Blog

Giving Tuesday - YourPassion1st
30Nov

#GivingTuesday

We are so thankful for the outpouring of support this year and a huge shout out to Julius "The Mad Thinker" Spates and the entire Mi Casa Family for your commitment and dedication to our mission of improving communities around the world through youth empowerment. Know that none of this is possible without the communities' continued love, energy, and support, and for that we are forever grateful, and not just on #GivingTuesday, but EVERYDAY. So far this year, your contributions have assisted us in meeting countless goals:
  1. We were able to mentor 30 young adults this year from Chicago, Brazil, & South Africa and provide mental health, workforce readiness, and entrepreneurship support for 7 months of intense training, as they find, define, and follow their passions into the workforce.
  2. We were able to host our 2nd Annual Historical Scavenger Hunt, changing the lens on our community, and highlighting our true Narrative here in the Austin Community.
  3. We were able to support a number of community events to include our 1st ever Austoberfest, in partnership with Project Exploration, as well as the numerous community events and food giveaways with Pastor Mac & What About Us Inc.
#GivingTuesday isn't about how much you can give, it's about where your heart is. So whether you can give money, time, or simply a kind gesture, they all go a long way. Your support for our 2022 season will have a huge impact, and will help us to:
  • Connect more young adults internationally with the mentorship, tools, and resources needed to find, define, and follow their passion into the workforce.
  • Provide safer spaces around mental health with a huge focus on Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) strategies implemented within our regenerative community growth plans.
  • Encourage youth involvement in their communities around their areas of passion.
Join us as we kickoff the 2022 season, and help save a young adults life by showing them that you care. Every donation makes a difference, we are so appreciative of your support. You can donate below, or on CashApp & Venmo @YourPassion1st and on Zelle at chris@yourpassion1st.com.

THANKS IN ADVANCE!

DONATE HERE | SIGNUP TO BE A VOLUNTEER

GRAB SOME GEAR FROM THE YOURPASSION1ST SHOP

Festival Recap:

We've had so much fun at our 2021 MCH Weekend & Global Workforce Readiness Music Festival with virtual & in person workshops, raffles, music, art, comedy, panels, discussions, demos, films, and a number of other amazing opportunities to engage with communities from around the world. Thank you again so much for everyone's support, love, and energy. In case you missed it, here's a link to check out the Workforce Readiness Music Festival and more below. Check Out Recording of the Festival on Twitch

Upcoming Events:

December 18th YP1 End of year Gala (Virtual) This will be a night filled with joy as we celebrate our Young Ambassadors for a completing the program, and acknowledge you and our amazing team for supporting our program. December 30th Sneaker Ball Bethel New Life 1150 N. Lamon Chicago, IL Volunteers Needed for more details, email us at info@yourpassion1st.com

CHECK OUT SOME HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS YEAR

YourPassion1st - To inspire and be inspiredYourPassion1st - To inspire and be inspiredYourPassion1st - To inspire and be inspiredYourPassion1st - To inspire and be inspiredYourPassion1st - To inspire and be inspiredYourPassion1st - To inspire and be inspiredYourPassion1st - To inspire and be inspiredYourPassion1st - To inspire and be inspiredYourPassion1st - To inspire and be inspiredYourPassion1st - To inspire and be inspiredYourPassion1st - To inspire and be inspiredYourPassion1st - To inspire and be inspiredYourPassion1st - To inspire and be inspiredYourPassion1st - To inspire and be inspiredYourPassion1st - To inspire and be inspired
YourPassion1st Inc.
(773) 904-6814
 
