You have to have a purpose and stick to it, and Jemar Ward’s is simple — pay it forward. The president of the New York Urban League Young Professionals, is ambitious and confident. “[I] lead the strategy and the vision on interesting and engaging programming for members in the community, make sure we are financially sound and that the members are happy,” he offers.
A member of the historic organization for the past six years, Ward was all smiles at the annual Rebirth! fundraiser, which celebrated it’s seventh anniversary. the theme was “The Harlem Renaissance Meets the Digital Renaissance.” The event is touted as a staple among their community service activities, benefitting their Annual Backpack Drive for low-income families and the Whitney M. Young Scholarship Fund for high school seniors committed to community service and academic excellence.
“We spend our time mentoring high school students as well,” shares the Queens native.
A graduate of Binghamton University, Ward has an undergraduate degree in political science and a graduate degree in public administration. He’s tech savvy and spends a lot of time communicating with his social network via Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
“It’s important to stay connected. Information is paramount,” he says of why he thinks social media is essential. “That’s how we move forward as a people … spreading information and not holding things back. Knowledge is power. I am a huge believer in paying it forward and sharing information with young professionals.”
Now, that’s how Ward spends his time volunteering.
Professionally, Ward works as a job developer, finding employment opportunities for individuals on public assistance. –yvette caslin
