NFTE-DC Celebrates 20th Anniversary Homecoming Event

More than 120 individuals sharing a personal bond with NFTE-DC gathered on the 10th floor penthouse of the historic Bank of America building in downtown Washington on Wednesday, October 23 to pay tribute to the organization’s ongoing commitment to build and support local entrepreneurship.

Past and present students, NFTE-certified teachers, advisory board members and supporters all joined in the festivities. A brief program of speeches and testimonials acknowledged NFTE’s accomplishments over the past 20 years while welcoming the return of those whose lives have been positively changed as a result of their participation.

The energy in the room was non-stop, as former students – many of whom truly credit NFTE for paving their path to success – returned for the first time in several years. “NFTE gave me both the necessary skills and the confidence to strike out on my own,” said NFTE’s Class of 2007 Dontae Cunningham, creator of transportation and security company DRC Services. “This gathering allowed me to share my experiences with colleagues who took a similar journey. I can only call it an indescribable experience.”

Suitland alumni Tia Jones agreed, “This was a spectacular event. The atmosphere, the people, the food, the drink, even the view of downtown Washington made us feel welcomed and wanted, but more important, it made us feel as though we have truly ‘arrived’ as business people.”

After an hour of powerful networking, NFTE Greater Washington’s Board of Advisors Chairman John Hasenberg delivered the introductory message. He was followed by 2013 NFTE National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge runner up Dagim Girma and DRC’s Cunningham who both shared the tales of their own individual personal trials and successes.

“This milestone anniversary marks the start of many more decades of building futures by inspiring young people to pursue educational opportunities, start their own businesses, and ultimately succeed in life,” Hasenberg said.

Others in attendance included NFTE President and CEO, Amy Rosen; former NFTE DC Executive Director, Julie Kantor; Bank of America Greater Washington President Jeff Wood; former DC Region Advisory Board Chairs Terrance McGowan of Goldman Sachs; Brien Biondi of The Biondi Group; Sid Smith of SRS Counsel; and David Roodberg of Horning Brothers as well as long time NFTE DC funder Diana Davis Spencer.

“It’s gratifying when we can bring back individuals who have benefitted from our program, so they can then share their own personal pathways to success with current students,” said NFTE-certified teacher Mary Ellen McCormick. “By hearing the stories of those who preceded them, our students can envision their own future potential achievements.”