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17Nov

Pitch Competition Finals 11-17-21

 
PITCH COMPETITION FINALS
TONIGHT!!!!
We're so excited to have you join us this evening as we wrap up Mi Casa Holiday (MCH) Virtual Weekend, with our Dance Music Scene Awards this evening from 6-8pmCST, and our PITCH COMPETITION FINALS & Closing Remarks 8pm-10pmCST. We are so thankful to everyone that came out Saturday and that has participated this year to make it a huge success for our #youngadults and their respective communities here in Chicago, Brazil, and in South Africa. A special thank you to our sponsors: MiCasa Holiday, Light of Loving Kindness, Advanced Group, Wisdom Knot, OneSpan, Elevated Services, MeetAppGo, and AroundWeGo, and a huge shout out to all of our volunteers, vendors and performers for making it truly an amazing year!
But it's not over just yet.... Today we have our Dance Music Scene Awards & PITCH COMPETITION. These young adults have worked so hard to pitch their story/narrative and would love your support tuning in for the chance to win $700-$1500.
First though....
Dance Music Scene Awards - Wednesday November 17th 6-8pmCST
Pitch Competition Finals
with a chance to win $700 - $1500
Wednesday November 17th 8-10pmCST
If there is a tie, we would love if you could vote in MeetAppGo. You can find directions below:
DOWNLOAD APP BY CLICKING => HERE
We've had so much fun the past week with virtual & in person workshops, raffles, music, art, comedy, panels, discussions, demos, films, and a number of other amazing opportunities to engage with communities from around the world. Thank you again so much for everyone's support, love, and energy. In case you missed it, here's a link to check out the Workforce Readiness Music Festival and more below.
Upcoming events:
November 17th
Pitch Competition Finals & MCH Weekend Closing Remarks
@yourpassion1st (Facebook & YouTube)
in-person Location - TBD
November 25th
Thanksgiving Food Giveaway
5323 W. Lake St. Chicago, IL
11am-2pm
Volunteers Needed
for more details, email us at info@yourpassion1st.com
December 18th
YP1 End of year Gala (Hybrid)
This will be a night filled with joy as we celebrate our Young Ambassadors for a completing the program, and acknowledge you and our amazing team for supporting our program.
Grow Exponential/Working Better Together
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Having trouble hiring the right candidate, or trying to improve your work culture?
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YourPassion1st Inc.
(312) 612-9032
info@yourpassion1st.com
www.yourpassion1st.com
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Global Workforce Readiness Music Festival
03Nov

