Spark the Journey hosted a community event on May 1, 2024, and we were honored to welcome program alumnus Julius Johnson as one of our speakers. Read on for a transcript of his speech and to learn about how mentorship made a lasting impact in his life.
The first time my mom and I met my mentor, Terrence, I was really nervous. But we immediately clicked. He was into sports, like me. He remembered the struggles of high school and could really relate to me. I’m so grateful I met Terrence during such a pivotal moment in my life.
Looking back to my time with Spark the Journey, I can see now that so much of what I learned has paved the way for me to get to where I am today. I remember attending a huge career fair and getting to network with people from companies I’d never even heard of before. Through Spark, I learned how to interview and put my best foot forward. While I was an undergrad at Howard University, I was able to leverage these skills to get an internship with the Washington Wizards.
Later, I went on to get a dual MBA/Master of Science from the University of South Florida, and then returned to work full-time at the Wizards for four years. Today, I work in the Suites and Sponsorships department at the Washington Commanders. In so many ways, this journey began all the way back at that career fair with Spark.
Like Janiya and Josephine, two of our other speakers tonight, I was also on the Student Leadership Council back in the day. That group helped me grow into a true leader and explore various ways to give back to my community.
Fast forward to just a few short years ago, and giving back became even more important during the pandemic. It was during that time that my involvement with Spark came full circle and I returned to the organization as a mentor. My wife, who’s here with me tonight, even became a mentor too. It was priceless to be able to connect with someone who was going through the same things that I once went through. My mentee has gone on to start his own business, and I know that he’ll continue to pay it forward, just like I have.
Spark the Journey will always be with me. I often think back to my time with Terrence, and everything I learned from him that continues to guide me to this day. I’m also grateful to Khari, who’s been an unbelievable friend and a mentor for many years now as well. I’m part of a cycle that started over thirty years ago when Spark was founded, and will hopefully continue for many decades to come. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for this incredible organization.