreneur. Then we paired up with someone and created a company based on a word. Our word was candy. So our business idea was to target pre-diabetic kids to be organic and be healthier.”

“One of my favorite parts was the trip to Universal Studios. We had a scavenger hunt about Universal Studios, asking us questions about their employees, how much we think they’ve historically paid them, and how much tickets and rides have cost. We learned that the first time they opened, tickets were six cents!,” shared Alanys. “The whole Camp was not high stress – until presentation day! That was nerve wracking!”

Gino Spinelli, Executive Director at Manufacturers Bank, loved his role as a Summer Camp judge and mentor and leveraged his business connections to enhance the Summer Camp even more.  “I contacted my friend Kirk Brennan, Director of Undergraduate Admission at USC, to speak to the students,” shared Spinelli. “He discussed the benefits of understanding their true worth and that any school would be lucky to have them. I felt this was another boost to their confidence.”

Alanys definitely felt that confidence boost. “I wanted to be a lawyer but now I’m considering being a business major due to this YBA program. They got me!”

“I was once told to become a teacher not for the income, but for the outcome,” shared Casillas. “I believe we can impact students’ lives through teaching, and YBA’s Summer Camp is a shining example of an innovative way to do just that.”

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Youth Business Alliance is grateful to our partner Curacao for donating all of the sales of their Hispanic Heritage Month tote bag to support YBA! Curacao chose YBA as their charity partner because we are both dedicated to supporting the next generation of Latino business owners. For $5 you can support YBA and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with an inspirational and colorful tote!

Pick up your tote bag in a Curacao store or purchase one online here and support YBA!

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Within their first six months at Royal Business Bank, CRA Reporting Analysts Isaac Pleitez and Randy Maroun quickly showed they are up to the challenge of maintaining and expanding the Bank’s long history of effecting positive change through community service.

During that window, Isaac and Randy collaborated with YBA on multiple events, including mock interviews at John F. Kennedy High School and Santee Educational Complex, as well as hosting two field trips for students from two different high schools at the Bank’s headquarters in downtown Los Angeles.

“Our first introduction to YBA was through our participation in the mock interviews,” shared Isaac. “It was so rewarding to engage with students and provide constructive feedback.”

One YBA mock interview remained prominent in Isaac’s mind – an interview where Isaac felt he truly made a difference.  “While meeting with one student and reviewing his resume, it was clear that he planned to join the Army. Through discussion I learned that his brother had joined and the student felt that he should as well. But he also mentioned his aspirations to attend culinary school. I shared with him that he should go for it if it’s something he believes in. As a result of our interview, he was going to look into becoming a chef. When doing these mock interviews for YBA, I wasn’t expecting any student to change his or her mind on what they want to do post-high school, but it was wonderful to help someone see what’s possible. “

Both Isaac and Randy have personal motivations to stay engaged with their local community and support low-to-moderate income youth through the YBA program. In Randy’s homeland of Lebanon, no programs exist to help low income families. “It’s very personal for me to help,” Randy shared. “When I moved to the U.S., I learned that the CRA role at banks is great for someone who excels at reporting numbers and excels at engaging with the community and giving back. That’s a perfect combination for me.”

Isaac was introduced to CRA role when he came to field trip at Royal Business Bank four years ago.  “I didn’t originally think about working in banking. But once finished school and tried a few different jobs, I came back to CRA and community development services as it’s well-aligned with my beliefs.”

Isaac and Randy are excited to grow the relationship between YBA and Royal Business Bank, continuing to participate in YBA mock interview events at local high schools and starting to visit as a guest speaker in high school classrooms. They also plan to continue to host headquarters field trips, allowing students to engage with employees from different bank departments and participate in “Shark Tank”-style exercises to spark creativity and collaboration between students and Royal Business Bank staff.

“Our Executive Team wholeheartedly believes in continuous support of low-to-moderate income youth and families and our partnership with Youth Business Alliance is a fantastic way for us to consistently deliver on this belief.”

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As one of YBA’s newest guest speakers, Unoma Haus Founder Vaughn Dabney has already made a long-lasting connection with YBA programs and the students it touches. Here’s some insight into how this impressive software developer, architect and van conversion entrepreneur has brought his professional and personal experiences to YBA students.

