Having a poor background with an upbringing from a single parent, Kwame Owusu-Kesse can be said to be called ‘lucky’ for being availed the opportunity to attain academic excellence by attending the prestigious Harvard University in pursuit of his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Getting inspired from his personal experience while growing up, Owusu-Kesse has diligently apposition himself to helping children in underdeveloped communities access high-quality education and the facility to excel.
After an externship and an acceptance for a full-time role at Harlem Children’s Zone, as a senior manager and special assistant to CEO Geoffrey Canada, Owusu-Kesse was appointed COO, an office he occupied its seat since 2014. The nonprofit, a pioneer in comprehensive placed-based services, provides life-shaping early development and education programs to community wellness and outreach initiatives for children and families.
“I have always had a passion to help children like me, who grew up in challenging circumstances, reach their potential,” said Owusu-Kesse. “There is literally no more important job in the world for me than the work that we do at HCZ to improve the odds for children at an unprecedented scale.”
During his time with HCZ, Owusu-Kesse has emphatically gave the importance of mentoring students and staff. In the fall of 2019, HCZ announced his appointment as the new CEO, effective July 2020.
“Last fall, I couldn’t have imagined that I’d assume the CEO role amid a pandemic and civil unrest,” said Owusu-Kesse. “These issues are shining a light on what we in Harlem have always known—that America’s most vulnerable communities do not have broad and equal access to basic health and education services. Today’s circumstances are a reminder of just how important our work is. Given that we have a model that works, we cannot rest until others across the country do, too.”
