Brave Achievers | Pamela Olomola
A much-needed spotlight has been cast over the last five years on the systemic racism that plagues the United States. I kept asking God, how do you want us to amplify the voices of people who bring light into the issues that this country is facing? Cause Partner Pamela Olomola’s ministry, Brave Achievers, is bringing light and hope to disadvantaged Black Americans. Her ministry empowers them to change their economic futures by offering job training and internships in the tech industry. Here’s Pamela’s story:
In 2000, a small design firm in England gave me the opportunity to intern for 3 months. On day one, I had no clue how to switch on a computer.
Within six months, I had learned so much and become proficient enough to start my own design firm. Within two years of this opportunity, I was teaching colleagues and staff what I had learned. Today I work as a team leader in a tech corporation. All this happened because someone took the time to teach me the right skills.
Our goal is to empower 20 talented and determined Black Americans with the relevant technical and mindset skills to change their career story in tech.
We started by developing and implementing a re-skilling program called Brave Achievers in 2018 in Africa. Beginning in August 2019, we brought it to the United States.
- Brave Achievers Project is a free mindset reskilling Bootcamp for ‘Tech Talents’ (individuals gifted in the digital technology field) in Africa and United States.
- Over 62.5% of the attendees at our 2019 Mindset Bootcamp were hired through our incubator program with international partners. We are confident that we can replicate the same level of success for many disadvantaged Black Americans.
- Our goal is to help impact career destinies of talented youth in Africa and USA to:
- Upskill them to understand the mindset that drives global digital technology standards
- Equip them to demonstrate Outward and Growth Mindset behaviors coveted by global employers
- Provide them with eWorking experience through corporate partnerships in life transforming roles
- Mentor them through their hiring process.
4. On completion of the program, we will connect successful US candidates with partner organizations in California for a year of entry level e-Work or six months e-Internship.
I want to give others the same opportunity I was given, which changed my life.
Role of The Cause
When I asked how The Cause has helped Pamela move forward with Brave Achievers, her answer brought tears to my eyes…
For three years I searched for people to work with who could partner with me professionally and still allow me the room to flourish and not have to worry the repetitive details involved in non-profit work. Then one day, Jenn Ryan [Our C.O.O.] mentioned ‘The Cause’ to me at a Sunday dinner with my family.
From the day I met The Cause Team, I just knew that this team is what I had been looking for. A team that understood what it means for a mission to burn deeply in your heart and were there to offer the support, prayers and encouragement that was so much needed to get the God given vision off the ground.
What can I say? Morgan spent the next two months with me in meetings asking loads of questions that truly got me thinking. And shaped my mind from thinking ‘my strength’ to thinking ‘God can’.
Jenn would encourage me when I was most ridden with doubts about this ‘vision’ that had no money backing and was taking so much out of me financially and spare time wise. Unknown to them, they always seemed to call and reach out, just when I needed it the most.
Cole is something else :). Met her first on a virtual call before we met in person, but I feel like I have known her for years. Encouraging and inspiring every step of the way. I am truly thankful for the day that Jenn answered my question with, ‘I work for The Cause’.
May the God of Heaven bless this team for selflessly providing such incredible support.
Learn more about how to support Pamela and Brave Achievers on her Partner Page here: