Spark Story: Kim McMillian

Celebrating 20 Years of Impact

Meet Kim McMillian: a woman whose life was ravaged by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina as a youth. However, with the help of Usher’s New Look, Kim was able to overcome the tragedy and successfully pursue a career in the entertainment industry. New Look contributed to Kim’s success by cultivating her “spark,” or passion of storytelling and converting it into vocational success.

For Kim, and many others, life after Hurricane Katrina was devastating. Her home in New Orleans East was destroyed with “seven feet of flood water,” and Kim and her family were left homeless and forced to live in FEMA trailers. Nothing was salvageable. 

It was during this period, however, that Kim’s life was forever changed when she first learned about Usher’s New Look.  At the time, Kim was participating in a number of city programs in New Orleans, including the magazine  “Hip Hop Teen.” Mayor Ray Nagin contacted the magazine and told them “of this program in Atlanta” where Usher was “trying to bring some kids out there to be a part of his camp.”  Kim expressed how being “selected for something like this” gave her hope and excitement for the future especially during those difficult times.

Kim was impressed that New Look  “wasn’t just Atlanta kids” but also included kids from Detroit and Florida as well as teens from all over the country. She was so excited about this experience because in New Orleans East it was uncommon to “experience other kids” with similar interests.

Kim shared her story during UNL’s 20th Anniversary celebration in 2019.

“New Look played a tremendous role in where I am today because they taught us that you don’t just have to be one thing, that you can do multiple things.“

Kim McMillian

Kim believes that “New Look played a tremendous role” in where she is today because the organization taught her “that you don’t just have to be one thing,” rather “you can do multiple things.”

After her experiences at New Look, Kim went on to attend Loyola University where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree.  She used her sparks to forge a career in storytelling and marketing.  

Kim is currently a Sr. Multicultural Marketing Manager at THE MRKT, the multicultural marketing and communications division of Terry Hines & Associates (THA). Previously, she was an Account Executive in the Promotional Partnerships Department at Warner Brother Pictures where she identified brands to partner with theatrical releases for co-promotional marketing.  Kim was also an Associate Producer on the “My Black is Beautiful” activation which debuted at the Essence Festival. Kim also loves to sing and even performed with Kirk Franklin at the 2019 BET Awards. 

Kim is a working entrepreneur and has already enjoyed many successes in her career. New Look is honored to have played a role in her success and know that her future is sure to be even better!

~ Rachel Meiselas
Marketing & Communications Intern

Rachel Meiselas is a senior at Syosset High School in New York. In addition to working with Usher’s New Look Foundation, Rachel is a published author and works for the female football news outlet, Gridiron Queendom. She is also a contributor to the political entertainment and media company, MeidasTouch, whose objective is to encourage democracy and equality.

Spark Story: Tony Betton, Jr.

Celebrating 20 Years of Impact

Meet Tony Betton, Jr.:  a former UNL scholar who was able to beat the odds with the help and support he received from Usher’s New Look. New Look contributed to Tony’s success by helping him find and develop his “spark” in broadcast journalism, and today, Tony is an award-winning newsman and producer for ABC.

Tony’s journey was not easy. He grew up in a single parent household on the southside of Atlanta in Clayton County where he faced many personal struggles. During an interview to celebrate New Look’s 20th anniversary, Tony shared that he had to be wary of those who he associated with. He explained that if someone wasn’t in the right crowd, they could “end up fighting,” “selling drugs,” or “possibly in a can or in a box.”

Tony also shared that when he was a seventh-grader, he read on a third-grade level, and that in 2008, just two years before he graduated high school, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools ruled that Tony’s high school was “unfit for accreditation.” The loss of accreditation meant another barrier for Tony and some of the students to attend college or receive scholarships.

Tony shared his story during UNL’s 20th Anniversary celebration.

“They allowed me to find the tools within myself…that would help me to crawl my way to where I am today.“

Tony Betton, Jr.

In an effort to better his education, Tony decided to join Usher’s New Look  He explained how New Look’s academic strategy wasn’t based on giving him a map and stating “do this and you’ll be successful” nor “these are the steps that you need to take in order to get to where you need to be.”  Instead, Tony shared that New Look allowed him to “find the tools within” himself, and “crawl” his way to where he is today.

