NA’TAE THOMPSON

WOMEN TO WATCH

Na-Tae’ Thompson

Get to know Na-Tae’ Thompson, co-founder of True Star Media alongsode DeAnna McLeary Sherman. True Star is a media company and digital agency located and Chicago and is a program ran by Chicago youths. True Star provides training and real-world work experience for urban youth that teaches them how to develop, create, and market digital content on a platform that empowers them to forge their own paths. True Star has provided over 10,000 job opportunities to Chicago youth over the past 16 years.

Tell us how you started this concept?

I have always had a love for the youth; even as a teenager, I worked for the Chicago Park District during the summers. Because of my natural relatability to young people, I imagined myself working with youth in an impactful way and what better way to live out my dream than to co-found an organization dedicated to improving youth’s lives. True Star is a stand-out organization because of its roots. While two women co-founded true Star, the organization has always been led by the youth it services. Co-founder DeAnna McLeary Sherman and I are committed to being a driving force in the lives of youth, providing them a safe space to find their voice, express themselves and gain invaluable work experience.

What hurdles, if any, did you have to go through in your career journey?

I would say that a significant hurdle that we have had to go through and experience still through this day is racism. Unfortunately, we have experienced situations where True Star passed on for an opportunity where we were equally qualified, if not more, but frequently saw our White counterparts engaged in the opportunity.

Often, the one thing that stops many women from starting their ventures is confidence. What was the defining moment that pushed you in the right direction?

the 1st session when the student’s faces were filled with pride after seeing the newsletter they produced. This defining moment came after a series of proud moments where the participants grew excited about the final product. The students showed up for programming daily. We ended the first session with the same students we started with, which was a huge success! I would advise anyone who wants to get started to start small. I believe the key to True Star’s success was understanding our capacity. I would also say to listen to the constituents you serve to ensure you meet their needs. Also, please don’t pull yourself in too many directions as it is essential to stay focused on the current project.

Where do you see your company going in the future? What are some goals that you have set for yourself or your business?

In 5 years, I see True Star as a respected national media company that serves as a go-to for youth employment and opportunities and corporations in need of valuable youth insights.

Is there anything you want readers to know about you or True Star?

I am most proud that after 16 years of servicing youth, True Star has been able to ride the wave of the ever-changing teen. Because we began with listening to the youth, we have been blessed to create something unique in Chicago, a legacy of creatives. For me, success in business means that we are fulfilling the mission daily. Additional success in business is having a work environment that does not feel like “work” but an inspiring operation that promotes creativity and free-thinking amongst the team, which simultaneously feels valued. How can readers find you on social media or online? Website: https://truestar.life/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/true. chi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/truestarlife Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ truestardotlife Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/truestardotlife