his issue of IBA Success Magazine has roots in my life . As a youth who was one of the broadcasters of my high school ’ s morning announcements , which played through the campus , my love for journalism was evident . Through my opportunities , I had the privilege of attending a field trip to WFTV Channel 9 TV Station ; the trip seemed to be as anticlimactic as any other school field trip until I met her ….

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KALYSA WILSON

She would never have known , but WFTV ’ s noonday anchor , Vanessa Echols , was my role model . At the beginning of her career , the fresh-faced journalist was just getting her start in the Central Florida news market . She was tasked with escorting a group of half-interested pre-teens through the studio to share her craft . She could have easily recited the standard tour speech and pointed in the direction of studios to make us ooh and ahh , but she took the tour seriously . The stories she told and realworld examples given made broadcast journalism manifest in such a meaningful way . I cannot speak for anyone else , but that day my life ’ s passion became a reality . I was hooked . She was effervescent and engaging and instantly captured my attention . She had natural charisma , and I wanted , in some way , to exude that same quality . With stories we could all relate to , she made that tour and her career come to life . I have literally never forgotten it . Although my road to entering the field of publishing / journalism was not as direct as Vanessa ’ s , I made it . Through my efforts , I hope that I make even half the impact on others that she made on me .

Over the past year , I wrestled a lot with how I and IBA Success came to be and how I could mirror the impact Vanessa had on me . How could I ensure that other young people were provided a pathway to success ? I carved out time from an already overwhelming schedule to begin working on my next venture , the one that will ultimately have the most significant impact on my legacy . With this issue , I formally launch Young Success – a nonprofit organization designed to help teens

explore entrepreneurship . In our programs , participants will gain the skills needed for starting their own businesses and become the corporate executives of tomorrow . When ready , they will have the opportunity to open these businesses and tackle realworld challenges with a seasoned career coach by their side . My goal is to unleash a hoard of small businesses with unique products and services to forever change the entrepreneurial landscape across Central Florida and , ultimately , the nation . Young Success will use a more practical approach to business with a healthy dose of proven strategies .

As you might imagine , I am excited about

having you read this issue . Between having one of my role models on the cover to launching Young Success , 2021 could not have had a more extraordinary start . I hope that Vanessa ’ s story will inspire you as well as the other featured women warriors in this edition .

Again , Welcome to this edition of IBA Success Magazine . We hope it inspires you to become more invested in the legacy you leave behind in the minds and hearts of the youth in your community . n

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