Economics

McClymonds Students Take Millionaire Entrepreneurs To Lunch

Published

8 years ago

October 21, 2017

Dr. Dennis Kimbro addresses McClymonds High School students in the inaugural Pathway to Entrepreneurship course for high school and Merritt College credits. Photo By Carla Thomas

On Monday October 16th, over two dozen McClymonds high school students had the rare opportunity to take a millionaire to lunch. Hosted in the school’s library, the event apart marked the inaugural Entrepreneurship Pathway program at McClymonds High School.

“We are proud to start this school year at McClymonds by implementing year-one of an “Entrepreneurship Pathway,”” said McClymonds High School Principal, Jarod M. Scott.

In partnership with Merritt College, McClymonds is the first high school in Oakland to offer a three-year sequenced dual-enrollment pathway program.

“Students will now have the opportunity to earn high school credits and earn up to 17 college credits and a certificate in entrepreneurship from Merritt College,” said Merritt College President Marie Elaine Burns.
“Alliances make great communities,” she said. “I’m elated to involve dynamic speakers to this program.”

The “Take a Millionaire to Lunch” inaugural day featured special guest Clark Atlanta University Professor, Dr. Dennis Kimbro, who is also an author and entrepreneur, encouraged students to reach their highest potential as leaders and business owners. His latest book is “The Wealth Choice; Success Secrets of Black Millionaires.”

“Your attitude determines your altitude and with hard work and focus the possibilities for these students and any student is limitless,” said Kimbro. “Your ideas and your passion will take you far, if you follow basic steps to success.”

This program will be priceless in terms of the possibilities it will open up to students,” said coordinator Dr. Allie Whitehurst. Instructor Charles Hill will teach students the “Introduction to Business” class.

Students were also surrounded by supportive community leaders throughout the afternoon, including Brian McGhee of OUSD’s African American Male Achievement program and advocate Cheryl Perry League. The new superintendent of Oakland Unified School District, Kyla Johnson-Trammell, addressed the audience.

“This is what learning should be. We want students to be able to think and dream big so they can transform this nation and this world. These students are the next Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook) and the creator of the newest app,” she said. Oakland is a city of entrepreneurship and we want more businesses that reflect the community, said. Johnson-Trammell.

Tech innovator and holder of 21 patents, Dr. Harry Bims, spoke of building his business up to a net worth of $8 million and selling it for an undisclosed amount. He is currently president of Protocomm Systems. Businessman Derrick Deadwiler of Deb, USA, Inc. also shared his journey.

Chris Howard of Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) said, “Students will be engaged in a great curriculum developed by NFTE.”

McClymonds’ senior, Destiny Renee Shabazz, who provided Dr. Kimbro’s intro, proudly stated she plans to become the mayor of Oakland. Next generation leaders in class included sophomores: future cosmetologist, Camryn Ware, future sports shop owner, Gary Alexander II and future real estate mogul, Derrick Bui.

“I want to open up a salon that provides hair, skin and nail care,” said Ware. “I hope to own a shop that sells sports paraphernalia like Marshawn Lynch,” said Alexander. With an older sister currently in the real estate business, Bui said he’s learning a lot by attending open houses.

Kimbro made his rounds at several Bay Area events, including the 51st Anniversary of the Black Panther Party at Merritt College on Friday. Kimbro shared his research on the staggering disparities of Black men incarcerated at an accelerated rate compared to whites. He also spoke on how the community can break the pipeline to prison cycle with education and collaboration.

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Women & Wealth: Tips for Navigating Your Lifelong Financial Journey

Published

2 weeks ago

March 15, 2026

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Sponsored by J.P. Morgan Wealth Management

We are in the midst of a seismic shift in wealth. This phenomenon, often referred to as the “Great Wealth Transfer,” describes the unprecedented movement of assets from the Baby Boomer generation to their heirs – an estimated $105 trillion by 2048. And women are poised to inherit most of this.

J.P. Morgan Wealth Management’s 2025 Investor Study found that women are not only set to receive significant wealth – they’re actively working to build it on their own. Ninety-three percent of women surveyed who are expecting an inheritance aren’t relying on it to reach their goals.

Here are a few tips for women to consider in their wealth-building journey:

Create a financial roadmap

A detailed, well thought out plan is important. J.P. Morgan’s study found that 90% of those surveyed with a plan feel confident about reaching their financial goals, compared to 49% without one.

Your plan should reflect your unique goals, priorities and circumstances. Consider your investment horizon and risk tolerance, and remember to revisit your plan regularly as life evolves.

Are you saving up for goals like buying a house, sending your kids off to college or retiring early? Where do you want to be in the next five, ten or twenty years? Everyone’s financial situation is unique, so it’s important to think about these questions and build a plan that is unique to your life.

Women tend to live longer than men on average. Many take career breaks or care for family members, which can influence long-term planning. It’s important to adjust your strategy with these factors in mind.

Where to start with investing

Don’t let misconceptions hold you back. Starting to invest doesn’t require a large sum, and beginning early can be beneficial. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to potentially grow over the years. Understand your overall financial situation, set clear goals and develop a long-term plan.

It’s important to also make sure you’re covered for unexpected expenses that come up before you start to invest. Build up a cash emergency fund, typically enough to cover three to six months of expenses, and pay down any high-interest debt.

Taking charge of your finances

The good news is that women are taking charge of their finances. J.P. Morgan’s research found that 75% of women respondents make financial decisions with their partner or take the lead themselves. For those who have a spouse or partner, it’s important for each person in the relationship to play an active role in the process.

Building wealth can be empowering for many women. The same survey found that 73% of women respondents said money gives them “security,” while 64% of Gen Z and Millennial women associated it with “freedom.”

The power of having a team

Some people find it helpful to work with a financial advisor, so you don’t have to tackle things alone. An advisor can help you craft a plan tailored to your needs and keep you on track throughout your lifelong financial journey. If you expect to receive an inheritance, you should also consult with estate planning and tax professionals.

No matter where you are on your wealth-building path, education is key. It’s so important to be an informed investor, and there are plenty of resources out there to help. You can find a library of free educational resources at chase.com/theknow.

As the landscape of wealth continues to evolve, women have a unique opportunity to shape their financial futures and those of generations to come. By staying informed and planning ahead, women have the tools to help them confidently navigate the Great Wealth Transfer and set themselves up for financial freedom.

The views, opinions, estimates and strategies expressed herein constitutes the author’s judgment based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice, and may differ from those expressed by other areas of J.P. Morgan. This information in no way constitutes J.P. Morgan Research and should not be treated as such. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions. For additional guidance on how this information should be applied to your situation, you should consult your advisor.  

JPMorgan Chase & Co., its affiliates, and employees do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any financial transaction.  