5+ Qs for Careshia Moore: President and CEO, Usher’s New Look
Read on for insights from one of the philanthropy sector’s most trusted leaders – a woman on a mission to empower and uplift young people around the world, from the heart of New York City.
Tell us how about Usher’s New Look and how the Foundation has become a leader in youth empowerment and development?
Usher’s New Look (UNL) is a 501(c)3 educational based organization that has served over 50,000 students since its inception 20 years ago. Usher Raymond IV, driven by his passion to help underserved youth, formed UNL in 1999 with the assistance of his mother. Each year Usher’s New Look serves over 1200 students, and 100% of the students who complete our high school program graduate high school. Our vision is to continue to be a premier youth development organization that creates a generation of passionate young leaders educated and equipped to compete in a global market.
Why is the work of Usher’s New Look so important – especially today – and how can people get involved?
In today’s challenging times when our youth have experienced learning losses are at an all-time high, UNL is needed to provide additional support for our most vulnerable young people. It’s important that young people gain access, opportunities and exposure to prepare for their futures and be prepared to compete in the global market. The work that we do in providing enriching experiences around talent, education, career, service and financial well-being, are all components to ensuring that they are equipped to overcome systemic barriers and improve the trajectory of their lives.
What have been some of your greatest challenges and achievements throughout the dual pandemic of COVID-19 and the racial and social unrest over the last year?
The dual pandemic of COVID-10 and the social reckoning we are experiencing have both impacted so many individuals, families and organizations. Usher’s New Look has had to alter our programming so that we can still support our students in a virtual space. And although we have had to alter our programming, we have truly been able to continue to support our youth. In fact, due to the virtual nature of our programming, we have been able to serve youth outside of our core geographic areas and even youth in other countries. We have also been able to collaborate with new partners to join our resources and impact youth. Finally, we are still able to host our signature youth leadership summit virtually, the 2021 Disruptivator Summit. This event will take place on July 21st and 22nd and will serve youth throughout the world. We expect more than 300 people to attend!
How can people become involved with the work of Usher’s New Look?
We have opportunities for sponsorship of our programs and financial contributions to support needs of our students. Additionally, in order to help our students prepare for career it is very important that we connect with corporations and organizations that can help us provide exposure and internships to our youth. Finally, we have students who are seeking financial assistance to attend our Disruptivator Summit. Individuals can contribute to sponsor youth to attend this life-changing event.
What inspires you, and what is the best professional advice you’ve ever received?
I seek to find inspiration in everything. But what most inspires me is seeing growth in young people. Because of the length of time that our youth participate in our program, I have sometimes met students at the age of 14 and have seen them graduate college. The pride their families feel celebrating their success literally fuels me. Those are the things that fuel me. The best professional advice I have ever received was from an extremely successful business woman who owns one of the largest women-owned transportation companies. I have adopted her as my mentor. She grew her business exponentially, and when I asked her to define the secret to success, she told me that not turning down an opportunity is essential. I have since tried to follow that advice in my professional life, and I will say I have always gained something from the opportunity.
BONUS Question:
If you could choose four people to have over for cocktails, who would they be? (presuming all safety protocols were being followed?
- Marian Wright Edelman: her work with the Children’s Defense Fund and on behalf of youth has been an inspiration for me in my own work in service to young people around the world. 2.) President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama – they would come as a package. They have so much insight on how to bring about systemic change.
- Ina Garten – I often imagine myself cooking with her and picking fresh herbs from her garden. She makes everything so delightful. 4.) Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor – I admire her strength and her ability to shape the judicial history of our country.
