Story #102: Kwame Owusu-Kesse, CYEP Alum and Harlem Children’s Zone CEO

Kwame Owusu-Kesse ‘06 is the CEO of Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ), a globally recognized organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty and providing educational opportunities to underserved communities. Appointed CEO in 2020 after serving as COO, Kwame has led HCZ through a period of transformative growth, expanding its place-based model to communities nationwide. He co-founded the William Julius Wilson Institute with HCZ President Geoffrey Canada, and played a pivotal role in launching initiatives like the National COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Effort, which provided critical support to Black and brown communities impacted by the pandemic. Additionally, he spearheaded Wealth Builds, HCZ's ambitious initiative aimed at closing the wealth gap by equipping young people and families with the tools and education to create lasting financial stability. Under his leadership, HCZ serves over 22,000 children and families in Central Harlem with a comprehensive, cradle-to-career support system.

Read more about HCZ here.

Kwame volunteered with PBHA during his time at Harvard and has remained a strong supporter of the organization ever since. A Stride Scholar and CYEP alum, he was honored with PBHA’s Outstanding Alumnus Award in 2023. In his acceptance speech, Kwame reflected on how his experiences with PBHA shaped his understanding of community and leadership, noting that he continues to see his own story in the young people he mentors both at HCZ and beyond. PBHA is incredibly proud of Kwame’s commitment to social justice initiatives through his nonprofit work in New York and look forward to seeing his continued impact.

Kwame Owusu-Kesse (left) and David Dance (right)

Photo from PBHA’s 2023 Alumni Dinner.