MEET OUR MENTOR: EBONY YOUNG
ABOUT:
Ebony Young currently serves as the Deputy Borough President for Queens, NY. She is a certified life coach, motivational speaker, and community activist with over 20-years of experience as a C-Suite Executive and Vice President for companies like the Greater New York YMCA, TF Cornerstone Real Estate Development, Inc., the Black Entrepreneur Initiative, The Lonely Entrepreneur New York, NY, and The LOHM New York, NY.
Ebony has a proven track record of advancing strategic agendas in both for-profit and non-profit sectors, with extensive experience in guiding organizations whose missions aim to improve lives.
Ebony received her Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from the Indiana Institute of Technology (IIT), and her Bachelor of Science in Communications-Rad/TV/Film from Indiana State University.
What does impact entrepreneurship mean to you?
Impact entrepreneurship is the art of building businesses that drive both purpose and profit—leveraging innovation to solve real-world challenges while fostering sustainable, inclusive growth. At its core, it is about allowing communication, collaboration, and compassion to lead business results. When businesses truly listen, engage with stakeholders, and operate with empathy, they create environments where people and ideas thrive. This approach not only fuels financial success but also cultivates lasting societal transformation. By prioritizing impact, entrepreneurs become catalysts for change, shaping industries and communities in ways that are both meaningful and enduring.
Is it different from being a “regular” entrepreneur?
Yes, core values influence results.
Why is it important to support impact ventures/founders?
True sustainable work happens when people know you care and can show results of that caring. When done well repeat business is certain!
From your experience, what is the biggest obstacle young/minority entrepreneurs face?
Young and minority entrepreneurs often face bias at first glance, whether it’s in securing funding, gaining access to networks, or being perceived as credible leaders in their industries. This bias can manifest in subtle ways, such as being overlooked in investment conversations, having their expertise questioned, or being held to higher standards than their counterparts. Overcoming these barriers requires intentional efforts—such as ecosystem-building, creating dedicated funding opportunities, and reshaping how success is measured for underrepresented founders.
Any advice for them?
“Let your work speak!” , and be strategic about how your work speaks and who it speaks to.
For young and minority entrepreneurs, overcoming bias and breaking into industries often means going beyond excellence, it requires visibility, resilience, and strategic positioning. Your work will speak volumes, but you must also be the amplifier. Success isn’t just about being great, it’s about making sure the right people see it.
Where can we find you? How can we support you?
On Instagram @EbonyYoungOfficial or connect with me on Linkedin here.
If you need life coaching, inspiration, a speaker to headline your next event, contact me.