November Newsletter 11-03-21

2nd Annual MCH Virtual Weekend + Global Workforce Readiness Music Festival Fundraiser
NEXT WEEK!!!!!!!
We're so excited to have you join us and help us spread the word for next weeks upcoming hybrid festival. Just as last year, the Global Workforce Readiness Music Festival takes place right in the heart of Mi Casa Holiday (MCH) Virtual Weekend. It will be a fun-filled week of virtual & in person workshops, raffles, music, art, comedy, panels, discussions, demos, films, and a number of other amazing opportunities to engage with communities from around the world.
WHEN & WHERE is this?
  • Mi Casa Holiday (MCH) and YourPassion1st have teamed up for the 2nd Annual MCH Virtual Weekend + Workforce Readiness Music Festival Fundraiser - November 10-17, 2021. Wednesday - Wednesday (10am - 10pm for 7 days!)
  • Virtually - Events take place on multiple platforms from Zoom, Remo, Twitch, YouTube to Facebook, therefore best way to experience the event is by downloading our official MCH Weekend + Workforce Readiness Music festival app at MeetApp Go.
  • DOWNLOAD APP SCHEDULE BY CLICKING => HERE
  • In person venue Nov 13th 10am - 6pm at the Kehrein Center For The Arts located at 5628 W. Washington Blvd. Chicago, IL
WHAT is this all about?
  •  Be a part of this year’s MCH Virtual Weekend + Workforce Readiness Music Festival fundraiser along with 150 + content contributors from more than 19 countries around the world. Content includes: The 2nd Annual Young Adults Pitch Competition for young adults 14-24 around the world! Dance Workshops, DJ sets, Cooking Segments, Fitness, Comedy, Workforce Presentations, Themed Parties + More!
  • Nov 13th we will have a number of virtual & in person workshops around art, music, entertainment, sports, wellness, culinary, and nutrition, as well as performances, art displays, free food, vendors, and community resources.
WHY do I want to be a part of this?
  • If you are a young adult, you have the opportunity to take part in our 2nd Annual Pitch Competition with a chance to win $700 - $1500
  • This is a great opportunity for young adults to be in a safe space, while being connected to resources that can support them as they find, define, and follow their passion into the workforce.
  • There will be 150 + content contributors from all around the world: USA, SOUTH AFRICA, BRAZIL, MOROCCO, UK, FRANCE, MEXICO, COSTA RICA, HONG KONG, INDONESIA, AUSTRALIA + MORE....
HERE IS HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE!!!
Young Adults:
PITCH COMPETITION - launch your story, business or product and win $1,500 (20-24) or $700 (15-19)
STILL ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS UNTIL NOVEMBER 8TH 2021
PARTICIPATE WITHOUT COMPETING
Show up - come out with your friends and enjoy a day of fun-filled workshops, food, and entertainment
Community Partners:
 Table/Booth - resources for young adults around mental health, art, music, entertainment sports/wellness, culinary/nutrition
Share - please share with as many young adults as possible
Workshop - present a workshop to young adults
Upcoming events:
November 10-17th With In Person Venue Nov 13th:
MCH Virtual Weekend & Global Workforce Readiness Music Festival (Hybrid)
Over 150 content contributors from 19 different countries will join our Young Ambassadors for an extraordinary week, 24hrs/day production. You'll be able catch our 2nd annual pitch competition, the debut of our Young Ambassadors 5 team productions + more!!!
November 17th
Pitch Competition Finals
@yourpassion1st (Facebook & YouTube)
in-person Location - TBD
December 18th
YP1 End of year Gala (Hybrid)
This will be a night filled with joy as we celebrate our Young Ambassadors for a completing the program, and acknowledge you and our amazing team for supporting our program.
Read more...
22Sep

September Newsletter 09-22-21
2nd Annual MCH Virtual Weekend + Global Workforce Readiness Music Festival Fundraiser
We're so excited to have you join us in helping spread the word for our upcoming festival. Just as last year, this takes place right in the heart of Mi Casa Holiday (MCH) Virtual Weekend. It will be a fun-filled week of virtual & in person workshops, music, art, entertainment, panels, discussions, demos, and a number of other amazing opportunities to engage with communities from around the world.
WHERE & WHEN is this?
  • Mi Casa Holiday (MCH) and YourPassion1st have teamed up for the 2nd annual MCH Virtual Weekend + Workforce Readiness Music Festival Fundraiser - November 10-17, 2021 - 7 days / 24hrs a day with in person venue Nov 13th TBD.
WHAT is this all about?
  •  Be a part of this year’s MCH Virtual Weekend + Workforce Readiness Music Festival fundraiser along with 150 + content contributors from more than 19 countries around the world. Content includes: The 2nd Annual Young Adults Pitch Competition for young adults 15-24 around the world! Dance Workshops, DJ sets, Cooking Segments, Fitness, Comedy, Workforce Presentations, Themed Parties + More!
  • Amazing opportunity to showcase your community, organization, or individual talents. Join us to expand your network and get yourself out there while competing to win money!
WHY do I want to be a part of this?
  • If you are a young adult, you have the opportunity to take part in our 2nd Annual Pitch Competition with a chance to win $700 - $1500
  • Last year, more than 25,000 streams tuned in and we raised just over $10,000 and with your support, we expect to reach 75,000+ streams this year, so it's a great opportunity to expand your network
  • More than half of the young adults who pitched their ideas last year have received paid projects since
  • There will be 150 + content contributors from all around the world: USA, SOUTH AFRICA, BRAZIL, MOROCCO, UK, FRANCE, MEXICO, COSTA RICA, HONG KONG, INDONESIA, AUSTRALIA + MORE....
HERE IS HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE!!!
Young Adults:
PITCH COMPETITION - launch your story, business or product and win $1,500 (20-24) or $700 (15-19)
PARTICIPATE WITHOUT COMPETING
Segment Piece - show us how to make your favorite cake (4 min 30 sec)
Short Film - show an original movie! (4 min 30 sec)
Short Interview - discuss an important or entertaining topic!
Community Partners:
 YP1 GLOBAL IMPACT AWARD - refer the most young adults and win
Commercial - plug your organization
Workshop - present a workshop
Panel - organize a discussion shroud your passion
Read more...
05Aug

