a·chieve·ment

noun
1. a thing done successfully, typically by effort, courage, or skill.

When you think of the word achievement for black males, the visual of a young man from eastern Kentucky is not likely what comes to mind.

But that's me.

I have been defying odds my entire life, and because of my incredible family, mentors and community, I've achieved what some people would think is impossible for a black man who grew up in a trailer park. From multiple college degrees to a top performer at two Fortune 30 companies, my story is one of tragedy, triumph and tenacity. It's an honor to share it with others as a source of inspiration and validation that dreams do come true when you have opportunities, and are fully committed to achieving them.

I was born and raised in Hazard, Kentucky to a minister father and a mother who worked at the United States Postal Service. Though neither had a college degree, my parents always preached education as the way to a better future. I loved sports like most kids, and was voted captain of my football team from 3^rd - 12^th grade because of my desire to lead and win. Although I was skillful on the field, my focus was always ensuring my grades were better than my ability to play. As such, by my senior year I was being recruited by several colleges and universities, including every Ivy League school in the country due to my 4.3 cumulative high school grade point average.

That, however, never happened.

When I was 17 (high school senior), I lost my father in a car accident. At the age of 18 (college freshman), I watched my friend and another friend's brother fall to their death from our third story dorm lobby. These two tragedies were defining moments for me, and essentially shaped the rest of my life. My ability to move forward can be attributed to my mother, siblings, and college mentor who encouraged me to keep going despite the mental toll it had on me.

I went on to graduate with honors from the University of Kentucky with a double major in marketing and management. During my time at UK, I served in a multitude of leadership positions within Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), and Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity. Additionally, I frequently volunteered with several nonprofit organizations including Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Ronald McDonald House, the Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity.

Following graduation, I went on to earn my M.B.A. as a Lyman T. Johnson Fellow and began my career as a Senior Analyst for the largest consumer packaged goods (CPG) company in the world, Procter & Gamble. After nearly seven successful years with P&G, I left the company to pursue my dream of working in San Francisco, California where I became the finance manager for the McKesson Corporation's (#11 on Fortune 500) $3 billion technology segment.

Corporate America provided me with an amazing experience, but I knew I had a bigger purpose in life. On my father's headstone it reads "Husband. Father. Servant." So in June of 2014, I left my career in California and moved back to Kentucky to found Servonta. The name, which means "to serve" in Esperanto, was my way of paying homage to him and the work he did as a reverend, United States Veteran and community activist. My mission became to combine my love for business and passion for serving others by creating a brand that celebrates literacy and education, while helping to alleviate the biggest learning barrier for children in low-income homes: access to books.

To date, we have given nearly 5,000 new books to Kentucky children in need.

As a black male, especially someone from the country, I am aware of the statistics that suggest I should not be here. The media imagery of what I should be could have persuaded me to take a different path. However, I am an example of what happens when people instill a foundation of self-belief and hard work, while also providing adequate resources needed to succeed. I believe the primary difference between me and the millions of young black boys who are capable of reaching my level of success and beyond - is opportunity. The NABA motto is "Lifting as We Climb," and that's why I decided to spend the rest of my life creating opportunities and breaking down barriers, the same way others did for me.

And it's my most valuable achievement yet.

For more information about the local #BMALouisville movement and how you can help change the odds for African American males in our community, visit www.metrounitedway.org/bma

Jonathan Beatty is a former Fortune 15 finance manager turned social entrepreneur and Founder/Chief Bookman of Servonta apparel and accessories. He is also a brand ambassador for Great Black Speakers, the the largest African-American owned speakers bureau in the nation. His personal and professional mission is simple: to make the world better tomorrow than it is today, and to improve the lives of children from low-income households.

When he's not working to change the world, Jonathan loves to travel, golf, read, learn, create and spend time with his family (especially his nieces and nephew) and friends. You can reach Jonathan at jonathan.beatty@servonta.com.