When did you first connect with YBA? What programs have you supported so far?

I first found out about YBA through my friend Lyric Everly who’s on YBA’s Community Board. She posted on Instagram about one spot open left for a guest judge on a panel at a YBA event this past summer. As I missed working with students, I contacted her immediately. It was amazing to see what the students came up with when challenged. I loved speaking to them about entrepreneurship, especially about what it means to develop a product and have a social mission embedded into your business.

After guest judging, I was hooked! I was then connected with the Boys and Girls Clubs to guest speak to them about my entrepreneurial journey and I’ve been fortunate to speak to them a few times since. I’ve learned that the best connections are made through conversations, not presentations. So that’s exactly what I did – had a conversation with the students about my business, what lessons I’ve learned and then answered their questions.  

Tell us a story about something interesting that happened during one of your YBA guest speaking opportunities.

At my very first YBA event – after judging the business competition – a mother of one of the students came up to me and said “Excuse me. My daughter loves what you’re doing with the vans. She watches it all the time on YouTube.” I was so impressed that I gave her information on my YouTube channel so she could watch me convert my delivery truck into what’s now my home. We continued chatting and she asked if I had any internships available. I just knew it was a great fit and about a month later I hired her as a paid intern. As I believe my purpose is to excite young entrepreneurs about their future, I was truly grateful to YBA for that moment.

How do you feel you’re making a difference as a YBA guest speaker?

First, I believe that YBA students can relate to me as they can see themselves in me. But then I surprise them by sharing that I’m a software developer, an architect and an entrepreneur. They’re also surprised that I’m relatable and approachable and I’m here to really serve them.

Second, I’m an open book and I love to let them ask lots of questions. I’ve been asked everything from “What’s it like to live in your delivery truck?” to “Is it claustrophobic?”. I give them a chance to talk about things that others might consider mundane but I consider important.

How do you see your relationship with YBA developing in the coming years?

I’d love to continue judging competitions and speaking to YBA high school students. I’d also love to even bring my rental van to a school and let the students see it in person. I’m sure they’d have even more questions then!

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Miguel Fletcher joined YBA as Business Development Director and Ethel Fimbres as Program Director, with Betsy Blanchard at the helm as Executive Director. The team is off and running!

Miguel joins YBA after four years as Director of Enrollment Management at Bishop Alemany High School in Mission Hills, California, part of his 11 years tenure as an administrator at Bishop Alemany, including seven years as Dean of Students.

What drew Miguel to explore and accept the position of Business Development Director for YBA? Miguel shared, “I’m excited to bring quality Career & Technical Education to Title 1 schools and underserved high school students in partnership with local corporations. Together we will bridge the gap in career education so students are exposed to a bright future.”

Ethel is a Career Technical Education (CTE) professional and educator with experience in both the public and non-profit sectors. She has held previous positions in workforce career counseling, managing CTE programs, teaching Computer Science at the middle/high school levels as well as teaching CTE Teacher Credential Candidates. 

As a first-generation Mexican-American growing up in South Los Angeles, Ethel was drawn to the Program Director position due to her passion for advocating for students from diverse cultural backgrounds, and helping ensure their academic success. “Over the last few months, I’ve enjoyed outreaching to schools and students. I’ve challenged myself to increase the number of schools participating in the YBA program, update the lesson design and make activities more engaging while integrating technology into the curriculum, and make more connections with teachers to assess their needs and provide more support.”

Both Miguel and Ethel have memorable mentorship experiences that influenced their own career path. 

“One of my most memorable mentorship experiences was in high school with my chemistry teacher Ms. Veenhof,” Miguel shared. “She was the type of teacher that made learning cool, and I used to hang out at lunchtime to watch her and her AP chemistry students. Most of those students were going on to prominent four-year colleges and I wanted to know what the secret was. She was tough, direct, and showed that if you took advantage of her mentorship it was possible to go on to one of those prominent universities. That had a tremendous impact on me.”

Ethel’s greatest mentorship came through her parents. “Growing up, my parents always encouraged me, telling me anything is possible if you put forth the effort. They made me feel empowered and not afraid to try new things. That allowed me to learn a lot of different skills that I apply to my life and work.”

Both Miguel and Ethel are extremely excited to support YBA’s mission to empower students to build essential business skills for 21st century careers.

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