August Newsletter 08-05-21

Hello!
Were excited about this weekends Parade and Bike drive with DIVVY. We are still collecting bikes to raffle off for kids. See the info below, or contact us if you'd like to contribute a bike.
Big thank you to Mike from WGN-AM (720) Chicago's Almost Above-Ground Audio Magazine, for having us on to talk about the importance of assisting young adults and following YourPassion1st. For early risers, the segment will run this Saturday before the event at 5:00am.(podcast will air at a later date)
The past couple of weeks have flown by, and our Young Ambassadors are consuming lots of valuable information that can be used today, as well as for their fall projects and for the future.
Young Ambassador, Hassani Cannon (Artist, Chicago) shared his Midyear Showcase experience with us - "It helped me give a prototype into how to give a presentation and get people excited about a project that you have." (time stamp 00:22:56 - 00:24:18)[passcode - Y9ji&J0E]
Young Ambassador, Willian Sousa (Sports, Brazil) shared -"it was a nice experience because it gave me the opportunity to find out about what other teams are doing, because we have incredible people in our group, but we got to also learn how our teams projects can be better."(time stamp 00:24:50 - 00:26:40)[passcode - Y9ji&J0E]
Young Ambassador's Midyear Showcase presentations => Click HERE [passcode 2$s?=1Zc ]
Help us keep these experiences going!
THIS WEEKEND
August 7th
(Donate a bike or 2!)
Masonic Parade/Resource Fair/Bike Drive (Austin)
Join us at this year’s Parade, Cookout, Bike Drive and Resource Fair. This will tee us up for the following weekend with our Historical Bike Scavenger Hunt. On this day we are looking for bike donations and will have a bike fixing station and will be partnering with Divvy as well as a few other community organizations. There will also be FREE FOOD & COMMUNITY RESOURCES available.
August 14th
Historical Scavenger Hunt (Austin & Oak Park)
This will be similar to last year but we're adding a Virtual Reality component to include Brazil & South Africa in a creative way. Grab your bicycles, or come jump on one of Divvy's bikes, and embark on a historical journey with your neighbors.
Divvy will have a bike stations available on the day.
Upcoming events:
September 18th:
Reopening of Fulton Market (Chicago)
We completed the official ribbon cutting ceremony on June 25th, and now it's time for the big celebration. 10 blocks of action to include great food, live music, DJs, Live Art, Entertainment, community conversations, interactive kids activities, a highly anticipated DUNK TANK + more
November 10-17th:
MCH International Weekend & Workforce Readiness Music Festival (Hybrid)
Over 150 content contributors from 20 different countries will join our Young Ambassadors for an extraordinary week, 24hrs/day production. You'll be able catch our 2nd annual pitch competition, our five team productions + more!
December 18th
YP1 End of year Gala (Hybrid)
This will be a night filled with joy as we celebrate our Young Ambassadors for a completing the program, and acknowledge you and our amazing team for supporting our program.
Podcast news:
For the next few weeks!
Our podcast team, compiled of creative
young adults, will be out engaging subjects, interviewing, and collecting content for this season. If you see them, feel free to share your views from hotbed issues to thought provoking insight.
Stay tuned!
Read more...
21Jul

