Amplify Talent
Amplify builds the agency, belief and skills for personal and professional success.
Devonta Boston, Cohort 1
Southwest side Chicago native; activist, spoken word artist, community organizer, clothing line designer, entrepreneur, nonprofit leader
HIGHLIGHTS
Founder and CEO of TGi Movement - a social enterprise and nonprofit focused on increasing pathways and opportunities for youth in black and brown communities to follow their passion.
Devonta opened The Oasis on 63rd and Campbell in 2021 - a youth and community program space in the neighborhood where he was born and raised
GOAL
Eliminate “dream deserts” in Chicago
JONTE DURR, COHORT 2
6 nationally recognized credentials (Hazmat, OSHA-10, RRP, Blueprint, CPR, Solar Panel); record officially expunged through Amplify in early 2022
Born and raised in Cabrini Green, lifelong Chicago resident
HIGHLIGHTS
Project Manager for Amplify Property Solutions LLC (APS)
Record officially expunged through Amplify support in early 2022
Represented Amplify at the CREW Tank Chicago business pitch competition – APS won 1st place
Represented Amplify and the Academy Group at the Milken Conference in Los Angeles
GOAL
Moved to Los Angeles for a fresh start; Own his own business so that he can employ other young men and women from communities like where he grew up
ANTONICE REED, COHORT 3
Born and raised in Englewood
Earned 6 nationally recognized certifications through Amplify (Hazmat, OSHA-10, RRP, Blueprint, CPR, Solar Panel)
Earning inspection field hours under Jones Inspection Services
HIGHLIGHTS
Current apprentice at Naturally Urban Environmental LLC (MBE/WBE business founded by woman of color who was born, raised and resides in Chicago) gaining hands-on experience in sustainable construction, project management and inspection services
Registered her business name AR Works LLC in April 2022
GOAL
Launch AR Works (her Home Inspection business) in Fall 2022
Ronald Bolton, Windy City Cannabis
Working full-time as an employee of Windy City Cannabis since graduating Amplify
Received first promotion within 6 months
Committed to equity in the cannabis industry with the goal of owning and operating his own dispensary
AMPLIFY TESTIMONIAL
“Amplify and the staff have totally impacted me. They helped me realize how important my life is by not giving up on me even when I gave up on myself. They continue to encourage me and coach me through life. I have to get up early [for work] because early is on time. The Amplify staff instilled that in me and that’s how I live my life. They helped give me a focus and a drive and most importantly an opportunity.”
