The HALO Member Program took an exciting first step this school year by hosting its first Member Events in Kansas City and Jefferson City on Thursday, September 17. Youth came together for a day filled with learning, connection, and opportunities to think about their futures. Through discussions with guest speakers, members explored topics including financial literacy, entrepreneurship, career opportunities, personal strengths, empowerment, service, and finding purpose.
The HALO Membership Program gives youth a space to grow, connect, and prepare for their future. Through professional development, life skills, networking, mentorship, and new experiences, members have opportunities to build confidence and learn skills they can carry with them beyond high school. HALO is committed to making sure young people have the support, guidance, and opportunities they need to turn their goals into a future they can be proud of.
HALO Member Event at Kansas City
The Kansas City Member Event gave youth the chance to learn from professionals with different experiences, careers, and paths to success. They had a chance to hear from Chef Caleb, a classically trained chef, Army veteran, and founder of Chef Caleb Catering; Eric Kelting, an entrepreneur and Chief Operating Officer of Complete Legal; Craig Gilmore, a finance professional with more than a decade of experience in corporate accounting and financial leadership; and Mohammad Khader, a HALO Member Alumni. Each speaker brought a different perspective to the conversation, giving youth the opportunity to see that there is more than one path to building a successful future.
Throughout the event, youth explored topics like financial literacy, entrepreneurship, career opportunities, and developing a positive mindset around money. They were encouraged to ask questions, learn from the speakers’ personal experiences, and think about how their own strengths and interests can shape their future. Hearing directly from professionals and a HALO alumni helped make these conversations feel real and relatable.
HALO Member Event at Jefferson City
The Jefferson City Member Event focused on helping youth recognize their strengths, build confidence, and think about the impact they can make in their communities. Members had the opportunity to hear from Keara “Key” Okolo, a passionate advocate for empowerment, service, and creating lasting impact. Key shared her experiences and encouraged members to think about their own strengths, values, and the ways they can use them to make a difference.
Throughout the event, youth explored what it means to understand their purpose and use their strengths in meaningful ways. Key’s experiences gave teens a chance to see how personal interests, education, and a commitment to helping others can come together to create a meaningful path forward. The conversation encouraged youth to reflect on who they are, what they care about, and how they can use their own voices and abilities to make an impact.
Thank You to the 1248 Foundation
A special thank you to the 1248 Foundation for helping make the Kansas City Member Event possible. The 1248 Foundation volunteers supported the event by helping set up the space, assisting members and guests, handing out raffle tickets, serving lunch, and helping with cleanup. Their time and support helped create a welcoming and organized experience for our members.
HALO Member Events provide a space once a month for youth to learn, ask questions, build relationships, and feel supported. From hearing directly from professionals to sharing experiences with other members, the events give opportunities to grow confidence and gain new perspectives they can carry with them as they continue building their goals and exploring what comes next.
Want to get involved in future HALO Member Events? Volunteer with your workplace or share your experience as a guest speaker to help create meaningful opportunities for our youth.