Jadah McClam Turns Adversity into Entrepreneurship Success
At just 16 years old, Jadah McClam made a life-changing decision. After recognizing she was headed down the wrong path, she chose to channel her ambition into something positive. She launched what would eventually become McClam Accessories, a jewelry business focused on stylish, affordable pieces that are made to last. Inspired by her love of jewelry and a natural entrepreneurial spirit, Jadah identified a gap in the market for high-quality, tarnish-resistant accessories that customers could wear every day without breaking the bank. What started as McClam Charms grew into McClam Accessories, a brand that now serves customers through both online sales and mobile drop-off services. As a participant in the Entrepreneurship Center’s Young CEOs Cohort 1, Jadah strengthened her business foundation, refined her marketing strategy, and gained a deeper understanding of what it takes to successfully run and grow a business. “The biggest lesson I learned during the Young CEOs program was the importance of consistency, preparation, and knowing your business inside and out,” said Jadah. “The program helped me get back to the drawing board, strengthen my foundation, and move forward with confidence.” Jadah’s dedication and growth throughout the program earned her the title of Young CEOs Cohort 1 Grand Prize Winner, along with a $1,200 prize. She reinvested the prize money into legal business needs, new packaging, and inventory. “Jadah’s journey is exactly why the Young CEOs Program exists,” said Khristie Kennedy, Program Manager. “She turned challenges into opportunities, embraced every lesson, and demonstrated the determination and resilience needed to build a successful business. Her growth throughout the program was inspiring to watch.” Today, Jadah is expanding McClam Accessories throughout the Atlanta area, growing her online presence, and connecting with new customers. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that with determination, support, and a willingness to start with just an idea, young entrepreneurs can create opportunities that change the trajectory of their lives. Interested in becoming the next Young CEO success story? Our fall cohort begins Sept. 29, and there’s still time to register. If you’re a business owner ages 17-24, this program is for you. You’ll receive expert-led workshops, one-on-one coaching, networking opportunities, small business resources, and the chance to compete for micro-grants to help launch or grow your businesses. Click here to apply. Have a question? Please email Khristie Kennedy at kkennedy@ulgatl.org. Visit ulgatl.org often to explore programs that can help you and your family thrive.
A Day at the Capitol Inspires the Next Generation of Civic Leaders
In partnership with the Urban League of Greater Atlanta Young Professionals and the Urban League of River Valley, the Urban League of Greater Atlanta hosted its Annual Day at the Capitol. The event brought more than 70 scholars from across the Atlanta Metro Area to the Georgia State Capitol for an immersive civic learning experience. The program combined participants in Project Ready, supported by the Young Professionals, with those in the At Promise At Work Program, supported by ULGA’s Youth and Young Adult Services Team. The young scholars explored the legislative process in-depth firsthand and gained insight into how decisions made at the Capitol directly affect their schools, neighborhoods, and futures. Distinguished leaders elevated the experience, including: Nancy Flake Johnson, President & CEO, Urban League of Greater Atlanta. John H. Moye, Director of Legislative Policy, Social Justice & Civic Engagement. Tracey Mosley, President & CEO, Urban League of the River Valley. Christopher E. Bruce, Deputy Executive Director, ACLU of Georgia. A special acknowledgement goes to Khadijah Ameen of the Young Professionals. Her dedication and leadership ensured a seamless, engaging, and truly memorable experience for everyone involved. Through guided tours, interactive dialogue, and direct engagement with state leaders, scholars deepened their understanding of civic engagement, public policy, and being a voice. The day also strengthened connections between young adult professionals and youth in Urban League programs, cultivating the next generation of informed voters and community leaders. Highlights overview 70+ youth engaged in real-time civic education. Hands-on exposure to policy, being a voice, and legislative processes. Leadership pipeline connecting young professionals with high school scholars. Cross-regional collaboration between Urban League affiliates. ULGA’s Young Professionals Day at the Capitol demonstrates the transformative power of strategic investment in youth leadership. It builds the knowledge and confidence to inspire high school teens to play a direct role in shaping the future of their communities.
Moving from Adversity to Accomplishment and Strength
Youth & Young Adult Services Zataria Ingram moved to Atlanta from Wisconsin seeking a start in a city she saw as open to Black entrepreneurial success. But she hit a wall and ended up facing homelessness. However, what looked like a defeat actually placed her exactly where she needed to be. Zataria found shelter at the Covenant House and there, she learned of a route to a brighter future that she otherwise may not have known. Covenant House staff introduced Zataria to the Urban League of Greater Atlanta – where she launched her pathway to stability. Zataria completed the League’s At Promise, At Work program, and secured a job as a coordinator at the Boys and Girls Club of Atlanta. There, she helped kids with programs including math club, cooking and teen conversations. Eager to build more skills, Zataria joined the League’s Young CEOs program to take her nascent business to an official LLC status – and she won the pitch contest that grants a $2,500 prize. Now, her skin care line, Clara Bleu, is a growing enterprise and she has the knowledge to operate it effectively. Next, she enrolled in the League’s Shadowbox Studios In-House Production Training program, to explore an entirely different industry. “I’m a serial entrepreneur, so I love learning new things. It’s cool learning from people who are professionals in the industry – they’ve been on really big shows,” she said. “I love the passion the professionals bring, and it makes me want to take it even more seriously and really study. They’re giving us real-life experience. And I’m very fortunate to have gotten a seat in the program.” Zataria credits ULGA’s Rashidah Jones and Charles Dayquon Strother for ensuring that At-Promise, At-Work prepared her to stay on her positive path. Of Ms. Jones, Zataria said, “She was very straightforward. She challenged us. And I loved being challenged for my own growth. I struggled with consistency, but she and Dayquon stayed on me and helped me. “They taught me how to be myself because being yourself is big in business and branding. How am I communicating? What am I communicating through my business? All of that is important, along with public speaking.” The public speaking training for the pitch contest contributed to her confidence and personal growth and will benefit her as an entrepreneur, she added. She described Clara Bleu as “a holistic skincare brand to help people with their skincare issues.” As a young girl, Zataria struggled with acne, she explained, “And to be transparent, it made me insecure. There were times I wouldn’t leave my house without makeup. “I went to dermatologists, tried medicines and nothing worked for long. I started meeting other people who faced these same things. So, at 16, I began to research ingredients and how I could get this formulated, but I didn’t have the knowledge to properly structure the business. I was hustling and people loved it, but I didn’t know the business side. So, Young CEOs is what I needed.” Zataria, now 24-years-old, said her brand will be “one of the first in the world to have a holistic/herbal lightening product. It’s selling well right now. We have four products available for purchase, and I have about 40 I’m testing.” Her own faith and the Urban League have helped her secure a brighter future for herself, Zataria said. “I thank the Urban League for the work that they do. Because a lot of people need help. And ask God to bless them and that they continue to grow and show up. “I can see myself giving back to the community, connecting with youth, and using resources I’ve gained to help them. I want to share my story of adversity and that if you have faith in God, you’ll go through it. Nothing can stop you.”