Meet Ashleigh Bennett | Founder & Executive Director of YP3

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashleigh Bennett and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashleigh, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
As a youth watching my father successfully operate and run his own business, I admired him, I believed in him and wanted to follow in his footsteps. Although this was the first spark to ignite my desire and fire for entrepreneurship, the next would follow years later. After graduating college, I immediately become a teacher. It wasn’t my first choice, but I quickly fell in love and accepted the calling… I understood that nothing is by chance. But it was short lived, soon after I found myself unfulfilled and searching for more. I wanted to make an impact beyond the classroom, and I didn’t just want to make an impact doing just anything. I wanted to do something purposeful, something I believed I was gifted and built to do. Recognizing my influence, unique connection with the students and passion for student success, I began planning and launched YP3. Although these reasons are the foundation of my why, I have also grown to think about building generational wealth, leaving my children with tangible inheritances, and having a flexible schedule in which I can be assessable to my family.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Youthful Professionals Reaching Out was designed to offer fruitful workshops (career, etiquette, self-esteem) and mentorship services to youth. We visited and partnered with over 35 schools and organizations throughout the city of Houston. There were years that were up and many that were down, but the nonprofit remained standing. We have ultimately been incorporated since 2010. However, now we offer a few different services, such as a Girls home for former foster youth (The PRO’s Lodge) and consulting/coaching for nonprofits. Still empowering, still growing and still cultivating people to say yes to purpose, preparation and predestination.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Houston is full of fun! But I must say my first choice is to chill out with my little family. Even if it’s just us going to church together, which I absolutely LOVE. I also love my workout time. But aside from the family and me time… girl time is definitely next on the list, whether shopping with mom or happy hour at one of “the spots” with my girlfriends. One of the spots would typically be a restaurant with good food such as the Warwick, the spot or Pf changs.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Hands down my father has earned my shoutout. Of course, my Heavenly Father is EVERYTHING, but the earthly Father that he trusted with my care was simply amazing. When I look over my life, I can see clearly the level of sacrifice, the hard work and perseverance he exemplified, the concern and care, the vision that he desired to instill. As youth we tend to be a bit rebellious or combative to our parents plans for us. But if I had another run, I would definitely follow the plan with a blindfold on. He was and still is such a great example. Thanks for everything Mr. Sparks!

Website: www.youthfulpros.org

Instagram: ypwithmrsab

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