Feature #83: Lucretia Sutherlin, Educator/Founder & President

Name:  Lucretia Sutherlin

Current Job Position Title: Educator/Founder & President

Company Name: 

JAG- Jobs for America's Graduates and Youth City Network

Contact Information: 913 991 7606; empower@ycitynet.org; www.youthcitynetwork.org

Special skills:
Youth Development

Organizational Management

Leadership  

Describe your job story: 

After 8 years I finally fell into my dream job. I received my undergraduate degree from Clark Atlanta University with Business/ Marketing Degree. I've always had an entrepreneurial desire. In college, my friend and I started a grocery delivery service. It didn't turn out very well and we had to close the business, however it was a valuable learning experience. With my degree I wanted to work in the advertising field for a major advertising firm. That didn't happen. Most business majors couldn't find the work they wanted, but what they needed in order to pay the bills. Anyway, I received a job offer my senior year in college and relocated to West Suburbs of Chicago to work for a major automobile corporation. After, working there for a year, I realized cubicle life, sales, and traveling everyday was not for me. So, I moved back to Atlanta with hopes of working and creating a business venture of my own. After a year of struggling to pay bills, that didn't work either. 

I relocated a moved with my parents to Kansas City, Kansas. After being there for a year, I realized a definite need in the city area. Youth in the city area didn't have much to do and needed an outlet. My family and I worked hard to create a non profit organization called Youth City Network, Inc. Our organization focused on creative expression with youth. We had talent shows and open mic nights for teens to express themselves. Those endeavors sparked us to move into the schools with the organization, so the September 2009, we started an after school program for middle school students. With all of this going on, I decided that being a educator would become a great next step for me. So, Summer of 2010, I started my Masters Program in Secondary Education to become a Business teacher at the high school level.

After earning my master’s degree, I came across my dream job opportunity. Jobs for America's Graduates is a program that works with high school students struggling with obstacles that may keep them from graduating. Perfect!! I teach, counsel, advise, and work with teens all at the same time. I work two jobs! 

What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager? 

I wanted to be a pediatrician.

Are doing your dream job? Yes!

What do you like MOST about what you do? What do you like the LEAST?  

I love working with kids and developing their minds. I like knowing that I had something to do with their progress and growth. 

It's challenging because you have to prepare to be disappointed. I had to learn to expect mistakes and be willing to accept that it will take a while for students to change. Also, it's important to have tough skin. 

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? 

I pray that Youth City Network will become a successful organization in the Kansas City, KS community and we will be able to reach over 500 youth within the city. 

I see myself sharing my story with people that want to change and impact the lives of youth and also becoming a spokesperson for youth everywhere. 

Are you happy with where you are in life? Yes. 

What more do you want to do with your life?
Wherever my passion goes, I want to go!  Whether its traveling more, becoming an author of book telling my story, helping others in a better way. 

What drives/motivates you?
Knowing that everyday I have the opportunity to change someone’s life and help them see a better perspective.

What else do you do? I write poetry. 

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?

For a long time I worried about money, becoming wealthy, and doing what my others are doing to become rich. After receiving clarity from God on my passion, I found out I can find wealth in helping other pursue their goals and dreams. Money is no longer an issue. Serving is!