My name is Kwame Owusu-Kesse, the proud CEO of Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ).
Since taking on the role of CEO in 2020, this work has become so much more than a job — indeed, it is deeply personal. It’s because I see myself in the young people we serve. Growing up in Worcester, Mass., I encountered many of the same challenges they face — challenges that can define a young person’s path in life.
Fortunately, I was put on a different trajectory. I had adults in my life who were willing to invest in me and my future. That investment paid off: I went on to Harvard University where I earned three degrees, worked on Wall Street where I built a fruitful career, and now at HCZ, where I lead an organization that serves tens of thousands of children in families in Harlem and across the country.
I often like to say: I have the best job in the world. That’s because, in my role as CEO of this amazing organization, I get to witness our young people — young people who look like me and come from similar backgrounds — realize their potential.
I am so proud of our young people. They are a testament to what’s possible in communities like ours across the country.
-Kwame Owusu-Kesse, CEO, HCZ
Keep reading to discover more about the journey of our CEO Kwame Owusu-Kesse!
Oversees launch of HCZ into a truly national organization
Appointed to the role of CEO in 2020, after his tenure as COO, Mr. Owusu-Kesse launched HCZ’s transformation into a truly national organization — spearheading efforts to scale its place-based model to under-resourced communities across the country. To catalyze this effort, he co-founded our William Julius Wilson Institute with HCZ President and Founder Geoffrey Canada, and led our National COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Effort to support Black and brown communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.
Additionally, he shepherded the launch of Wealth Builds, HCZ’s audacious initiative to end intergenerational poverty and close the wealth gap by empowering young people and families with the education and resources to build successful financial futures. Locally, Mr. Owusu-Kesse oversees the administration of HCZ’s comprehensive, cradle-to-career services to over 22,000 children and families in Central Harlem.
“I see myself in the youth of HCZ”
Mr. Owusu-Kesse sees himself in the youth of HCZ. Growing up, he was fortunate to have opportunities as a young boy to receive a high-quality education and reach his academic potential. Now, he is helping the scholars of HCZ do the same.
After graduating high school, Mr. Owusu-Kesse earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Harvard University and launched his career at Morgan Stanley as an analyst. During his third year with the bank, he was chosen for an externship at HCZ — an experience that paved the way for his career at the organization.
After finishing the externship, Mr. Owusu-Kesse returned to Harvard, where he earned a Master’s in Business Administration from the Harvard Business School and a Master’s in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School. With his time at Harvard complete, Mr. Owusu-Kesse re-joined HCZ as managing director and special assistant to the CEO. Two years later, he was promoted to COO and finally, CEO.
As CEO, Mr. Owusu-Kesse became a national media figure who has appeared on numerous lists, including the 2024 TIME100 Next, TIME’s annual list spotlighting emerging leaders shaping the future of our society. Additionally, he was named in Crain’s New York Business 40 under 40, BET’s Future 40, City & State New York’s Nonprofit Power 100, and NY Politics and amNY Metro’s Power Players in Education lists. He has appeared on numerous national media shows, including CBS Sunday Morning, CNN Newsroom with Poppy Harlow, and MSNBC’s Live with Stephanie Ruhle. He has written and been interviewed for The New York Times, and he has been profiled in the publication’s “Sunday Routine.”
Helping young people achieve the American Dream
As CEO of HCZ, Mr. Owusu-Kesse is helping the young people of Harlem achieve the American Dream.
As he told our scholars at their high school graduation in 2024: “Each and every one of you is worthy of investment.”
Each year, hundreds of our scholars graduate from high school, hundreds more earn their college degrees, and many go on to build fruitful careers. We’ve proven that, as Mr. Owusu-Kesse often says, “the investments in our young people have paid off.”