We were lucky to catch up with Gary Leon recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Gary with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My Mother is where I get my work ethic from. She came to America from Haiti with nothing. She worked hard for everything she has gotten. She is a big believer in owning your own property and she has paid off 3 houses since coming here from Haiti. I have always remembered my mother as working 2 jobs at times when I was younger. Now it is good to see her relaxing in retirement. She always said there are no shortcuts to things that are important. You have to have discipline and sacrifice to get what you want in this country.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My story is simple. I know how important it is to have an opportunity and I also know what it is to be offered one but not take advantage of it. Young people need the opportunity to get a head start in life, they also need someone to help guide them through it also. This is why I started The Co-op Project and nonprofit organization that focuses on Education and Youth Empowerment. In this country, we are separated by the haves and the have-nots. People withhold information, and schools in certain communities with inadequate resources to better serve their students. Communities that have been affected by systemic racism for years. Our three-step method is simple. We create innovative projects and opportunities for young students. We partner up with small businesses and corporations for each project we create. Donors have the opportunity to not only donate to the specific project they feel connected to but they also get to see where and how their money is impacting people’s lives.
Currently, we are running 3 programs starting this fall, The virtual after-school program which had over 275 students from 19 different states last year, We teach kids courses and life skills that are not taught in schools. The Pitti Uomo project is where fashion students will compete in an online contest showcasing their talents. The 3 lucky winners will go to Milan Italy to attend the Pitti Uomo men’s fashion convention and they will have the chance to meet and network with industry insiders. Our last project is The P.E.A.C.E Marathon project. This year we partnered up with The original man Project to sponsor a runner in the Chicago Marathon. All the proceeds raised will go to A public school in Chicago. To find more details visit our website at
www.theco-opproject.org
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?
Number one is I believe in everything I do 100% You can’t doubt yourself and the vision you have for your business. You can’t expect other people to believe or follow something if you don’t believe in yourself. Number two is self sufficient. I have taught myself every aspect of my business so that I can fully understand how things work but I can also have the space to improve things when needed.
Number three: Trust the process. Nothing happens overnight you have to be consistent and make goals in everything you do. Every year I get a book and write my goals and my vision for things. Each year I recap to see what I have accomplished. You may not see it when you’re in the middle of situations but when you look back you will see how far you have come and what you have done.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
We are looking for People who want to make an impact in the lives of young people in underserved communities. It can be through donations, in order for us to operate our projects funding is needed. It can be donating your services. You might have a skill set or knowledge that will help our organization. You can be Liaison, you can help introduce us to somebody who can help our cause. People underestimate the power of knowing the right person and how it can create future opportunities. Lastly if you’re a small business or corporation and you would like to meet with us to see how we can partner together on future projects that would be great. Our motto is People working together to create opportunities one project at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theco-opproject.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/THECO_OPPROJECTS/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecooperativeopportunityproject
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fco_opproject
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWToeT6Wz313MSzELJ4XN5A
