We recently connected with Brandon Washington and have shared our conversation below.
Brandon, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I attribute my resilience to the powerful examples set by my parents, as well as my own inherent drive for success. My father, Ron Washington, was diagnosed with heart failure when I was in first grade. Despite this, he continued to work tirelessly for the growth of his business, which he had already successfully operated for a decade. Being a successful African American entrepreneur, he garnered numerous accolades. Even after his diagnosis, he aimed to expand by opening another venture.
My mother, too, is a remarkable person who overcame significant adversity. She lost her mother at the age of 8, her father at 10, and her grandmother, who became her next caregiver, at 16. Despite facing such hardships at a young age, she built a successful career for herself. She became a nurse and eventually retired from a pharmaceutical company, having had the opportunity to travel the world. She was also a vital support to my father in establishing his business.
Losing my father at the age of 14 was incredibly challenging, but the example set by my parents always gave me the confidence to believe in my own success. My resilience is also fueled by my daughter, whose arrival has been an unparalleled source of inspiration for me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m delighted to dive deeper into my work with The STREAM Engine, an organization I founded with the mission of providing educational resources and opportunities in STREAM (Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). Our primary aim is to tackle poverty in Philadelphia by equipping individuals—especially youth—with the skills necessary for the jobs of tomorrow.
One of the unique aspects of The STREAM Engine is our extensive support network, consisting of various individuals, businesses, and organizations committed to addressing the multifaceted challenges our community faces. Our journey since 2021 hasn’t been without its bumps. For instance, despite raising over $15,000, we faced a significant setback when we lost our lease due to insufficient funds. However, challenges like these haven’t dampened our spirits or our resolve.
I’m thrilled to announce a new fundraising initiative to establish a permanent headquarters. We plan to repurpose a space that once housed Ron’s Ribs into an innovative learning lab. Our fundraising goal for this ambitious project is $20,000. This learning lab will be vital in hosting an after-school program designed specifically for young learners like my daughter, Ava, who is in kindergarten, as well as her peers.
To enrich our programming, we’ve formed partnerships with Pharoah’s Conclave and Flemming’s Tech Camps. Pharoah’s Conclave offers an incredible esports workforce development program, complete with an esports league and apprenticeship opportunities. Flemming’s Tech Camps bring extensive experience and unparalleled exposure to the esports industry. These collaborations are set to significantly elevate the educational experiences we offer.
Though we faced limitations in delivering in-person programs over the past year, we have successfully maintained our impact through digital solutions. This experience has taught me the invaluable lesson that consistency and the right kind of support are crucial to making a lasting difference.
In addition to fundraising, we’re launching several exciting new initiatives, including selling Ron’s Signature Sauce and a clothing line inspired by the Ron’s Ribs brand. We’ll also be hosting pop-up events throughout Philadelphia this summer. Each purchase of our merchandise not only supports The STREAM Engine but also contributes to a brighter future for the youth of Philadelphia.
I want to extend an invitation for more people to get involved and offer their support. We’re here, we’re active, and we’re committed to making a positive impact. Together, we can work toward a more prosperous and educated community.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back at my journey as a social entrepreneur, three things really stand out as the keys to my success: toughness, smart use of tech, and having good people around me. First, let’s talk about toughness or grit. Entrepreneurship is full of ups and downs; it’s like a rollercoaster. You need to be tough to ride out the lows and keep pushing forward. So, my advice to anyone just starting out is: Don’t get discouraged by setbacks. They’re just part of the game, and if you can bounce back, you’ll learn and grow.
Next up is tech. Nowadays, technology can make or break your venture. You don’t have to be a tech whiz, but knowing your way around things like social media, data, and basic software can give you a huge advantage. My tip for newcomers is to get comfortable with the tech tools that can help your business. It’ll make your life a lot easier.
Last but not least, networking has been a game-changer for me. It’s not just about handing out business cards; it’s about building real relationships with people who can help you, guide you, and open doors for you. My suggestion? Get out there and meet people in your industry, find mentors, and be willing to collaborate. Remember, the more you give to your network, the more you’ll get back in the long run.
So, in a nutshell: Be tough and keep going even when things get rough, get savvy with technology, and build strong relationships with people in your field. These have been my guiding stars, and they could help you too if you’re starting your own journey in social entrepreneurship.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely, I’m always on the hunt for like-minded people to team up with. If you’ve got a burning passion for making a difference and helping others, then we’re already on the same page. Specifically, I’m keen on expanding my network to include professionals from various industries who can offer valuable insights and instruction. Whether you’re an expert in tech, business, or any other field, your expertise could really help amplify the impact we’re aiming for.
Want to jump in? Awesome! The easiest way to connect is by signing up at our website, thestreamengine.org. Alternatively, you can shoot me an email at thestreamengine@gmail.com. Either way, I’m excited to hear from you. So, if you’re reading this and think we could make a good team, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s get the ball rolling and make some positive change together!
Contact Info:
- Website: thestreamengine.org, Ronssignaturesauce.com, ronsribs.com, brandonwashington.info
- Instagram: @washiewash, @ronssignaturesauce, @ronsribs, @thestreamengine
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandon.washington.5851
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-washington/
Image Credits
Mike Prince Zu Morrison
