Inner-City Youth Learn Biz Skills at PVJOBS Future Entrepreneurs Event

About 400 LAUSD students from inner-city schools learned what it takes to become successful in business during the PVJOBS Future Entrepreneurs Conference held in December at West Los Angeles College. PVJOBS organized the youth conference to provide entrepreneurial guidance to local inner-city students, many of whom are foster youth. 

PVJOBS created the youth conference to equip inner-city students with the business know-how that they’ll need to one day start their own businesses. “While most high school students are guided to take the college track, many youth choose not to attend college because they feel led to pursue a unique, yet fulfilling path,” said Mary Taylor, Executive Director of PVJOBS. “Our youth conference is more than teaching about important business skills. It’s about empowering young people by letting them know that they have what it takes to start their own successful businesses.”

During the conference, the students were able to engage with high level entrepreneurs from across the country, including a millionaire line up that has never been brought together for a youth audience. The event featured eight high-profile media personalities who took the stage to discuss the keys to their success in establishing their lucrative businesses. A special guest performance by rapper and record producer “Soulja Boy” was also a highlight of the event.

In addition to teaching entrepreneurial and financial literacy skills, the entrepreneurs shared about their own experiences growing up in impoverished environments and how they rose above their challenges to persevere in reaching after their entrepreneurial dreams. The motivational speakers were: Corey Arvinger, founder of Support Black Colleges; Vladimir Bautista, CEO of Happy Munkey; Felicia Carbajal, founder of HighFelicia.net; Lemeir Mitchell, CEO of Happy Ice; Rashine Mitchell, a real estate investor; Milan Rouge, founder of Milano di Rouge; David Shands, a leading podcaster; and Donni Wiggins, a business coach.

During the break-out session, students were treated to food from Happy Ice LA’s “Happy Truck” and College Boy Cheesesteaks, a luxury car showcase viewing, and special giveaways. Following the event, the students visited informational booths, including a PVJOBS jobs programs booth where youth could enroll in the organization’s occupational training and employment opportunities.