News Summary
Charlotte Startup Labs is celebrating pivotal staff promotions alongside the launch of ReConnex, a new tech repair business designed to empower justice-impacted individuals. With a mission to provide affordable tech repair services, ReConnex aims to create learning and job opportunities within local communities. This initiative represents a significant step towards enhancing entrepreneurship and workforce development in the area.
Exciting Developments for Charlotte’s Tech Scene and Justice-Impacted Community
Charlotte is buzzing with excitement as Charlotte Startup Labs, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship and workforce development for justice-impacted individuals, celebrates significant staff promotions and the upcoming launch of an innovative tech repair business! This initiative shines a light on community growth and opportunity.
Promotions That Spark Change
Recently, several pivotal changes have been announced within the staff at Charlotte Startup Labs. Travis Williams is stepping up as the new Director of Strategic Impact. In this role, he will oversee program initiatives, focus on operational efficiency, and aid in financial and strategic planning. His vision is key to driving impactful changes within the organization.
Charlotte Startup Labs didn’t stop there. Shaheedah Ross has been appointed as the Director of Restorative Pathways, where she will lead healthcare career initiatives aimed at supporting justice-impacted individuals. It’s her mission to expand partnerships with workplaces open to giving second-chance opportunities.
Moreover, the team recognizes the importance of entrepreneurship in this journey. Enter Margaret Velez, now the Director of the ReEntry Entrepreneurship Program. Her focus will be helping formerly incarcerated individuals kickstart their businesses and find their place in the economic landscape.
Adding even more depth to the team, LeeRoy Jordan has joined as a Senior Consultant for Restorative Pathways, bringing nearly four decades of restorative justice expertise. His insights and experience will significantly enhance the workplace readiness program, paving the way for many.
ReConnex: A New Chapter in Tech Repair
Charlotte Startup Labs is gearing up to launch a fantastic new retail tech repair business named ReConnex (Reentry Connections) at 5420 N. Tryon Street in north Charlotte this May. Spanning 1,400 square feet, ReConnex will offer accessible digital device repair services, particularly targeting low-income communities. This is more than just a tech repair shop; it’s a lifeline for those in need of affordable services.
The launch of ReConnex represents a pilot program funded by a generous $400,000 Digital Champions grant from the N.C. Department of Information Technology’s Office of Digital Opportunity. This program’s aim is clear: to lift justice-impacted individuals by acquiring valuable tech skills and creating ownership opportunities within a cooperative economic model.
What makes ReConnex even more special is that it will be co-owned and staffed by four graduates of the ReEntry Entrepreneurship Program: Elsworth Usher, Brandon Moore, Mustafa Jenkins, and Jessica Townes. These bright entrepreneurs represent the success of the program, which has been training individuals affected by the justice system since 2018.
Creating Opportunities Together
In collaboration with iFixAmerica, the initiative offers training for repair technicians and customer service roles, ensuring that each individual stepping into the job market is fully prepared and equipped with necessary skills.
The location of ReConnex is particularly strategic, situated within one of Charlotte’s six “Corridors of Opportunity”, an area designated for economic development and enhancement for local residents. This positions the tech repair business as not only a place of learning and job creation but also as an integral part of the community fabric.
Charlotte Startup Labs is clearly making waves in the local tech scene and justice-impacted community. The progressive initiatives and staff developments underscore the commitment to creating lasting change and bridging gaps for those who need it most. As the city gears up for the May launch, there’s a collective sense of hope and excitement, proving that with the right support, anyone can find a pathway to success.
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Additional Resources
- The Charlotte Post
- WCNC
- Charlotte Observer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Entrepreneurship
- Google Search: Charlotte Startup Labs
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