July Newsletter 07-21-21

Hello!
We’re halfway through our program and our 30+ Young Ambassadors just completed the Mental Awareness phase of the program. Our clinical therapist Shanna Williams led the way with confidence building exercises. Our corporate partner, Grow Exponential, generously provided our teams of Ambassadors, Young Ambassadors, and Interpreters tools to discover their personality and behavioral tendencies as we begin Working Better Together. And, many others generously inspired our young adults with workshops like "You Are What You Eat".
Next up we begin our Skills Mastery phase where our Young Ambassadors will continue learning how to manage their time and talent in order to leverage their passion into the marketplace.
It has not been easy. In addition to socioeconomic barriers, Covid-19 restrictions and personal loss, these past few weeks have made for some of the toughest days our teams have experienced. However, together we continue to overcome these adversities with love and support while finding the strength to continue to move forward.
Young ambassador's (USA, Brazil, South Africa) will showcase their team projects and give short presentations of their productions for this falls MCH International Weekend & Workforce Readiness Music Festival November 10-17, 2021 (7 days, 24hrs/day).
Team projects:
Each project is made up of members from multiple countries allowing young ambassadors to get international workforce experience.
Art/Fashion - The Fashion of Art Exhibition
Music - Dance Music Scene Awards
Entertainment - Sneaker Freaks Shoe Expo
Sports/Wellness - The Sports Complex Digi-Talks
Culinary/Nutrition - The Recipe Exchange
Your support helps create
life-changing experiences!
Monique Santos - Young Ambassador (Brazil)
Just around the corner:
August 7th
(Donate a bike or 2!)
Masonic Parade/Resource Fair/Bike Drive (Austin)
Join us at this year’s Parade, Cookout, Bike Drive and Resource Fair. This will tee us up for the following weekend with our Historical Bike Scavenger Hunt. On this day we are looking for bike donations and will have a bike fixing station and will be partnering with Divvy as well as a few other community organizations. There will also be FREE FOOD & COMMUNITY RESOURCES available.
August 14th
Historical Scavenger Hunt (Austin & Oak Park)
This will be similar to last year but we're adding a Virtual Reality component to include Brazil & South Africa in a creative way. Grab your bicycles, or come jump on one of Divvy's bikes, and embark on a historical journey with your neighbors.
Divvy will have a bike stations available on the day.
Upcoming events:
September 18th:
Reopening of Fulton Market (Chicago)
We completed the official ribbon cutting ceremony on June 25th, and now it's time for the big celebration. 10 blocks of action to include great food, live music, DJs, Live Art, Entertainment, community conversations, interactive kids activities, a highly anticipated DUNK TANK + more
November 10-17th:
MCH International Weekend & Workforce Readiness Music Festival (Hybrid)
Over 150 content contributors from 20 different countries will join our Young Ambassadors for an extraordinary week, 24hrs/day production. You'll be able catch our 2nd annual pitch competition, our five team productions + more!
December 18th
YP1 End of year Gala (Hybrid)
This will be a night filled with joy as we celebrate our Young Ambassadors for a completing the program, and acknowledge you and our amazing team for supporting our program.
Podcast news:
Get ready!
We're excited to announce that our podcast team, compiled of creative
young adults, is hard at work and almost ready to deliver a seasons
worth of great talks, guests, and content.
Stay tuned!
Read more...
YourPassion1st - To inspire and be inspired
17Jun

