Today we’d like to introduce you to Myetie Hamilton.
Myetie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised on the south side of Chicago. The daughter of a teenage mother, and amazingly supportive grandparents, I grew up two miles away from Epic. I am multi-racial, my mom is African American and my father (who I did not meet until the age of 30) is Lebanese. Research says that children from teenage single-parent homes are more likely to drop out of school, go to jail, and become teenage parents. But, it is because of my story and not in spite of – I proudly stand today as a first-generation college graduate, proud wife and mother of twin daughters, and as executive director of Epic Academy. Because I had a village of people – both at home and school – who believed in me – and an unwavering faith in God that assured me that anything was possible.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I was raised without the presence of a Dad – but had an amazing grandfather who was and will always be my first hero and the man that I have followed in my career as a public servant. My pathway has not been easy but has always been blessed by the grace and direction of God. I have overcome many obstacles in climbing the career ladder and the challenges that come with being a double minority (being a woman and being black). I never allowed fear or circumstance to stop me from reaching my goals or breaking down barriers on behalf of under-served youth. I recognize no as only meaning not now and I deeply believe that all things are possible – always.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Epic Academy Charter School story. Tell us more about the business.
The story of Epic originated several years ago, with five teachers who met at a coffee shop to imagine the perfect high school. They were all veterans of urban education and understood the challenges faced by young men and women coming of age in an under-served community and the supports they needed to overcome a legacy of discrimination. Under the leadership of our founder, Matthew King, Epic Academy was formed and opened in 2009. As executive director, I am so proud to lead the continued growth of Epic Academy. With over 19 years of experience leading innovative change in K-12 education, and a deep personal and professional commitment to Chicago’s south side, I am humbled to serve our youth and the South Chicago community. As executive director, I am responsible for leading organizational strategy and vision, fundraising and external relations, and board engagement. With an amazingly committed team, we work to eliminate the achievement and access gap and help change the trajectory of generational poverty for our students and families.
The nurturing environment that our teachers and staff provide at Epic is fundamentally what differentiates us from other schools. We are a neighborhood charter high school and we believe in our students and acknowledge their circumstances/obstacles as assets and not deficits. Regardless of these obstacles – they have great promise and deserve to have exceptionally bright futures. Epic Academy is a level 1 high school and the highest performing school in our surrounding area – with 100% college acceptance and 81% college enrollment for our students.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe in luck – but I do believe deeply in the grace and favor of my higher power, Jesus Christ. My faith and belief in God have been the differentiating factor in my life – my entire life.
Contact Info:
- Address: Epic Academy 8255 South Houston
Chicago, IL 60617 - Website: epicacademy.org
- Phone: 773-535-7930
- Email: mhamilton@epicacademy.org
- Facebook: @epicacademyhighschool
- Twitter: @Epic_Academy
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