With help from New Look, Tony successfully graduated from Georgia State University, where he was a broadcast journalism major concentrating in public relations. He also minored in entertainment media management. Today, Tony is an award-winning journalist, producer/anchor, and MMJ at ABC21 (WPTA).

Tony is “forever indebted to Usher’s New Look” for helping him beat the odds. Even after graduating, Tony remains very connected to New Look. Though he may be unable to be involved on a daily basis, Tony is always open to supporting New Look in any way he can. He will forever be part of the New Look family!

~ Rachel Meiselas
Marketing & Communications Intern

Rachel Meiselas is a senior at Syosset High School in New York. In addition to working with Usher’s New Look Foundation, Rachel is a published author and works for the female football news outlet, Gridiron Queendom. She is also a contributor to the political entertainment and media company, MeidasTouch, whose objective is to encourage democracy and equality.

Spark Story: Ammon Lyle

Celebrating 20 Years of Impact

Meet Ammon Lyle: an Usher’s New Look alum passionate about giving back and building more African American content creators to help diversify his industry. 

Ammon’s story began in the northside of Milwaukee where he grew up in an area that faced racial discrimination alongside many social and economic challenges. Ammon describes Milwaukee as “sometimes a horrible place to raise a Black person” because of the city’s racial separation. Ammon’s community on the northside is home to “a lot of violence and a lot of poverty” because of the lack “of resources being poured” into the area. Ammon also describes how people in Milwaukee become “trapped in that system” of violence and poverty and “it becomes a cycle” that’s “hard to grow from.”

Despite having moved away from the city, Ammon still remains connected with Milwaukee through his family and friends who currently live in the city. And the dangers of the city continue to cause him a great deal of stress. He explains how when “a murder comes across the (television) screen” he feels troubled and has to see if he’s related to them, or if they are a friend. The passing, imprisonment, or lack of progress for some of his childhood friends also troubles Ammon because they are “good people” with “good hearts” caught in a system they can’t escape.

Ammon shared his story during UNL’s 20th Anniversary celebration.

“New Look completely changed my life and how I view the world.“

Ammon Lyle

In sharp contrast, Ammon notes how “New Look completely changed his life” and how he viewed the world. New Look supported his passions and helped Ammon navigate the complexities of racial discrimination in a positive way so he “could impact and change the world.” Ammon was able to successfully graduate from Howard University where he earned his BBA in Finance and Financial Management services. He has worked at The Walt Disney  Company, Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution, and now at Audible as the Manager of Content Acquisition and Development for Entertainment Originals.

Thanks in part to New Look, Ammon is indeed ready to change the world, starting with his profession! He describes how “there aren’t many African Americans systematically” working in his profession because they have been “held back economically.” As a result, Ammon is eager to apply his personal knowledge to “help build creators and give back in a way that will change the industry!”

~ Rachel Meiselas
Marketing & Communications Intern

Rachel Meiselas is a senior at Syosset High School in New York. In addition to working with Usher’s New Look Foundation, Rachel is a published author and works for the female football news outlet, Gridiron Queendom. She is also a contributor to the political entertainment and media company, MeidasTouch, whose objective is to encourage democracy and equality.

Spark Story: Terez Chapman

Celebrating 20 years of Impact

If you know Terez Chapman then you know how Usher’s New Look strives to help students identify and develop their spark (passion). Whether someone’s spark is reading, singing, or science, New Look prides itself on successfully cultivating their students goals, passions, and aspirations in order to send them into the real world with their best foot forward.

Terez joined New Look after her experiences in the Villages of East Lake in Atlanta, Georgia.  Daughter of an immigrant from Guyana, Terez frequently moved around as a child before settling in the violent (at the time) housing project. Though the violence of East Village has decreased by 95% since it’s peak in the mid-1900s, Terez lived in an area where crime was once 18 times higher than the national average. Terez expressed how the project was called “Little Vietnam,” though she “wasn’t sure why” at first. Evidently at one time the deaths per month in Atlanta were equal to the monthly death toll of Americans in Vietnam. Terez also shared a personal experience she had with her brother when they were approached by men and held at gunpoint while waiting for the bus.

