MORTAR
Sean Simpson is an accomplished Program Manager with experience in workforce development and training, currently serving at MORTAR since August 2022. Previously, Sean held the position of Program Manager at Public Allies, focusing on training and coaching through a social justice lens. Earlier roles include Student Staff Hiring Manager and Neighborhood Operations Coordinator at the University of Cincinnati, as well as a Graduate Assistant in Graduate Admissions at Wright State University. Sean's background also includes serving as a Program Associate at Playworks, where responsibilities encompassed office management, recruitment, and program outreach. Sean holds multiple degrees from Wright State University, including a Master's in Higher Education Administration and a Master's in Education, emphasizing Student Counseling and Personnel Services, along with a Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership.
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MORTAR
Honestly, it can be very difficult for urban entrepreneurs to start or maintain existing businesses – especially without an existing business background or access to resources. In areas like Over-The-Rhine, the development moves so quickly that it may feel like catching up – or keeping up is an impossible goal. Our plan is to implement a ten-week business course designed to help low-income urban entrepreneurs build or expand their dream businesses, giving them the tools to help them grow with their neighborhoods. The curriculum we are using has been proven and pioneered by LAUNCH Chattanooga targeting a similar demographic. We believe that Cincinnati is definitely ready for a program like MORTAR that will lead to improved quality of life, business ownership, job creation and a flourishing local economy. While Over-The-Rhine is definitely our epicenter, we believe that the MORTAR program will have a ripple effect in surrounding areas, becoming a magnet that draws in entrepreneurial students from all around Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, therefore having an even broader reach and impact. Through education, guidance and mentorship, we will be able to effectively challenge the perceptions of how entrepreneurs are built and what their legacies will become.