{"id":24386,"date":"2020-06-07T11:45:24","date_gmt":"2020-06-07T18:45:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yardi.com\/blog\/?p=24386"},"modified":"2020-12-25T03:14:51","modified_gmt":"2020-12-25T11:14:51","slug":"making-dreams-possible","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yardi.com\/blog\/making-dreams-possible\/","title":{"rendered":"Making Dreams Possible"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many of us have done it. In conversation with a small child, we casually ask, \u201cWhat do you want to be when you grow up?\u201d But how often do we make sure that child has what they need to succeed? When Samuel J. Ashe II looked around his community, he saw a deficit in educational resources specificall\"\"y in the areas of math, fine arts and the sciences. As an active mentor, he wanted to support the big dreams of the neighborhood kids, but he couldn\u2019t do it alone. Fortunately, his family and the community stepped in to help.<\/p>\n

Bringing people to the forefront of business<\/strong><\/p>\n

After graduating with his MBA, Ashe joined Yardi as a marketing specialist with the RentCafe Reach Team. \u201cI have clients all over the country. I manage their digital marketing needs including but not limited to SEO, PPC, and social media management<\/a>,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

Ashe joined Yardi because its corporate culture didn\u2019t feel corporate at all. \u201cYardi is very people-focused and collaborative,\u201d he says. \u201cWe have so many departments, yet I still feel like one big team as we all collaborate to provide superior customer services.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom day one, I noticed this was a nurturing environment,\u201d adds Ashe. \u201cThere was a great deal of energy put into the development of employees, as many of my first days were spent training online in Aspire<\/a>. That was a breath of fresh air compared to a past of \u2018figure it out\u2019 job trainings. Over time, there have been more opportunities to improve upon my already solidified strengths and certifications coursework.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Ashe Arts & STEM Academy: Representation matters<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yardi\u2019s focus on employee development resonated with Ashe, who is the Executive Director of The Ashe Arts & STEM Academy<\/a>. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit supports the personal and academic development of students of color in Ventura and Los Angeles counties of California.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve set out to provide representation-focused resources for students of color,\u201d explains Ashe. \u201cWe are committed to mentorship, parental engagement and social good initiatives. We soon hope to include an annual scholarship for students of color pursuing careers in the arts and STEM fields.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ashe founded the organization with his parents and siblings. It is now advised by a board of distinguished professionals in technology, education, mental health and the arts.<\/p>\n

The road to the Ashe Academy included many turns. The concept began in Harlem in 2008 when Ashe began a club geared towards minority representation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers. The economic crisis didn\u2019t lend itself to funding, so Ashe tucked the idea away.<\/p>\n

\u201cI spent about a decade meditating on the idea,\u201d says Ashe. \u201cI had a burning desire to mentor people who look like me. I wanted to inspire, uplift and engage the next generation and beyond. I have been very blessed to dabble in just about anything I wanted to try –filmmaking, music, business school– and I wanted to show my \"\"community there are many paths to be successful.\u201d<\/p>\n

In 2018, Ashe recommitted to his vision. He assembled the board of directors, completed the necessary paperwork and immediately got to work on community-centered initiatives. The last two years have taught him the nuances of patience and persistence. \u201cAll things will happen when they are meant to,\u201d says Ashe.<\/p>\n

That revelation led to the Ashe Academy\u2019s recent motto, #pivot2020. \u201cIt\u2019s about learning to pivot, be even more resourceful and strategic. We\u2019re figuring out new ways of approaching the same goal or changing the goal so that we can accomplish more. I\u2019ve definitely had to expand my vision a few times, which is the best part.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ashe Academy in the community<\/strong><\/p>\n

In addition to educational services, the academy addresses other areas of vital need in the community. Last year, The Ashe Academy partnered with The Pharm Yoga Studio of Ventura to host a canned food drive to benefit The Ventura Food Share and Tender Life Maternity Care.<\/p>\n

The organization is currently collaborating with small business owners such as Shirley Black of Baby B Handmade Good by Shirley and Khadijah Boles of Khadiva Customs to provide handmade face masks for medical professionals, first responders and other essential workers and organizations.<\/p>\n

Show your support for the Ashe Arts & STEM Academy.<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s more than education,\u201d says Ashe. \u201cIt\u2019s about the essentials. That includes education but also food, shelter and mental health awareness. We know we can\u2019t address everything, but it\u2019s certainly rewarding to uplift others as we build up our initiatives. We\u2019re only getting started!\u201d<\/p>\n

Yardi employees are Energized for Good! Learn more about employee philanthropic outreach on our People page.<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Many of us have done it. In conversation with a small child, we casually ask, \u201cWhat do you want to be when you grow up?\u201d But how often do we make sure that child has what they need to succeed? When Samuel J. Ashe II looked around his community, he saw a deficit in educational […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":440,"featured_media":24389,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_s2mail":"yes","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1717,5,3354],"tags":[1582,15],"class_list":["post-24386","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-giving","category-people","category-team-yardi","tag-team-yardi","tag-yardi-employee-profile"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nYardi Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Many of us have done it. 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