Kinecta Hosted its Seventh Annual Defying the Odds Event
MANHATTAN BEACH, CA (March 5, 2025) – Kinecta Federal Credit Union proudly hosted its seventh annual Defying the Odds Black History Month event on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. Nearly 60 African American male students from Centinela Valley Union High School District, Long Beach Unified School District, Redondo Beach Unified School District, Manhattan Beach Unified School District, El Segundo High School, Environmental Charter High Schools, and Verbum Dei High School participated in a day of mentorship, inspiration, and career-focused discussions with accomplished professionals.
The day began with an interactive vision board exercise where students worked in teams to map out the key elements needed to prepare for their future careers, health, and higher education. This hands-on activity set the stage for a day of empowerment, reinforcing the importance of intentional goal-setting and strategic planning.
Dr. Doug A. Webber delivered the opening speech, guiding students on how to discover and define their purpose. His message was followed by an address from engineer Tony McGee, who challenged students with the thought-provoking concept: “You can’t shove a great life into a small dream.”
A dynamic panel discussion featuring six professionals provided a candid conversation about navigating challenges, protecting one’s personal brand, and showing up with confidence in both academic and professional spaces. Panelists shared their career experiences, offering real-world insights on resilience, decision-making, and personal growth.
In the afternoon session, "The Power of Education," Principal Marvin Brown encouraged students to take actionable steps toward their futures. The event concluded with a powerful closing session led by Chief Cecil Rhambo, who emphasized the importance of independent thinking, mentorship, and building strong networks for long-term success.
“The Defying the Odds event is more than just a gathering—it’s a movement,” said Latrice McGlothin, Community Executive Director at Kinecta Federal Credit Union. “Empowering young Black men with knowledge, mentorship, and tangible resources is essential in helping them navigate today’s society. By bringing together professionals who have overcome challenges and achieved success, we hope to inspire the next generation to dream bigger, work smarter, and build strong foundations for their futures.”
The event featured 20 dedicated mentors, including small business leaders, educators, athletic coaches, corporate professionals, and law enforcement officers, all committed to uplifting the next generation. Speakers included (partial list):
Throughout the event, students gained insights into career readiness, wealth-building, investing, personal branding, and business etiquette. They left not only with inspiration but with practical strategies for their futures.
Kinecta Federal Credit Union remains committed to fostering opportunities for young people through financial education, and community engagement initiatives.
During 2024, Kinecta, its subsidiaries and employees donated more than $1.1 million to charitable causes, volunteered over 7,000 hours and participated in over 200 community events. To learn more about Kinecta's community outreach programs and activities, visit kinecta.org/community.
The day began with an interactive vision board exercise where students worked in teams to map out the key elements needed to prepare for their future careers, health, and higher education. This hands-on activity set the stage for a day of empowerment, reinforcing the importance of intentional goal-setting and strategic planning.
Dr. Doug A. Webber delivered the opening speech, guiding students on how to discover and define their purpose. His message was followed by an address from engineer Tony McGee, who challenged students with the thought-provoking concept: “You can’t shove a great life into a small dream.”
A dynamic panel discussion featuring six professionals provided a candid conversation about navigating challenges, protecting one’s personal brand, and showing up with confidence in both academic and professional spaces. Panelists shared their career experiences, offering real-world insights on resilience, decision-making, and personal growth.
In the afternoon session, "The Power of Education," Principal Marvin Brown encouraged students to take actionable steps toward their futures. The event concluded with a powerful closing session led by Chief Cecil Rhambo, who emphasized the importance of independent thinking, mentorship, and building strong networks for long-term success.
“The Defying the Odds event is more than just a gathering—it’s a movement,” said Latrice McGlothin, Community Executive Director at Kinecta Federal Credit Union. “Empowering young Black men with knowledge, mentorship, and tangible resources is essential in helping them navigate today’s society. By bringing together professionals who have overcome challenges and achieved success, we hope to inspire the next generation to dream bigger, work smarter, and build strong foundations for their futures.”
The event featured 20 dedicated mentors, including small business leaders, educators, athletic coaches, corporate professionals, and law enforcement officers, all committed to uplifting the next generation. Speakers included (partial list):
- Cecil W. Rhambo Jr., Chief of LAX World Airport Police
- Sean Patikas-Hunter, Wealth Advisor, Kinecta Wealth Management
- Marquis Boochee, VP Member Experience, Kinecta
- Dr. Doug A. Webber, Director of Palliative Care, Glendale Memorial Hospital
- Joshua “Jelli” Ellison, Baseball Coach and Entrepreneur
- Dr. Brandon Henry, Chief Athletics Medical Officer, California Baptist University
- Marvin Brown, Principal, Redondo Union High School
- Tony Magee, Principal Engineer, Aerojet Rocketdyne
- Dino Smiley, Director and Commissioner of the world-famous Drew League Foundation
- Jarvis Young, Engineer, and Franchisee with Papa John's Pizza
- Doyin “Doc” Adewol, International Model and Creative Director, Actively Black
Throughout the event, students gained insights into career readiness, wealth-building, investing, personal branding, and business etiquette. They left not only with inspiration but with practical strategies for their futures.
Kinecta Federal Credit Union remains committed to fostering opportunities for young people through financial education, and community engagement initiatives.
During 2024, Kinecta, its subsidiaries and employees donated more than $1.1 million to charitable causes, volunteered over 7,000 hours and participated in over 200 community events. To learn more about Kinecta's community outreach programs and activities, visit kinecta.org/community.