mentoring-young-entrepreneurs
mentoring-young-entrepreneurs

Louisville, Kentucky

MOB 1ST LLC

MOB 1ST (My Own Brand First) is a West Louisville, KY nonprofit dedicated to positively impacting the lives of at-risk and underserved young people by providing them with opportunities for growth and development. Since 2011, the organization has worked with the Jefferson County Public Schools system and local community groups to empower youth to become leaders and entrepreneurs. MOB 1ST focuses on Rubbertown, an industrial complex on the Ohio River, and home to a predominantly Black, low-wealth community where many face significant health challenges due to industrial pollution, and over 40% of residents live below the poverty line. MOB 1ST is working to change that trajectory. Through mentorship, business education, and leadership development, they are creating pathways to economic empowerment for the next generation of Rubbertown’s leaders.

MOB 1ST gives students opportunities to learn skills such as embroidery in their quests to become their own business owners. Photo: Eddie Roe

Through MOB 1ST’s programming,  students learn first-hand about entrepreneurship, from designing and making clothes to customizing logos for businesses and school programs. The all-volunteer organization was founded by Robert Edward Macklin, familiarly called Eddie Roe, a long-time resident who understands the challenges of growing up in West Louisville. As well as offering guidance on steps to becoming economically self-sufficient, he teaches embroidery and custom clothing design to area youth. His group has designed aprons for the school system’s culinary arts program, race shirts for the Iron Man company, and uniforms for Metro Louisville Government. Mentored by resident experts with successful local businesses, the youth of West Louisville are on track to sustainable futures in their community, and beyond.

Contact
Robert Edward Macklin, Founder & CEO
Climate impacts
Flooding
Strategies
Political activism, including protests, petitions, and lobbying, Art activism including murals, performances, photography, and videos, Community organizing and education, Risk mapping and/or monitoring, Legislation/policy reform
Environmental Justice Concerns
Incinerator/dumping/landfill, Lead contamination, Sewage/sewage treatment, Groundwater contamination, Air pollution
501c3 Tax Deductible
Yes
Accepting Donation
Yes