The Always Giving Back Foundation inspires young Chicagoans from minority backgrounds to develop and pursue their professional goals by providing them with resources to support them on their journey. Take Journee Lockridge, for example. This AGB intern and scholar is doing big things at a young age!
A sophomore at Howard University, Journee is already a published author. Her book Stay Ready is a guide to successfully navigating the transition to college. Journee says her book offers “real and raw advice of what to expect and/or what to avoid during their first semester of college.”
Journee also has been selected to participate in the Forbes Under 30 Scholars program. This honor is given to a diverse group of outstanding college students in America. She will be among 1,000 scholars attending the Forbes Under 30 Summit, a gathering of young entrepreneurs and visionaries in early October 2019.
These accomplishments are nothing new for Journee. At Gwendolyn Brooks High School in Chicago, she served as president of the National Honor Society and also founded a mentorship organization called the Big Sister Project.
What differentiates Journee from others her age is her dedication, drive, and adaptability. We saw those qualities in her when we chose her to participate in our Summer Business Internship, then awarded her an AGB Scholarship her senior year in high school. During her summer with us, Journee learned to be a better communicator and effectively manage her time. She also developed her leadership skills and professional poise.
When she graduates from Howard, Journee looks forward to a career in the financial industry. She’d like to work with Goldman Sachs in New York City, where she would like to become an investment banker.
Eventually she would like to start her own nonprofit organization, teaching youth financial literacy, educating them on financial markets, and how to invest their own money to build their generational wealth.
Journee is a phenomenal young woman who has a vision to make an impact wherever she sets foot. We are so excited about her future. And we can’t wait to make a difference in the lives of more students like Journee.
Journee’s Journey
The Always Giving Back Foundation inspires young Chicagoans from minority backgrounds to develop and pursue their professional goals by providing them with resources to support them on their journey. Take Journee Lockridge, for example. This AGB intern and scholar is doing big things at a young age!
A sophomore at Howard University, Journee is already a published author. Her book Stay Ready is a guide to successfully navigating the transition to college. Journee says her book offers “real and raw advice of what to expect and/or what to avoid during their first semester of college.”
Journee also has been selected to participate in the Forbes Under 30 Scholars program. This honor is given to a diverse group of outstanding college students in America. She will be among 1,000 scholars attending the Forbes Under 30 Summit, a gathering of young entrepreneurs and visionaries in early October 2019.
These accomplishments are nothing new for Journee. At Gwendolyn Brooks High School in Chicago, she served as president of the National Honor Society and also founded a mentorship organization called the Big Sister Project.
What differentiates Journee from others her age is her dedication, drive, and adaptability. We saw those qualities in her when we chose her to participate in our Summer Business Internship, then awarded her an AGB Scholarship her senior year in high school. During her summer with us, Journee learned to be a better communicator and effectively manage her time. She also developed her leadership skills and professional poise.
When she graduates from Howard, Journee looks forward to a career in the financial industry. She’d like to work with Goldman Sachs in New York City, where she would like to become an investment banker.
Eventually she would like to start her own nonprofit organization, teaching youth financial literacy, educating them on financial markets, and how to invest their own money to build their generational wealth.
Journee is a phenomenal young woman who has a vision to make an impact wherever she sets foot. We are so excited about her future. And we can’t wait to make a difference in the lives of more students like Journee.
#BlackPhilanthropyMonth
We often run from obligation, expectation, responsibility, and accountability on the day to day bases. We put things off until tomorrow. We blame others. We don’t see that we can be a resource to the minority community. As the nation becomes more ethnically and racially diverse, it is more important than ever to consider it your responsibility to give back! Given the social and economic challenges the African American community still face today, this effort has never been more important.
It is an obligation to GIVE BACK to your community. It is an expectation to GIVE BACK to your community. It is your responsibility to GIVE BACK to your community. You should be held accountable to GIVE BACK to your community.
Take the Griffins for example! Dr. Denitra Griffin and Mr. John Griffin Jr. Understand the importance of giving back to the community, the BLACK community in particular. They have dedicated their lives to the education, empowerment, and employment of their community. When they see a need they find a solution to rectify the issue at hand, that includes healing one impoverished community at a time.
Without them we would not have had such a HOT summer! Our interns explored the internal business operations of AGB Investigative Services, shadowed multi-million dollar corporations, and left with the confidence they needed to be the leaders of tomorrow. Our scholars were awarded $20,000 and had an opportunity to not only hear Lauren Simmons Speak but get to know her on a personal level. The giving didn’t just stop there we have supported over 300+ families with back to school book-bags, school supplies, and so much more.