Terez was initially hesitant when she learned about the New Look Foundation because she wasn’t sure where she fit in as “a nerdy girl, interested in turtles, and nature and trees.”  At first she assumed that New Look was an entertainment-based nonprofit organization; however, she soon realized that it’s goal was to educate students and help them find their purpose. Once joining the organization she stated how “a lot of the staff and faculty turned into a second family.” 

Terez shared her story during UNL’s 20th Anniversary celebration.

“When my interests would change their support would stay the same, but they would still provide me with different information to propel me in that way”

Terez Chapman

New Look helped cultivate Terez’s interests in nature and public speaking to provide her with the necessary resources and opportunities needed to succeed. Over time, Terez took on more responsibilities within the organization such as “editing paragraphs for the website” since she enjoyed writing and “introducing guest speakers” because she was interested in public speaking. She’s grateful that New Look helped push her towards doing more research, applying for positions, and looking into a topic more thoroughly. Terez further explained how New Look’s staff would send her links to current events to keep her more abreast of her interests, fostering her love of nature and helping her embrace it in order to make a career for herself. She noted how the great thing about New Look is how even when her interests changed “their support would stay the same, but they would still provide” her “with information to propel” her in that direction.

Terez thanks the organization for giving her “a new look on life” by providing her with the necessary training in networking and properly communicating to help her succeed.

After her time at Usher’s New Look, Terez noted that there have been times when her sparks for science, nature, and public speaking have intertwined. For example, she has seen this intermingling of her sparks during her internship at the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management when she was “able to communicate all of these difficult (science related) topics” through public speaking. Terez has also shared her sparks while serving as a program assistant at the East Lake Foundation and in a variety of other roles and internships.

Terez is currently at the University of Colorado Boulder working towards her Master’s degree in environmental engineering. Reflecting back on her time at New Look, Terez expressed how she has used her experience “working in a team setting” to help impact the world through conflict resolution and leadership skills. New Look continues to play a role in Terez’s life by acting as a reminder of affirming conversations she’s had with the organization’s staff.  Terez explained how the organization taught her that if something does “not go according to plan, it doesn’t mean that” she “doesn’t have a chance to redeem” herself.

Terez has shared her spark in many special ways, including serves as and embraces her spark of public speaking and environmental studies thanks to her New Look experience.

Terez is grateful for her New look experience and advises future students of the organization to be themselves and “try everything even if it’s something UNL doesn’t offer.” She believes that “if you have a pretty good idea of what it is you would like to see being offered or what it is you might want to take the lead on, you can always contact your coordinator or supervisor” and they will help and reinforce your leadership capabilities.

~ Rachel Meiselas
Marketing & Communications Intern

Rachel Meiselas is a senior at Syosset High School in New York. In addition to working with Usher’s New Look Foundation, Rachel is a published author and works for the female football news outlet, Gridiron Queendom. She is also a contributor to the political entertainment and media company, MeidasTouch, whose objective is to encourage democracy and equality.

The Overhead Myth

Are you a charitable person? If yes, there are a few things you should know about nonprofit overhead. What you think it financially takes to run a nonprofit is probably incorrect. If you plan to continue investing in charity, you may want to learn more about the overhead myth.

In a study by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, a survey of 1,000 donors indicated that the majority of people still believe in the overhead myth, where nonprofits who keep overhead low are the same nonprofits with higher effectiveness and larger impact outcomes.

It doesn’t make sense

This has led to an unrealistic mentality among givers. The average person really knows next to nothing about what their favorite organization is spending on overhead. In fact, most argue that it’s significantly more than what is appropriate. That mentality means would-be great organizations may be getting judged by the wrong criteria. This misjudgment is causing them to either miss out on needed funding or not expand in a way that raises their overhead ratios. Impact is not directly related to the amount of overhead in which a nonprofit utilizes.

In the nonprofit sector survey, called “Elephant In The Room: Charitable Overhead Ratios And Donor Decisions,” researchers asked charitable contributors to indicate what they thought was an appropriate level for overhead and what they thought groups might really be spending. Turns out, donors’ expectations have gotten more rigid in recent years. Overall, 60% of respondents felt organizations are overspending.

When the last survey was done in 2012, respondents indicated that 22 cents per dollar was a feasible allowance for overhead. In a recent study, they indicated that 19 cents are now expected. At that same time, disapproving donors estimated that today’s organizations are more likely to spend around 28% on these expenses.

