2021 FELLOW FOCUS: JAKITA O. THOMAS + PHARAOH'S CONCLAVE

What propelled you into the entrepreneurial space? And what do you enjoy most about being a founder?

The ability to impact youth and help them marry their passion and purpose to careers is what propelled me into the entrepreneurial space. I love being able to directly impact young people, and I love seeing where that impact takes them in terms of the amazing things they accomplish in their careers and their lives.

Tell me about an experience you had as an entrepreneur or in starting your company that exemplified one of Camelback's core values: "Belief in Mission + Vision"; "Unafraid of Failure"; "Constant Learner"; "Humble + Hungry"; and "Give First."

[Constant Learner] When COVID first appeared in the U.S. in late January/early February of 2020, we anticipated that it might last well past the summer of 2020. We envisioned what a 100% virtual summer camp experience might look like. We had no idea if it would actually work or if we'd fall on our faces, but spent a weekend assessing what that pivot might look like and even put up an MVP website to see if anyone would be interested in signing up. The following Monday, we got our first call from an executive director telling us that all of their face-to-face summer programming had been cancelled and asking if we had any 100% virtual offerings.

As a BIPOC founder, Camelback understands that the struggle is constant, what motivates you to get up every day and keep on fighting?

Ensuring that Black and Brown youth have opportunities and options in the esports industry, and that they are able to marry their passion and purpose to careers and generate wealth to transform their communities.

What's your favorite book or podcast that you draw entrepreneurial inspiration from?

NPR's How I Built This with Guy Raz

Why did you choose to embark on the Camelback Fellowship? And what do you hope to gain from this experience?

We hope to expand our community of fellow entrepreneurs who are also building companies to provide social impact and support our youth. We hope to engage with mentors, and we hope to continue developing ourselves, our company, and the way we communicate about our company.

Anything else you want to share about you and your Camelback Fellowship journey?

We are so excited to embark on this journey, especially at such a time as this!

You can learn more about ➡ Jakita O. Thomas of Pharaoh's Conclave. 

Camelback Ventures