Inspiring youth: career panel on February 21 (updated)

The Youth Policy Committee hosted a career panel on Feb. 21 in honor of Black History Month.

In celebration of Black History Month, the Youth Policy Committee of the Center for College & Careers (CCC) hosted an in-person career panel on Monday, February 21. The panel included three esteemed Black professionals from our local community answered questions and provided insight regarding the paths they chose, the experiences they gained, and the lessons they learned along the way.

One universal message stressed by the panelists: asking for help is a sign of maturity and growth. “Never be afraid to ask for assistance when needed,” emphasized Mr. Yizar. “Utilize the resources you have.”

Ms. Parham, an entrepreneur who invested her last $750 in her dream, shared: “People will come and go. Most of the ones who you thought were on your side will end up not supporting you in the long-term. Most of them will secretly never wish to see you successful. If it’s one thing that I can tell you, it would be to always bet on yourself”.

Panelists included:

• Rosemarie Barker, MD
  Dr. Barker is a pediatrician in New York City. She attended medical school at SUNY Upstate Medical Center and completed her medical training at Westchester Medical Center. She enjoys serving families and children in the New York City area. “The positive impact that I can have on the lives of patients and their families keeps me invested. Every child if given the right tools has the potential for greatness!”

• Wynter C. Parham, Owner, Wynter’s Wonderland Sweet Treats & Southern Cuisine Catering, LLC
  Ms. Parham started baking with her great-grandmother when she was seven years old and continued to do so for family and friends. One year, after being laid off from her job, her son wanted a Super Mario Birthday cake that she could not afford. She knew she could bake the cake but decorating it was another story. She studied YouTube and was able to get it done. Once friends and family discovered she could do “designer” cakes they started to order special designs from her. In 2014, she took her last $750 to LLC her name, ordered business cards and a Square reader to take card payments, and the rest is history (or, should we say, herstory).

• Daymon S. Yizar, Fire Commissioner and Community Leader
  Mr. Yizar has extensive experience in the field of education and law enforcement. A retired police detective, he was a certified EMT, D.A.R.E. Officer, School Resource Office, Youth Officer and PBA Board Member. He currently serves as Fire Commissioner of the Fairview Fire District in the Township of Greenburgh and Membership Chairperson for the African American Men of Westchester, Inc. He is also a member of the many civic organizations. Mr. Yizar has received numerous awards and citations but his prize possession is the Paul Harris Fellow Award from Rotary International.

The Youth Policy Committee gives participants a voice regarding the of types services and programming that the CCC offers. They create special events, such as this panel. The Committee participants also help resolve any issues that may arise. Any young person interested in learning what the CCC has to offer can reach out to CCC

The Center for College & Careers is located at 256 Washington Street in Mount Vernon. It is a program of The Guidance Center of Westchester, which is an affiliate of Access: Supports for Living.