Tell us a little about your business. – Avenue Scholars (AveScholars.org) works with young people who are interested in careers outside of the four-year college pathway. We aim to empower the youth in our program to achieve success by helping them find a high-paying, high-demand and fulfilling career. We provide one-on-one coaching, financial support and skill-building opportunities to guide students from our partner high schools to livable wage careers.

How did you get started in the business? – I started out working with elementary age students, and later with those that had entered the juvenile justice system, which I often call “the forgotten”. I created employment systems and programs to integrate those youth into jobs. There was a need at every level, and I wanted to help our community where I could. I believe that public service is my true purpose.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Becoming a director; now creating some of the procedures and protocols that we use for Scholars to become successful. One of the most rewarding feelings is to see our Scholars happy with the option they ultimately chose for their career.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – When I became a first-time parent. This is when I knew I had to be serious about how I approached things in my life, and I really had to become an example for my children.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Not tell anyone! I rest better when they don’t know.

Tell us a little about your family. – I have two children, an adult son in his first career position as a high school teacher and football coach and a 10-year-old daughter who loves the arts. Both of them make me a better person and hold me accountable – all of which translates into the work I do.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “How far you go in life depends on being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong, because someday in your life, you will have been all of these.” – George Washington Carver.

Which talent would you most like to have? – Play the piano or saxophone. Music is near and dear – singing it is easy, playing it is a challenge (It takes patience. I work on patience daily).

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Besides Avenue Scholars, I’m very passionate about donating time, food, money, clothes to homeless shelters, especially children’s shelters.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – “The LET THEM Theory” by Mel Robbins and “I’m Just a Kid with an IEP” by Jordan Toma.

What is your favorite movie? – Enemy of the State

What is your favorite TV show? – The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

What is your favorite local Omaha restaurant? – Salted Edge in Waterloo.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Denzel Washington – hands down.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn or email me at tfairgood@avescholars.org.