March Newsletter 06-17-21

The Young Ambassadors Program
Battling your trauma and your unique set of obstacles/circumstances can become the very qualities that distinguish you when entering the workforce.
Our program officially started April 25th - December 18, and is now beginning to pick up steam. (Check out the => Official Press Release) Thus far, young ambassadors have completed the first phase (Mental Awareness) with weekly workshops including "The Power of You" by clinical therapist Shanna Williams and "Principles of Passion", by Chris Thomas (YP1 founder) and Joe Natal (Grow Exponential). Phase two (Entrepreneurship/Skills Mastery) has just started, including last weeks extraordinary workshop, "Turning Your Passion to Profits" led by Evan Price (Artist Collective, Rolling Stone Magazine). The program concludes with phase three(Execution). We are excited to see our young ambassadors fully engaged and preparing their projects together.
Project-Based Learning
Come meet our young ambassadors virtually and get a first look at their team projects on Sunday July 25th
Young ambassador's (USA, Brazil, South Africa) have the opportunity to create two projects. They showcase an individual pitch project, which revolves around their passion and their story, and a team project which allows them to learn to work with others and apply their natural skills sets. All projects will be presented during the incredible MCH International Weekend & Workforce Readiness Music Festival this fall November 10-17, 2021 (7 days, 24hrs/day).
Team projects:
Each project is made up of members from multiple countries allowing young ambassadors to get international workforce experience.
Art/Fashion - The Fashion of Art Exhibition
Music - Dance Music Scene Awards
Entertainment - Sneaker Freaks Shoe Expo
Sports/Wellness - The Sports Complex Digi-Talks
Culinary/Nutrition - The Cooking Exchange - My Favorite Recipes
Upcoming Events
Come out to our first event this Saturday June 19 for Juneteenth!
We have a number of fundraising events during the year, where you will have an opportunity to come out and learn more about the work we’re doing, while having fun collaborating with other community members and businesses.
We have some awesome events lined up starting with Saturday's "Workout for Wellness" event in collaboration with A Greater Good Foundation through December 18th, our end of the year YourPassion1st Gala.
Your support helps create
life-changing experiences!
June 19th:
Workout for Wellness
powered by Footlocker
Walther Christian Academy
900 w Chicago ave Melrose park
11:00am - 4:00pm
Friends and family will spend a day holistically nurturing theselves and supporting African American Culture. From local and black owned businesses, activities for kids, yoga, group fitness training, smoothies, and whole food nutrition, all are welcome and there is something for everyone!
Bring your children, grandparents, aunts, and uncles! If you have been looking for a safe space to get REFRESHED & RECONNECTED with the outside world, then we hope to see you there!
*Covid guidelines within Chicago will be in effect(Phase 5)
June 25 & 26th:
Reopening of Fulton Market (Chicago)
For this event there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Mayor of Chicago on the 25th along with 10 blocks of action to include great food, live music, DJs, Live Art, Entertainment, community conversations, interactive kids activities, a highly anticipated DUNK TANK + more
July 26th
Virtual Summer Conference & International Summit
We are doing our best to wrap this around a ribbon cutting on Chicago Ave (TBD). Either way, this is the halfway point for the program where the young adults will have an opportunity to speak about the program and show you what they're working on.
August 7th
Masonic Parade/Resource Fair/Bike Drive (Austin)
This will tee us up for the following weekend with our Historical Scavenger Hunt. On this day we are looking for bike donations and will have a bike fixing station and hoping to partner with Divvy or Working Bikes as well as a few other community organizations.
August 14th
Historical Scavenger Hunt (Austin & Oak Park)
This will be similar to last year but looking to add in the Virtual Reality component to include Brazil & South Africa in some way, shape and form.
Donations are welcome on PayPal, Venmo, CashApp @YourPassion1st and Zelle at 773.904.6814. All proceeds go to our International Program starting in APRIL 2021. Thank you for your time, energy, and support.
"In order to achieve your dreams, you have to follow YourPassion1st."
Read more...
The dangers of the “Just Do It” mindset...when you don’t have the tools you need to get it done.
10Feb

The dangers of the “Just Do It” mindset…when you don’t have the tools you need to get it done.