It’s hard to assign a fixed number on what charities should be spending, but Bridgespan has found that for sustainable businesses, the back-end number is more like 34%, and often that will double for tech companies. In contrast, many foundations cap this line item in grant requests at 15%, which may be contributing to the perception problem.

Here’s the reality

Researchers asked respondents to name their favorite charity and what they thought it was spending overhead. Then, they went and pulled data on those organizations. Half of the donors named organizations that were spending above the donor-imposed limit of what was supposedly responsible. At least a quarter of respondents favored organizations spending at least twice that threshold. What people say they approve of, is not necessarily in line with what they truly support.

The perception problem is real. Nonprofits feel obligated to try and keep their overhead unrealistically low and it’s hurting the bottom line. The problem is when you have this unrealistically set number, you neglect opportunities like training staff and investing in infrastructure or systems that will help you become better at your job and better at serving your cause. It’s important that organizations don’t place all their focus on keeping the overhead number too low that they end up hurting themselves and therefore hurting their mission in the long run. Nonprofits are trying to better define what overhead looks like within their organization as they communicate with donors, but the reason for overhead spending is still misunderstood.

Start seeing overhead as an investment

Nonprofits must invest in their overhead if they want to continue to be effective. Placing dollars into infrastructure, people, systems, etc., is essential for growth. Nonprofits need boots on the ground and visibility. Without the overhead, without the talented individuals, without the correct systems in place, the mission lies dormant and remains a dream.

Stop comparing apples to oranges. Overhead does NOT equal impact.

More Than a Marketer

As we work hard to find ways to stay in control as our lives change right in front of our eyes, it’s important to remember to focus on the core of what we do. As Marketers, our roles require us to amplify the brands we love and keep them front and center in the marketplace. We leverage the tools in our marketing toolbox to accomplish this and with a bit of strategy, timing and creativity, we often hit the mark, engaging a valued audience and telling an impactful story.

But today, as we deal with both personal and professional challenges to find the balance between sensitivity and transitioning into a voice of hope, we must remember to leverage our creativity for good. We must still find ways to share what our brand is doing to fulfill its mission, while uplifting others to let them know, everything will be okay, as long as we work together. In many ways, business has become personal. 

In times like these, Marketers have an opportunity to create a “ministry” that will help people remain hopeful in better days to come. Creativity is a gift that should never be taken for granted, and we should always remember, where there are roadblocks, there are solutions. Let’s challenge ourselves to be a positive voice in a world that is changing at rapid speed. Let’s use our marketing and storytelling gifts for good because creativity reigns in times of despair.

– Kim Williams, UNL VP of Marketing

A “New Look” on Graduation

It wasn’t long ago that I remember heading to Hobby Lobby with just under $20.00 to purchase decorations for my graduation cap. Although a natural hat lover, this hat was different than any other hat I had ever worn. This hat looked different, it felt different and most importantly it was EARNED different. For many first-generation college students, the idea of finally getting to suit up and walk across what felt like the red carpet at the Grammy’s to celebrate our accomplishments and the many barriers we overcame was something we looked forward to for years! Unfortunately, millions of college students will not get this opportunity. 

The thought of this milestone being stripped away with just one cough is devastating for us all and especially our youth. However, I want to encourage you all to have a “New Look” on graduation. Your hard work and dedication will not go unnoticed. This is a time to celebrate yourselves and be proud of what you’ve done. I challenge you all to think about where you started as a first-year college student, with no idea how you were going to navigate a place so unfamiliar. Give yourselves a pat on the back for making it to the finish line. YOU DID IT!!!

My grandmother once told me, “always bring your own sunshine”, as some things are beyond our control. Go forth and prosper, we are rooting for you! Although you may not have the opportunity to walk across the stage, you are celebrated. Wear your hat with pride and dignity. Your family, friends, and followers are all so proud! Always remember, your greatness is not on you, it is in you and what’s in you can NEVER be taken away! 

