We had the good fortune of connecting with Everett Glenn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Everett, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting the nonprofit organization I currently lead was to imagine the vibrant strokes of collaboration and innovation merging to create a masterpiece of empowerment and systemic change in the nonprofit sector. At the heart of this scene lies a collaborative effort among a group of nonprofits that are connected in such a way as to be able to build the trust and camaraderie upon which authentic and effective cross-sector collaboration is built.

Together, we’ll form a cohesive ecosystem of support, addressing the multifaceted needs of Black and Brown youth most in need of help with precision and compassion. As the scene unfolds, you’ll witness the ripple effects of this collaborative approach. Youngsters who once faced insurmountable odds are thriving academically and personally, their potential unleashed.

The thought process behind the start of BOSS (Business Of Student Success) was informed by my 46-year legal career that included representing Fortune 100 companies, local and federal governmental entities and entrepreneurs on sophisticated business and real estate matters where cooperation and collaboration make the difference.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
If you knew where I started from (the mud) and what I’ve been through (drug addiction), you’d understand what sets me apart from others.

In the dimly lit streets of inner-city Cleveland, amidst the concrete jungles where dreams seem to wither before they can take root, there emerged a young boy with a spark in his eyes and fire in his soul. Raised by a mother from the Bahamas with but a high school education and an alcoholic father who was also absent, I knew the struggles of poverty intimately. With no father figure to guide me, I navigated the streets alone, finding solace and inspiration in the rhythm of his surroundings.

Despite the odds stacked against me, I possessed an innate talent, a gift that set me apart from my peers. I found refuge in reading, escaping the hopelessness and low expectations that gripped my block. My talent didn’t go unnoticed, and soon I had been selected to participate in enrichment programs for high achievers that took me to the campuses of Oberlin College, John Carrol University and Case-Western Reserve University, in the process becoming a symbol of hope and resilience in the neighborhood.

As I grew older, my fame transcended the boundaries of my block, and my name echoed through the city streets. I rose to great heights, becoming a high-profile attorney whose clients included some of the greatest athletes of our time along with Fortune 100 companies. I became a beacon of inspiration for other young boys and girls, showing them that greatness could emerge from even the darkest of circumstances.

But fame came with its own demons, and the allure of drugs and excess threatened to consume me. Succumbing to the pressures of my newfound success, I found himself spiraling into a dark abyss, losing myself in a haze of addiction and despair. It seemed as though all hope was lost, and my once-promising future hung in the balance.

Yet, deep within me, a flicker of determination remained. With the unwavering support of loved ones and the resilience that had carried me through so many trials before, I embarked on a journey of redemption. Through sheer willpower and a relentless commitment to change, I clawed my way back from the brink of destruction, overcoming my demons one day at a time.

My recovery wasn’t just a personal triumph; it was a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit. With a newfound sense of purpose, I returned to law with a renewed vigor, channeling my experiences into pieces that spoke volumes about the fragility of life and the strength of the human soul.
No longer just a symbol of talent, I became a beacon of hope for those battling their own demons, proving that no obstacle is insurmountable, and that redemption is always within reach for those who dare to chase it. My story is a reminder that greatness isn’t measured by the heights we reach, but by the depths from which we rise.

And in my rise, I not only reclaimed my position in my profession but also resumed my role as a difference-maker, inspiring others to defy the odds and rewrite their own destinies.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting the area and I wanted to show them the best time ever, I’d first take them with me for a light morning workout at Planet Fitness. Afterwards, I’d take my best friend for a low carb breakfast at Dulan’s in the heart of Los Angeles. After breakfast, I’d take my best friend on a drive down PCH. We’d stop to take in the ocean and sun before grabbing lunch at a spot near the beach. We’d drive further up the coast for dinner and drinks at the Resort at Pelican Hill, before heading to LA to catch the Lakers game.

We’d repeat the early morning schedule daily, ending each day with a new and exciting evening destination including Spaghetini’s for dinner and music on evening, YouTube Theater to catch a concert, and the Hollywood Bowl to catch a Usher concert

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shout out is dedicated to Al Wellington, my dear friend, business partner, confidant, and mentor, whose intervention saved my life.

Beyond Al, the list includes teachers Mary Spann, Robert Vaughn and Helen Wade. Upward Bound counselor and retired Buffalo State administrator Hal D. Payne. Mentor and late Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. Basketball coaches Fred Perkins and Bill Parker. Mentor and dear friend George Fraser. Retired Cleveland Foundation executive Clarence Mixon. Fellow barrister, Annette Butler. I could go on and on and on.

Website: https://www.bossprograms.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bossprograms/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/everett-glenn-76a7607/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EverettGlenn1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everett.glenn1/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BOSSScholar/featured

Image Credits
William Byers, Explorer Studios

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