Q&A with Karen Levingston-Franklin

MS. FRANKLIN, WHAT WAS THE MOTIVATION BEHIND WYF? WHY THE CREATION OF THIS ORGANIZATION IN THE NON-PROFIT SECTOR VERSUS OTHER OPTIONS?

Perhaps this introduction to the non-profit seems organized to some. However, Franklin speaks with a level of passion that surpasses any mission statement or vision. She is the vision manifested which sits on sturdy ground rooted in passion, purpose, and her pioneering spirit.

My decision to start a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving youth was driven by my deep sense of purpose and responsibility to be a positive role model in the world. My passion has always been to understand what motivates young people to succeed in life and the hurdles that stopped them from achieving that success. Once I deeply understood those barriers, I knew that my sole purpose on this earth would be to help them move beyond those to discover their definitive voice. This meant creating a platform for them to build their self-confidence by encouraging them to take risks, try new things, and celebrate their achievements along the journey to help them “win in life against all odds.”

WHAT HAS BECOME A TYPICAL DAY FOR YOU TOWARDS THE ADVANCEMENT OF OTHERS?

I wake up each day in prayer and meditation, thinking about what more I can do to empower business and young people each day with the tools to express themselves authentically, confidently, and effectively. I work with many partners to design and deliver the necessary tools, support, and opportunities to discover and develop our young people’s unique perspectives, talents, and views.

During a 2018 clip posted on the organization’s Facebook page, the business maven can be seen engaging with a young man as he works to assess his thoughts and feelings on a matter prior to deciding to do better at something.

I personally get an opportunity to witness the power of what happens when they gain the ability to articulate their thoughts, emotions, and beliefs, so that they can advocate for themselves, communicate their needs, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

WHAT DOES CULTIVATING THE “WHOLE CHILD” – MIND, BODY, AND CHARACTER MEAN TO YOU NOW IN AGE WHERE OUR WORLD HAS SEEN SO MUCH WAR TOWARDS YOUTH AS OPPOSED TO WHEN WYF WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1990?

HOW DOES WYF CREATE MORE ENGAGEMENT FOR YOUTH TO PARTICIPATE AND GET INVOLVED DISCOVERING PATHS TO QUALITY ENRICHMENT?

I will give you a real-world example, although there are thousands, I could share with you. One of your young WYF Ambassadors, Christian Craddock. He started his journey with our foundation when he was in middle school. Fast forward to college, he still participates in our program by providing mentorship to other students. Recently, he was selected from a large pool of candidates to attend Disney University for an immersive internship. Christian also launched a startup clothing business and attributes his successes to the WYF learning and mentoring programs.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR WYF AND HOW CAN CHILDREN GET INVOLVED?

As we celebrate 33 Years of serving our communities with excellence, we will host our first-ever Back 2 School Summit at the George R. Brown Convention Center on July 23, 2023. More than 2,000 youth across Houston and the Greater Surrounding Areas will join a host of business, government, and industry leaders to learn about next-generation STEM + Health education and careers through inspiring talks that will empower them to act and lead change across their communities. The youth will also participate in a “dance-off contest” where there will be cash prizes given. So, students don’t want to miss this exciting youth conference dedicated to advancing their futures. Also, we have an exciting opportunity through our partnership with ARAMARK and are looking for FUN and ENERGETIC Volunteers for the 2023 Astros & Houston Texans season. If you are 21+, register here to find out more details. https://lnkd.in/giKiM3B5

To participate in any of this year’s celebratory events including the Back to School Summit, please visit www.worldyouthfoundation.org

“Use your voice,” she told the young man with a patient tone. Her tranquility gave a kind space for the youth to feel embraced and able to vocalize his thinking through encouragement, reinforcement and a momentary impact filled with possibility.

Recently celebrating a milestone as the company turned 33 in April, Franklin told d-mars.com how exceptionalism for kids’ development is nurtured “beyond the classroom.”

To me, cultivating the whole child means to nurture and support their holistic development, encompassing their mind, body, and character. It emphasizes a comprehensive approach to education and personal growth that goes beyond academic achievement alone. When we talk about the mind, this involves providing opportunities for intellectual growth, critical thinking, creative problem-solving.

When we talk about the body, this means focusing on promoting physical health and well-being. It involves encouraging regular exercise, healthy eating habits, and maintaining an active lifestyle. And finally, the character component of all of this encompasses the social, emotional, and ethical aspects of a child's personality. Together, this promotes positive relationships, empathy towards others, and a sense of social and community responsibility.

HOW CONFIDENT ARE YOU THAT YOU’LL BE ABLE TO RETIRE?

person, many look forward to traveling, visiting family and enjoying hobbies. Are you confident you will be able to retire with your basic expenses covered and enjoy the post-work life you’ve imagined? Check these three things.

1. DEFINE YOUR GOALS you share about your current financial life and retirement goals to determine your personal “confidence score,” which indicates your retirement readiness. In a few steps, you will have a clearer picture of your retirement based on how you are saving and investing today.

After decades spent working, the prospect of retirement can feel sudden, and some people may have difficulty envisioning what it will look like. When you picture your retirement, what do you see yourself doing? Traveling abroad and checking cities off your bucket list? Paying for your children’s or grandchildren’s weddings? Setting up a legacy fund for your loved ones?

3. SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR

By d-mars.com News Provider

More Americans are retiring earlier than previous generations. According to a survey by the Federal Reserve Bank, their odds of retiring before age 62 rose to roughly 50% in July 2021, partly due to the pandemic. For many, moving up their retirement seemed like the right choice given the state of the labor market and economy, but many were not and are still not financially prepared to retire.

According to a 2022 retirement confidence survey from the Employee Benefit Research

Institute, one in three workers are “not too” or “not at all” confident they will have enough money to live comfortably throughout their retirement. And for those surveyed who say they are confident, retiring “comfortably” only covers the basics like housing, transportation, health care, food and utilities.

Retirement can mean a lot of things, but most people envision it as a time after their working life to enjoy things they may not have had the time to do before. While this looks different from person to

If you don’t yet know what you want out of retirement, start thinking now. Without clear goals, you won’t know how much money it will take to reach them. Beyond your core living expenses, consider how you would like to spend your time during your “go-go” (the first 10 years of retirement), “slow-go” years (middle retirement), and beyond.

2. SEE WHERE YOU STAND

Now that you have defined your goals, it’s time to see how your savings, investments, retirement accounts and other assets can support your desired retirement lifestyle. An easy way to check your retirement readiness is to use an online platform like Prudential Stages for Retirement. This digital tool will take the information FINANCE