-Nicole White, Moguls in Training (MIT) Program Manager 

Investing in the Educational Needs of our Youth During a Pandemic

As we are faced with this new normal, our organization went from filling our youth spaces with the chatter and energy of high school students to connecting via Zoom (a virtual communication platform) in a matter of days. Coronavirus (COVID-19) challenged our team in ways we did not expect but we were ready to stay true to our mission of transforming the lives of teens who will change the world. Despite these challenges, I’m happy to report, our students have not missed one scheduled session! This is a big achievement for us because isolating quarantine measures, our youth have been able to stay connected with their Usher’s New Look family.

As we were on a staff call discussing our plans for the upcoming weeks, I began to think about students who don’t have an Usher’s New Look. Students who were told they had completed their last day of school for what could possibly be the remainder of the school year, who will sit home isolated where learning could be on pause.

I pondered many questions related to our young people whose normal lives came to an abrupt halt. What happens when Summer Slide is preceded by the Spring Slump because of a pandemic? Would these students rebound? Would they get connected with an organization like Usher’s New Look that would continue to guide, develop and keep them on the path to success?

We all know there are a certain group of young people who will be fine and will continue to be exposed to learnings that will keep them on track, meet with tutors and other indicia of privilege. But what about those whose socio-economic level won’t allow them access to additional educational support amid this national emergency? I shudder to think what they will be met with when we emerge from this state of emergency and begin to carry on with our lives.

We must all agree to be the guardians of those who will be left behind, taking the actionable steps to give those youth an extra dose of motivation to get back into the rhythm of life and find their way back to their success plan. Usher’s New Look can help mitigate the gap that will inevitably widen, but we need your help. As we come together to fulfill the physical needs of those affected by the state of our world, do not forget organizations like ours that are investing in the educational needs of our future leaders. You can support us by donating or virtual volunteering so that we can continue in our mission of serving our young people. This work does not stop, even in times like these.

Remember, isolation does not mean we lose touch with humanity. Check on the young people in your life. Send them an inspiring YouTube video or a free virtual self-development course. Offer to help review their resume or conduct a mock interview over the phone or FaceTime. There are many ways to engage safely, just find one that suits you so that when we get back to business as usual, our most vulnerable youth won’t be left behind.

Let’s remember that developing our leaders of tomorrow takes a holistic approach. We must invest in their intellectual and emotional needs as well as their physical needs in order to ensure their futures are bright!

Financial Literacy Month

This month we are focusing on Financial Literacy at UNL. UNL provides financial literacy training to our students through online courses, partner school engagement, and Spark Center events across the country. Our Director of Financial Literacy, Jessica Washington, is rewriting the narrative and working to eliminate generational poverty. Our programs introduce students to budgeting fundamentals, early investment strategies, building credit worthiness, and creating a habit of savings.

Through partnerships such as with the SunTrust Foundation, Usher’s New Look has been able to provide financial literacy empowerment to more than 5000 students nationwide. We have been able to build out an incredible program that goes beyond the classroom and gives our students real-life exposure to consumer banking, credit protection, entrepreneurial opportunities, investment strategies, and post-secondary education options. We are delivering the tools that are necessary for our students to take responsibility for their financial futures. Thank you SunTrust Foundation!

1. “Do not save what is left after spending; instead spend what is left after saving.” – Warren Buffet

2. SAVE

3. BUDGET – Use percentages (%) rather than dollar ($) amount. Budget every dollar earned

4. INCREASE – Monetize your talents. Create opportunities.

5. INSURE – Protect Investments. Maintain Standard of Living.

6. INVEST – Invest in yourself. Max 401k, IRA, Mutual Funds. Own Shares before pairs.

7. MONITOR – Check accuracy often. Use credit wisely. Maintain 700+.

8. PRACTICE BUDGETING – It’s never too early to practice budgeting for life. If you are comfortable budgeting $50 now, you will be more successful budgeting your $50,000 salary as an adult.

9. KNOW YOUR SPENDING HABITS -Track your spending for 30 days to see where your money is going. Then cut spending on anything that doesn’t promote your financial goals.

10. CREATE S.M.A.R.T. FINANCIAL GOALS – Start small with short term goals (30-60 days). Strategic | Measurable | Achievable | Realistic | Timely

11. PRACTICE HEALTH CREDIT WORTHY HABITS – Do as you say. Don’t borrow money that you cannot repay. Practice saving for goals rather than borrowing money from others.

