Ken Barry
Boys and Girls Club of Northwest Indiana
Gary, IN USA
"If you’re doing good, you can’t be stopped. Good is always going to win."
Career Roadmap
Ken's work combines: Non-Profit Organizations, Education, and Teaching / Mentoring
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
Many people in my life have supported my decisions along my path. However, not everyone is going to be like that. My biggest challenge has been facing people who've tried to close doors in spite of the fact that I was trying to do good. I've adopted the mindset that I don't care about the naysayers. I can't be stopped. I truly believe that if you're doing good, then you can't be stopped. Good is always going to win.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Associate's Degree
Biblical Studies
Andersonville Theological Seminary
Associate's Degree
Business Administration and Management
Robert Morris University Chicago
Bachelor's Degree
Business Administration and Management
Robert Morris University Chicago
Graduate Degree
Business Administration and Management
Robert Morris University Chicago
Graduate Degree
Higher Education Administration
Robert Morris University Chicago
Certification
Fundraising Management
Indiana University Indianapolis
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
At 19, I landed a job at a TV station in Abilene, Texas, sparking my passion for media and storytelling.
2.
I found my life's purpose while helping a gang-affiliated youth and realized my calling was in guiding young people.
3.
After burning out from a demanding role, I took a step back to reassess my approach to serving youth.
4.
I was inducted into the Purdue Northwest Society of Innovators in 2020, which affirmed my impact and network.
5.
I transitioned to lead the Gary Indiana Boys and Girls Club, aiming to create an opportunity hub for the community.
6.
I developed JWA Next, focusing on staff development and reflecting on the pivotal role mentors have played in my own journey.
7.
I established the “platinum squad,” integrating my love for media with youth engagement and empowerment.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Peers:
No, you can't do that. We're not going to help.
How I responded:
Many people in my life have supported my decisions along my path. However, not everyone is going to be like that. My biggest challenge has been facing people who've tried to close doors in spite of the fact that I was trying to do good. I've adopted the mindset that I don't care about the naysayers. I can't be stopped. I truly believe that if you're doing good, then you can't be stopped. Good is always going to win.