I cried 3 times this week. Once from anger, once from sadness, and once from happiness. Most importantly, I let those feelings be, to allow myself the vulnerability to be open for change. Often times as black males, we have to hold in our aggression, and not show our sadness (be tough). Not show our happiness (be tough).
The toughest thing one can do is be vulnerable enough with their feelings to allow the negative impact to push you towards a positive resolution. When we suppress our emotions, they become repressed, and that energy is misdirected and can show up in unexpected and detrimental ways. Let it out, be vulnerable, be you, but most importantly, always strive for the thing you want to see and be. In order to follow your dreams, you have to put YourPassion1st.   Equity isn’t giving everyone a bandaid, equity is giving a bandaid to those who need it. Many academics and scholars are having conversations about the importance of mental health in spaces where the underserved don’t have access. These conversations are happening in “abundance” and it can seem that the tides are changing, however, those that need access to mental health assistance are still severely lacking. The World Health Organization compiled information from over 20 studies and came to the conclusion that poverty, hunger, overcrowded housing, and more are directly linked to a higher rate of mental illness. Furthermore, A study by JAMA Psychiatry has found that low-income communities lack access to specialty mental health care treatment. These findings suggest that underserved youth are at a higher risk of mental health issues and have fewer resources than those in higher-income households. When we connect mental health to being “functional in the workplace” and pursuing goals and passions then those that come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are at a direct disadvantage. It’s important for us to do our part in supporting the mental health of the next generation so that we can give them a fighting chance of not only being able to take care of themselves but so that we can have the privilege of experiencing and benefiting from all of the talents and gifts that are lying dormant inside of them. They are our future and when we ignore them and cast them aside we are doing humanity a disservice.
Read more...
LIVE KOBE BRYANT TRIBUTE - Mental Health The Kobe Way
21Jan

LIVE KOBE BRYANT TRIBUTE – Mental Health The Kobe Way

On Sunday, January 26th, 2020, the world lost a basketball icon, a dedicated father, and a great advocate for mental health awareness. Kobe Bryant amazed us on the basketball court, but inspired athletes and fans around the world off of the court by sharing his struggles with anxiety, insecurities, and a way to overcome it all with his Mamba Mentality!
The Mamba Mentality is about obsession. It is about prioritizing your professional goals over having a normal, balanced life. It is about playing without fear, mastering your craft and wanting not only to win, but to dominate! The five pillars are passion, obsession, relentlessness, resiliency, and fearlessness.
In partnership with IPlayGames, Reflect Media, Echo Theater Collective, CPD, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), YourPassion1st would like to invite you to a Kobe Bean Bryant (August 23rd, 1978 - January 26th, 2020) TRIBUTE hosted on the unfortunate day of his passing.
In recognizing Kobe and his Mamba Mentality, we have organized and amazing tribute event! Below are details of what you can look forward to:
Tuesday January 26, 2021 - 4:30pm - 9:00pm
4:30pm (CST) - NBA2K Basketball Tournament
Your Passion 1st dives into the world of Esports with its first NBA2k21 tournament hosted by I Play Games! If you haven't signed up yet, here's the link: https://iplaygames.challonge.com/YPF2k21​
6:00pm (CST) - LIVE Art Experiment w/ Reflect Media & Echo Theater Collective
Live Art Experiment is a virtual performance where artists of different disciplines join together to create on the spot. Visual artists, dancers and musicians experiment for an improv collaboration. Our hope is to provide a platform for art to be used as a tool to unify and communication. There will be an auction held at the end of the show. Proceeds from the paintings go towards the artists and YourPassion1st
7:00pm (CST) - Panel Discussion - Mamba Mentality Mental Health The Kobe Way
Co-moderated by:
---Latesha Pike - Supervisor - National Alliance on Mental Illness
---Chris Thomas - Founder - YourPassion1st
Panelists:
---Dr. Wendy Borlabi - Sports Psychologist - Chicago Bulls
---Michael O. Fakuade - Professional Basketball Player - King Szczecin (Poland)
---Jitm Young - Coach/Mentor/Radio Personality - Chicago Jesuit Academy
---Daryl Satcher - Yoga & Mental Wellness Coach - A Leading Man
---Dr. Celeste & Stephen Jackson - Mental Health Practitioners
*panel subject to change
8:30pm (CST) ART AUCTION - Art by @dwhite.original(Instagram) plus special guests
The entire Tribute will be streamed LIVE on Facebook & YouTube @YourPassion1st!
We look forward to having you join us!
And remember..."In order to follow your dreams, you have to put YourPassion1st."
Read more...

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