How often do we praise the performers, on the stage, and forget about the hard work of the individuals, behind the stage? The same can be said for institutions and organizations. Antwan André Patton, better known as, “Big Boi”, member of the Atlanta based rap group, “Outkast”, is the founder of a non-profit organization called, “The Big Kidz Foundation”. “The Big Kidz Foundations” mission is to nurture the intellect of youth by providing them with culturally diverse experiences in the field of humanities, expanding their leadership abilities, and to create social-conscious individuals.
While speaking to one of the original members of the Dungeon Family about the importance of social entrepreneurship, I was directed to Jennifer Shephard Lester, who is the executive director of “The Big Kidz Foundation”, and a native of Atlanta, Georgia. Jennifer Shephard Lester, her husband, Tommy Lester III, and her daughter, Temple, currently lives in metro Atlanta, in the Stone Mountain area. Because of Mrs. Lester’s schedule, I was unable to spend as much time talking about the organization, as I would have liked, but she did take time out of her busy schedule to answer a few general questions about her background, and about the mission and direction of organization. With all of that said, below is my interview with Jennifer Shephard Lester, the executive director of, “The Big Kidz Foundation”.
Saye Taryor: So what was your education and professional background before joining “The Big Kidz Foundation”?
Jennifer Shephard Lester: I have a master’s degree in psychology from “Georgia School of Psychology”, and a bachelor's in psychology from, “Clark Atlanta University”. I spent the last 10 years serving as the director of a private non-profit family support agency. My resume is extensive in the social services /non-profit arena. I have worked with community agencies such as, The United Way, Dekalb County Juvenile Courts, Sheltering Arms, National Head Start Association, and The Georgia Department of Family and Children Services to mention a few.
Saye Taryor: What is your philosophical outlook of how you live your life?
Jennifer Shephard Lester: I strongly believe in the “Law of Attraction”. Everything that happens to us we have drawn to ourselves. I know without a shadow of a doubt that we have the power to create our own world, and I live by this. I believe when you are working in your purpose, it is effortless.
Saye Taryor: Who are your mentors, or admired others?
Jennifer Shephard Lester: Of course Oprah, and I love Tyler Perry. I admire Johnnetta B. Cole and Pernessa C. Seele, who are both powerful African American women that have had a direct impact on my life. Most of all, I love stories of redemption. I admire those who defeat the odds.
Saye Taryor: How did you first get involved with “The Big Kidz Foundation”?
Jennifer Shephard Lester: I first started volunteering with the foundation because my best friend was managing Big Boi. She knew I had a passion for helping kids. She is actual the one who recommended me to Big Boi, and we immediately knew it was a great fit. Three in a half years later, I still have that same passion for the “BKF”.
Saye Taryor: What connection does “The Purpose Project, LLC” have with the “BKF”?
Jennifer Shephard Lester: I am a licensed psychotherapist (LPC) and in 2008, I established “The Purpose Project, LLC”. The Purpose Project a multidisciplinary behavioral healthcare practice that offers mental health services, life coaching, career counseling, leadership training, and non-profit management throughout metropolitan Atlanta. Purpose Project, LLC is actual the management company for the “BKF”.
Saye Taryor: What is the current status and outlook of the “BKF”? What are some of the goals, objectives, programs, and scholarships being offered?
Jennifer Shephard Lester: We just completed 5 years of supporting GA youth through the arts. We have 6 major programs that focus on empowering, exposing, and developing youth. We are in their lives on a daily basis via local schools. “BKF” has one of the most comprehensive yet practical program designs of any art/ humanities focused organization.
Saye Taryor: Which direction would you like to take the “BKF” moving forward?
Jennifer Shephard Lester: We are going global in 2012 with partnerships in South Africa. (Details to be announced at a later date). “BKF” is in the process of expanding our programs in GA and bringing Big Kidz to Tallahassee Florida area.
Saye Taryor: Explain why others should partner with, and share the mission of the “BKF”?
Jennifer Shephard Lester: We are “saving lives through the arts”. Decades of research show that youth who are at risk for dropping out, site participating in the arts, as their reason for staying in school. “WOW, that’s BIG”, and enough of a reason to support our cause.
Saye Taryor: How can the readers get actively involved with the “BKF”?
Jennifer Shephard Lester: Readers can visit our website www.bigkidzfoundation.org to find out about programs, events, ways to volunteer, and ways to make financial contribution.
Saye Taryor: What is the best way to follow and keep track of the “BKF”, functions and events?
Jennifer Shephard Lester: Followers can keep track by following us on twitter @big_kidz and become a fan on facebook. We update them daily and also visit our website.
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