Male Mogul Initiative

The Male Mogul Initiative (MMI) is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of young men, particularly in communities of color, through entrepreneurial training and mentorship. Founded by Walter Mendenhall, MMI aims to empower African American and Latino youth to become business leaders and positive role models in their neighborhoods.

Mission and Pillars

The mission of MMI is to positively transform the way young men live and lead in their communities by focusing on leadership and entrepreneurial development. The organization's approach is structured around four key pillars:

• Character Development: Emphasizing personal growth and ethical leadership.
• Academic Development: Supporting educational goals and academic achievement.
• Workforce Enhancement: Preparing participants for employment and career success.
• Community Empowerment: Encouraging active involvement in community development.

Programs and Activities

MMI operates multi-phase mentoring programs designed to equip young men with the skills and confidence needed to succeed:

1. Phase I: Learn — Participants receive foundational education in entrepreneurship and business principles.
2. Phase II: Develop — Focuses on personal and professional skill development.
3. Phase III: Apply — Practical application of learned skills in real-world scenarios.
4. Phase IV: Transform — Participants engage in community projects and leadership roles.
5. Phase V: Invest & Build — Encourages investment in personal and community projects.

MMI also offers programs such as the "Be a Mogul" initiative, which involves identifying community issues and developing innovative business solutions. Participants have access to networking opportunities with successful entrepreneurs and field trips to enhance their experiences and broaden horizons.

Impact

Over the years, MMI has had a profound impact on its participants:

• Program Participation: More than 1,200 youth have participated in MMI programs.
• Educational Commitment: Post-program surveys show that 90% of participants are more committed to their educational goals.
• Sense of Purpose: 93% of participants report finding a sense of purpose through the program.
• Career Pathways: 100% of participants discovered career pathways aligned with their life goals.

Male Mogul Enterprises

A subsidiary of MMI, Male Mogul Enterprises focuses on community wealth building by investing in local businesses and startups. It has invested over $500,000 in supporting businesses and created over 200 jobs, generating significant economic impact on Chicago's South and West sides. The Mogul Fund, a hybrid venture/private equity fund, specializes in community development by leveraging perceived liabilities into valuable opportunities.

Recognition and Support

In 2022, MMI received support from Southland RISE, contributing to the continuation of its summer programming. Such grants highlight the organization's role in keeping young people engaged and safe during critical periods.