12. GET TO KNOW YOUR BANK – Get to know your bank and learn about saving strategies they offer: CDs, etc.

13. AUTOMATE YOUR SAVINGS – Automate your savings every month. Set up automatic transfers on your pay dates. Enroll in your bank’s round-up program so that every time you swipe your debit card, a portion is sent to your savings account.

14. SEPARATE YOUR SAVINGS –

15. PRACTICE DISCIPLINE WITH YOUR FINANCES -Before you spend your hard earned $$$, ask yourself, “Will this purchase help me meet my goals?” If the answer is “no”, put down the item and walk away.

16. TRACK YOUR SPENDING – For the next 30 days, write down every single purchase you make. At the end of the 30 days, identify items that are necessary and those that can be cut or cut down on.

17. START TODAY – Identify one step you can take toward strengthening your financial future. Start saving. Start paying debts. Start budgeting. Start keeping track of your spending.

18. INVEST IN YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE -What is it going to take to get the next level? The best investment is in YOURSELF. Get educated, search for better employment, seek opportunities to grow and get ready for the next level of YOU.

19. CRUSH COLLEGE DEBT

20. OWN YOUR FUTURE – Regardless of your current economic status, you can own your future. Make the right decisions. Strengthen your credit. Eliminate all debts. Start Saving. Create S.M.A.R.T. goals. Learn about personal finance. It’s your money. OWN IT!

On the Town with NYC

Usher’s New Look New York has been on tons of adventures the past month, even traveling to DC. Through our programs, youth get opportunities for practical, cultural and historical experiences. Here are just a few events they have enjoyed over the past month.

 

“Follow the Money Tour”

Our 10th and 11th grade youth went Washington, DC for our “Follow the Money Tour”.  We visited the Bureau for Printing and Engraving to learn how money is made and the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau to learn how to protect our money.  We also took in some of the sights of Washington, DC including, the African American Museum, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Lincoln Memorial.  AND, we took a tour of Howard University’s campus!

Then, we heard from the Furlough Sisters – Nikki Howard and Jaqi Wright – two African American sisters who used their sparks to create a business during the government shut down (both of them work for government agencies).  Their “Furlough Cheesecake” is more successful than they could have imagined and they’ve been interviewed on ABC and CNN to name a few.  They also got a boost to their business financing from Ellen DeGeneres who surprised them on her talk show.  They shared their story with us and spoke about using your spark and creating opportunity to follow your passion and create a business.  They also talked about overcoming adversity by having a plan, executing on that plan and the importance of dreaming big!  Click on the link below to check out pictures from our trip.

HIGHLIGHTS: Consumer Finance Protection Bureau, Bureau for Printing and Engraving, The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, African American Museum, Howard University Tour, Lincoln Memorial, Dinner with the Furlough Sisters – creators of the Furlough Cheesecake

 

Career Spark Day at WeWork Montague

On February 13th we hosted our Career Spark Day at WeWork Montague where executives and entrepreneurs shared their experience, their unique journeys, the importance of nurturing relationships, self-care and overcoming obstacles and finding the path that’s right for you.

GUEST SPEAKERS: Jemaine Buchannan, Project Manager and Founder, Everyday People; Taren Guy, Lucid Living on YouTube; Michael McConnell, Founder, Mastermind Connect; Syreta Oglesby, SJO PR & Consultancy; Kristen Rich,Manager, Sports Brand Partnerships, FOX Sports; Qimmah Saafir, Hannah Magazine; Janelle  Stiell, Marketing Solutions Strategist and Consultant, Nickelodeon

 

King Kong on Broadway!

UNL students, friends and family were given the opportunity to experience Broadway, free of charge. Exposure to the visual arts is fundamental to the development of individual potential, social responsibility, and cultural awareness. Opportunities like these contribute to the intellectual, aesthetic, emotional, social, and physical development of UNL youth.

 

Upcoming Events

3/8 STEM Nights: Women in STEM Nights at the Hall of Science

3/9 Sista-2-Sista Youth Summit

3/14 & 3/21 – Leadership Academy at Bedford Academy High School

3/28 Brooklyn Museum Trip: In honor of Women’s History Month, we’ll be going to the Brooklyn Museum to check out their current exhibit of Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo along with other artists of color.