REC Coordinators are vital to Urban Initiatives’ mission of empowering Chicago’s youth to become agents of community change through academic success, healthy living, and leadership development. They drive systematic change by connecting stakeholders and strengthening the social fabric of the community. Meet KyJuan, one of UI’s newest REC Coordinators!
Basic info: Name, birthday, where you last went to school
KyJuan Hardin , July 15 1995 , Kenwood Academy.
Who is your favorite Spice Girl/Backstreet Boy/Power Ranger?
Definitely the Red Ranger, red is my favorite color and he was also the leader.
Who is someone that has really inspired you in your lifetime?
Kobe Bryant and my grandmother.
If we gave you $20 to go spend on anything right now, what would you buy?
Giordano’s pizza.
What’s your favorite type of cheese and why?
Nacho Cheese because it taste great on everything.
What is your spirit animal?
A cheetah!
If you were to throw a dinner party, who are 3 people you’d want to invite?
Kobe Bryant, My Grandma, and Chris Tucker.
What is the last book you read?
Al Capone’s Diary.
What’s the best place to get food in Chicago?
It really depends on what you want to eat , I like pizza so I’d say Waldo’s or Giordano’s.
How would your best friend describe you?
My best friend would describe me as random , thoughtful and funny.
What’s your favorite childhood sports-related memory?
My favorite sports memory was making Kenwood’s basketball team my sophomore year I high school. I was nervous to even try out because it was the first year I took basketball serious. On top of that I taught myself so I thought I would not be good enough.
What are you most excited about for this year?
I’m excited about just turning a new leaf. I want to get out to see and do things that I haven’t done before . Especially now that I’ve turned 21 . I’m also excited to learn and grow up with urban initiatives. I love the job and getting to do something you love is always a bonus.
What was your first impression of Jim Dower?
In the brief discussion I had about him I learned that he was a Chicago native who founded UI . Personally I’m a fan of all innovative and influential figures out of Chicago . I feel like he’s an example of striving for what you want to achieve even if you have to start from scratch.