Today the Winner’s Culture highlights a true champion of the community, entrepreneur, and activist Manny 215. Manny, a Philadelphia native from the Germantown section of the city, embodies a leader’s spirit and a heart for the community. Drawing from his own experiences growing up with a single mother in an under-resourced household, Manny manifested the idea for the What I Wish I Knew Foundation in 2019.

The organization began as an after-school program at Sturgis Recreation center teaching middle school kids ‘Intro to Entrepreneurship’ as well as essential communication skills for conflict resolution. Since then the organization has remained true to its name and mission by filling in gaps of understanding and resources that often disadvantage inner-city youth with events such as ‘The Power of Community.’

‘The Power of Community’ was first held at Building 21 in 2019. The event connects children to resources like back to school supplies, food, games, and most importantly the presence of successful people from the community. Business owners and creatives from the city set up vendor tables throughout the event in order to pour back into the community, network and connect.

Children are also given space to show off their talents in the arts, music and fashion. It’s a time for them to just have fun! With the climate around violence in the city it’s become common for staple events like block parties to be canceled. As a result, today’s youth don’t get the same opportunities to experience the joy of community. The What I Wish I Knew Foundation provides that and more!

The 2024 edition of ‘The Power of Community’ is coming up in August. Look out for a link to the event soon and check down below for links to connect with Manny215 on all his social platforms. Please support the effort to create a better future for the kids of PHILADELPHIA!