“You start where you are. You don’t need permission to be great. You don’t need a perfect situation. You need consistency.”
That’s Jash’d Belcher, founder of HBCU Power, and part of the panel at the Powerhouse Teen Summit at Grand Rapids Innovation Central High School.
Leaders in business, government, healthcare, and community shared personal stories of leadership, resilience and career pathways. Carlos Cubia, Corewell Health Chief
Community Health Impact and Belonging Officer, remembered being told by a teacher in 11th grade that he had no future.
“Regardless of where you start, it doesn’t dictate where you end up and don’t ever let anyone else tell you what your life journey can or should be.”
State Representative Kristian Grant found her purpose in policy and problem-solving, working toward greater equality in Grand Rapids.
“I started saying, we can’t be the best for everyone but the people who look like me.”
The panel challenged students to begin making an impact.
“If you’re interested in content, start creating. If you’re interested in business, start
learning. If you’re interested in leadership, start showing up. Impact doesn’t start later; it starts now.”
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