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Kwame Owusu-Kesse

Chief Executive Officer at Harlem Children's Zone

Kwame Owusu-Kesse is the Chief Executive Officer of Harlem Children's Zone (HCZ), a renowned education and poverty-fighting organization based in New York.12 He was appointed to this role in July 2020, after serving as the organization's Chief Operating Officer from 2014 to 2020.4

Background and Education

Owusu-Kesse grew up in Worcester, Massachusetts, facing challenges similar to those experienced by the young people HCZ serves.3 He earned three degrees from Harvard University:

  • Bachelor's degree in Economics
  • Master's in Business Administration from Harvard Business School
  • Master's in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School23

Career Highlights

  • Started his career as an investment banking analyst at Morgan Stanley from 2006 to 20094
  • Joined HCZ in 2012 as Managing Director and Special Assistant to the CEO5
  • Became COO of HCZ in 20144
  • Appointed CEO of HCZ in July 20201
  • Currently serves as a Senior Advisor at Dynasty Equity45

Achievements at HCZ

As CEO, Owusu-Kesse has:

  • Launched HCZ's transformation into a national organization1
  • Co-founded the William Julius Wilson Institute with HCZ President Geoffrey Canada2
  • Led the National COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Effort2
  • Shepherded the launch of Wealth Builds, an initiative to end intergenerational poverty2
  • Oversees comprehensive services for over 22,000 children and families in Central Harlem3

Recognition

Owusu-Kesse has gained national recognition, including:

  • Named in TIME100 Next list for 20243
  • Listed in Crain's New York Business 40 under 402
  • Included in BET's Future 402
  • Featured in various national media outlets, including The New York Times, CBS, CNN, and MSNBC2

Owusu-Kesse is known for his dedication to helping children from challenging circumstances reach their potential, drawing from his own experiences to lead HCZ in its mission to break the cycle of poverty through education and comprehensive support.67

Highlights

Jan 31 · hcz.org
CEO Kwame Owusu-Kesse - Harlem Children's Zone
CEO Kwame Owusu-Kesse - Harlem Children's Zone
Jan 1 · aaespeakers.com
Kwame Owusu-Kesse | Keynote Speaker | AAE Speakers Bureau
Dec 10 · pbha.org
Story #105: Kwame Owusu-Kesse, CYEP Alum and Harlem ...
Oct 2 · hcz.org
Meet Harlem Children's Zone CEO Kwame Owusu-Kesse
Meet Harlem Children's Zone CEO Kwame Owusu-Kesse
Oct 2 · time.com
Kwame Owusu-Kesse is on the TIME100 Next 2024 List | TIME
Kwame Owusu-Kesse is on the TIME100 Next 2024 List | TIME
Sep 30 · facebook.com
Meet our CEO, Kwame Owusu-Kesse | By Harlem Children's Zone
Sep 30 · youtube.com
Meet Kwame Owusu-Kesse, CEO of Harlem Children's Zone
Meet Kwame Owusu-Kesse, CEO of Harlem Children's Zone
Kwame Owusu-Kesse - Dynasty Equity
Kwame Owusu-Kesse - Dynasty Equity
May 10 · Fortune
Inside Harlem Children's Zone's innovative plan to give students $10,000 to invest - Fortune
Inside Harlem Children's Zone's innovative plan to give students $10,000 to invest - Fortune
A Plan to Help Harlem Students Build Wealth: Start Them Off With $10000 - The New York Times
A Plan to Help Harlem Students Build Wealth: Start Them Off With $10000 - The New York Times

Related Questions

What inspired Kwame Owusu-Kesse to transition from Wall Street to Harlem Children's Zone?
How has Kwame Owusu-Kesse's leadership impacted the Harlem Children's Zone?
What are some of the key initiatives Kwame Owusu-Kesse has introduced at Harlem Children's Zone?
How did Kwame Owusu-Kesse's personal background influence his career path?
What challenges has Kwame Owusu-Kesse faced in his role as CEO of Harlem Children's Zone?
Kwame Owusu-Kesse
Kwame Owusu-Kesse, photo 1
Kwame Owusu-Kesse, photo 2
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Location

New York, New York, United States