The Journey of a Community Leader & Tech Entrepreneur: Meet Jeff Beckham

Jeffery Beckham is a community leader and tech-entrepreneur known for advancing the fight for equity and exposure for youth in Chicago. Jeff serves as an executive at Chicago Scholars, the largest college access and success program in the city serving more than 5,000 first generation and/or low-income students to get to college, through college, and graduate. He's responsible for leading career and leadership development, corporate development, and external affairs for the organization.

His professional experience spans both the for-profit and non-profit sectors and includes various roles in sales, marketing, and technology entrepreneurship for Quest Diagnostics, Atlas Medical Corporation, The New Teacher Center, and his own startup Black Box Creative as well as board positions at Foundation's College Prep, The 100 Black Men of Chicago, and the Free Lunch Academy & Friends among many other accolades. In addition to his role at Chicago Scholars, Jeff serves as a mentor for many young people through his work with The 100 Black Men of Chicago, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity INC., and Link Unlimited.

Among the many insights and gems Jeff shares, he discusses:

1. The importance of networking across aisles (race, gender, socioeconomic status, etc.) in college. Two key benefits of having a vast network are landing new jobs before you even start looking and establishing connections that may benefit you in your side hustle.

2. Why building skills while in college is critical. Jeff recommends that students take advantage of certification opportunities (i.e. process and project management certifications) while they are free or offered at a reduced cost.

3.How his experience with culture shock in high school prepared him for adapting to the cultures of his college and various working environments.

4. Debunking the imposter syndrome. Jeff shares a personal experience and explains why you should always take your shot at a career opportunity that interests you.

Connect with Jeff!

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffbeckham/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jbeckham7
• Facebook:
• The GO! Defenders Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB9aRGzluq_RfIYomTLxVrg
• Chicago Scholars: https://chicagoscholars.org/

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Produced by Ken Inge of Dead End Hip Hop