YPP was for Me!
Hi world! I am Kaya Thomas, a rising senior, and AGB Summer Business Intern. Last week on July 25, 2019, I attended the Young Professional Panel hosted by the AGB Foundation. After enjoying some appetizers, meeting some of the AGB scholars and hanging out with my fellow interns, I had the pleasure of hearing the YOUNGEST New York Stock Exchange Trader and trailblazer, Lauren Simmons.
The AGB Foundation did a wonderful job seeking out such an amazing young woman to speak to us. I had the pleasure of not only listening to Lauren Simmons speak, but also meeting her. Her story really resonated with me. She spoke about growing up as an introvert who later blossomed into a dynamic young woman. She forced herself to network more and get out of her shell. She was so real about her experiences. Though she worked on the trading floor she surprisingly had a sweet demeanor. In our short conversation about my future plans she actively listened and shared gems I am extremely grateful for.
The night overall was very well organized and enjoyable. Anyone who didn’t come out really missed out on not just free food, but getting to network with some amazing individuals. This was an experience of a lifetime!
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Have a Sun-Splashed Summer!
Nothing Feels Better Than Giving!
Summer is finally here and so are the AGB interns! Nothing feels better than giving well deserved students a chance to fulfill their dreams!
Do you recall when you applied to your first job or prepared for your first day of college? You were a little nervous right? In the minority community there is a lack of knowledge regarding finances, life after undergrad, and how to secure your first job. The unknown causes fear. We are changing that! The Always Giving Back Foundation’s programs provide young people with their first employment opportunity and funds to advance their educational endeavors. We help them get past their fear and prepare to excel in the workforce.
The culture of AGB Investigative Services is not only about giving but rejuvenating and restoring the minority community. We are the philanthropic arm of AGB, so leave the door open for AGB employees to attend our Family First workshops and provide their relatives with a internship and scholarship at the end of the school year.
20% of AGB employees voluntarily donate on a biweekly bases because they believe in our mission. Their gift will progress Chicago youth past their wildest dreams. In the words of James Baldwin we want our youth to understand, their crowns have been bought and paid for. All they have to do is put it on their heads.
We are serious when we say your dollars matter! Your biweekly, monthly, or annual devotion to our youth gives them the ability to see beyond their current circumstance. As a monthly subscriber you receive perks and special invitations. Join us in this life changing opportunity. DONATE TODAY!
Be in the Room or Make Room!
Introducing Our 2019 Summer Business Interns and Scholarship Winners
Leaders’ Lane: AGB Foundation Developing the CEOs of Tomorrow
Jordan Lewis is an entrepreneur, DJ, 2018 Always Giving Back Foundation Summer Business Intern, and now Sophomore Class President at Trinity College. While in high school, Jordan started the company “Kids Going Out” to provide his peers with safe recreational events. He has applied that passion for service on his college campus. Jordan has facilitated class council meetings to improve student life for freshmen and has developed a course of action to help them track and accomplish goals.
Haille Minor, photographer, artist, and a 2018 Always Giving Back Foundation Intern with a unique fashion sense, started an organization this year. Through Students With a Purpose (S.W.A.T), Haille’s fellow students can explore art styles and express themselves through a variety of artistic media.
Young Professional Panel is July 25
Seeing is believing—and meeting successful young professionals of color can inspire minority teenagers and young adults to achieve their full potential. That’s the idea behind the upcoming Young Professional Panel on July 25. Save the date for this free educational event presented by the Always Giving Back Foundation!
The Young Professional Panel will be an inter-generational event featuring a local minority entrepreneur with a big personality. This charismatic young professional will tell the story of how they achieved their goals in business, sharing lessons learned along the way.
Immediately following, audience members will be paired with young professionals to engage in a Reflections activity. They will have one-on-one discussions on a variety of topics related to the pursuit of entrepreneurial dreams. Attendees will gain new perspectives on life as a young adult, an emerging leader, and a successful professional.
This workshop from the Always Giving Back Foundation is part of our Family First program, which seeks to provide support for young minority professionals and entrepreneurs. Stay tuned for more details about this exciting educational opportunity!
DEADLINE EXTENSION
2019 Scholarship Application (1)
2019 Summer Business Internship App (1)