New York - CEO, CMC Traffic Control 

Brandon Lovell grew up in the Bronx, New York, unsure of what his future held after high school. He viewed school as something mandatory at the time and wasn’t sure which path to take next. When he found out about Year Up United, his perspective changed. Through the program, he gained training in finance and IT, received mentorship, and was introduced to the professional skills he needed to thrive in corporate America. His internship broadened his horizons, exposing him to opportunities he had never considered and giving him the confidence to pursue a career beyond what he had seen growing up.  

After completing the program, Brandon secured a role at an investment bank and went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree from NYU before earning his MBA from Harvard Business School. Today, he is the CEO of CMC Traffic Control and serves as an active board member for Year Up United’s talent placement firm, YUPRO Placement. His journey is a reflection of the power of exposure, mentorship, and opportunity, turning uncertainty into leadership and success. 

Maryland - Division Chief, U.S. Cyber Command 

Before Year Up United, Kim Holloway was a mother striving to finish college while relying on public assistance. Determined to build a stable future for herself and her children without incurring student loan debt, she saw Year Up United as her opportunity for change. Despite waking up at 4 AM daily to prepare her kids for childcare and balancing countless responsibilities, she remained focused. She embraced every challenge, excelling in the program while stepping out of her comfort zone as an ambassador, speaking to executives and senators. Her internship through Year Up United became the launching pad for her successful cybersecurity career. 

Today, Kim is the Division Chief of the Force Assessment Terrain Division at U.S. Cyber Command, managing a high-profile cybersecurity program. She now owns her home, holds three degrees, and has built a thriving career in a field she once thought was out of reach. She credits Year Up United for not only helping her break into cybersecurity but also equipping her with the financial and professional skills to create lasting stability for her family. Now, she fosters trust and innovation within her team, proving that resilience and determination can lead to an extraordinary career. 

New York - Assistant Professor - School of Social Work, Rutgers University 

While attending Hudson Valley Community College and playing football, Durrell Washington’s plans were unexpectedly disrupted by an injury. Struggling with uncertainty and missed college application deadlines, he discovered Year Up United just days before the deadline and was accepted into the program on his birthday. There, he developed essential technical and interpersonal skills, particularly in communication, networking, and self-assurance. Initially set on a career in corporate America, Durrell’s mentor and fellow participants at Year Up United helped him realize his deeper calling—social work. 

Durrell earned his bachelor's degree in social work before pursuing his master's at Columbia University. His work in policy sparked a passion for research, leading him to pursue a PhD at the University of Chicago’s School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, which he completed this year. Along the way, he has drawn on the skills he developed at Year Up United to confidently navigate diverse spaces, build meaningful connections, and engage with influential leaders. Today, he continues to break barriers in academia, earning numerous awards and using his experiences to create opportunities for others pursuing careers in social work, research, and higher education as an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at Rutgers University. His dedication to Year Up United remains strong, as he currently serves as Chair of the National Alumni Association Board.  

Atlanta - Manager, Deloitte 

Before joining Year Up United, Ebony Grayson was juggling college, various part-time jobs, and family responsibilities. With a young child to support, Ebony was eager for change, but wasn’t sure how to break out of her situation. When Ebony learned about Year Up United, she saw it as a chance to level up. Motivated by wanting to create a better future for her son, Ebony dove into the program, unsure of just how much it would reshape her life. During her time in Year Up United, Ebony embraced the opportunity to upskill and gain professional experience. The program not only helped her enhance her technical skills but also introduced her to the world of corporate environments. 

Since completing the program, Ebony has surpassed what she initially set out to accomplish. She completed her bachelor's degree, earned two master's degrees and is working towards her PhD. Her career journey includes significant roles at a leading financial institution as Associate VP of Data Governance, followed by her current role as a Manager at Deloitte. Beyond her career, Ebony has expanded her personal growth, owning multiple properties and even becoming an entrepreneur, launching an apparel printing business. She credits Year Up United for giving her the tools, mindset, and confidence to pursue opportunities she once thought were out of reach. With a focus on providing for her family and opening doors for future generations, Ebony's story is one of transformation, hard work, and dedication. 

Philadelphia - Pennsylvania State Representative for District 201 

Before Year Up United, Andre D. Carroll was working as a server in various restaurants across Philadelphia, a job he held for six years. While he was grateful for the work, Andre knew that waiting tables was not the life he wanted. He longed for a different path—one that would allow him to break out of the cycle and create more opportunities for himself. At a crossroads in life, Andre decided to take a chance on Year Up United. He wanted more than just a job; he wanted the education and access to career opportunities to give him the life he had always dreamed of.  

Year Up United provided Andre with the chance he was looking for. He appreciated the program's mix of classroom learning and internship experience, especially the challenge of his internship. His time in the program helped him develop transferable skills, especially the power of networking, which would later open doors for him in the public service arena. Since completing Year Up United, Andre's journey has been nothing short of transformative. He has pivoted to a career in public service, driven by a desire to give back to his community. He has been able to run for office, being elected as Pennsylvania State Representative for District 201 in the Pennsylvania State House, get involved in local politics, and work with elected officials, all thanks to the connections and skills he gained through Year Up United. Now, Andre not only thrives in public service but also actively helps others who are where he once was—uncertain of their future and looking for a way out. He believes deeply in the importance of the Year Up United alumni mantra, “lifting while you climb,” and uses his success to mentor others, ensuring they get the same opportunities that once changed his life.