Roads to Success

This past August, Roads to Success (RTS), in partnership with Assembly Member Chantel Jackson and Council Member Kevin Riley, orchestrated a transformative experience for 120 Bronx youth: an educational journey to Atlanta, Georgia, for Earn Your Leisure's 2024 Invest Fest. This innovative initiative aimed to immerse young people in the world of financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and investment—crucial tools for building generational wealth.

The Road to Invest Fest

The journey to Invest Fest represented more than just a trip—it was a gateway to new possibilities for participating youth. At Roads to Success, we understand that financial education and entrepreneurship are cornerstone skills for community advancement. Through this carefully curated program, Bronx youth gained exclusive access to high-caliber workshops, expert panels, and invaluable networking opportunities that would typically be beyond their reach.

Council Member Kevin Riley emphasized the program's significance:

"This invaluable program offered our Bronx youth the unique opportunity to attend Earn Your Leisure's 2024 Invest Fest in Atlanta. This event is more than just a trip; it’s a gateway to knowledge, inspiration, and future success. By exposing our young people to financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and investment principles, we are equipping them with the tools they need to build generational wealth and secure a prosperous future for our community."

Assembly Member Chantel Jackson added her perspective:

"When we invest in our youth's financial education, we're investing in the future of the Bronx. This collaborative effort exemplifies how local leaders and organizations can create meaningful opportunities that inspire and prepare the next generation for success. I am proud to be part of this initiative and look forward to seeing its positive impact on our youth.”

Featured Sessions and Speakers:

Invest Fest 2024 delivered an exceptional lineup of speakers and sessions on the EYL Stage and AOL Stage. Our youth had the opportunity to attend several groundbreaking sessions:

Technology and Innovation

The Future of A.I. - Wyclef Jean, Van Jones, X. Eyeé, and Will Lucas led a compelling discussion on artificial intelligence's rapidly evolving impact across industries.

AI Revolution With FYI - Will.I.Am and Frank Holland provided a deep dive into AI's disruptive potential and future applications.

Business and Entrepreneurship

$100K Invest Fest Pitch Competition - Honoring Nipsey Hussle's legacy, this competition featured Blacc Sam (TMC), JP, Troy Millings, Rashad Bilal, and Kendra G as entrepreneurs competed for substantial business funding.
Trailblazers In Conversation - An inspiring dialogue between Steve Harvey and Stephen A Smith about their journeys and lessons learned.
High Level Conversations - 19 Keys, Yahki Awakened, and Billy Carson explored consciousness, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment.

Financial Education

Maximize Your Money and Create a Financial Legacy with Fidelity Investments - Taeshima White, Bianka Guzman, Christina Buchanan, Braxton Rhone, and Shaun Taylor shared crucial insights on building generational wealth.
Keynote: 50 Cent Sit down with Earn Your Leisure Time: An exclusive conversation with 50 Cent about his transition from entertainment to successful entrepreneurship.

Personal Development

Health & Wellness - Lauren London, Queen Afua, and Candis Grace discussed the importance of holistic health and mental wellness.
High-Yield Strategies for Securing Your Child’s Educational Success - Educational leaders including Akbar Cook, Fia Davis, Dr. Dennis McKesey and Dr. Travis Brown shared strategies for securing children's academic future.

Bashan Fernandez, Chief Program Officer of RTS, highlighted the program's importance:

“Bringing Bronx youth to Invest Fest was important because it provided them with exposure to entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and investment opportunities, which are essential tools for their personal and professional development. Events like Invest Fest offer young people access to successful role models, networking opportunities, and real-world knowledge that can help them build a mindset for financial independence and business ownership. For youth from underrepresented areas like the Bronx, this kind of exposure can inspire them to envision new possibilities for their future and equip them with the resources and motivation needed to break cycles of poverty and achieve long-term success.

Transformative Outcomes

The impact of Invest Fest was immediately evident in our youth's transformed mindsets and elevated aspirations. They returned to New York with:

Enhanced understanding of financial independence
Strengthened entrepreneurial mindset.
Valuable networking connections
Critical insights into emerging technologies
Practical tools for wealth building

Looking Ahead

Roads to Success takes pride in facilitating this life-changing experience. The support from Council Member Kevin Riley and Assembly Member Chantel Jackson proved instrumental in making this vision a reality.

As Sheila Duke, CEO of RTS, noted:

"Financial literacy and entrepreneurship are crucial life skills that can break the cycle of poverty and build generational wealth. By sending these teenagers to Invest Fest, we are making a meaningful investment in their future and the future of the Bronx."

The seeds planted during this experience will continue to grow, fostering a new generation of financially empowered leaders in the Bronx community.