Jamarr Myers, Board Member
CFK Foundation presents "Meet the Board", providing a chance for our donor base to get to know us and why we are so passionate about what we do!
Favorite Color: Honolulu Blue
Favorite Food: Chicken Marsala with Extra, Extra Mushrooms
Favorite Sport: Kickball
Vacation Spot, Beach or Mountains: My favorite vacation spots are Virginia Beach and Washington, D.C. because Virginia Beach offers beautiful ocean views, relaxing sandy beaches, and a fun boardwalk with great restaurants and entertainment. Washington, D.C. is a great place to visit because of its rich history, famous landmarks like the White House and Lincoln Memorial, and incredible museums that offer something for everyone.
How did you become involved with the CFK Foundation?
I became involved with the CFK Foundation through the incredible work they supported when I ran the Future Ready program. Having lived in both Maryland and Rochester, I’ve seen firsthand the profound impact CFK has had on so many young people, and I’m honored to contribute to its mission in a greater capacity.
The foundation’s work aligns closely with my passion for empowering future leaders. Future Ready, a program I created, has been a proud recipient of CFK’s support, and their contributions have helped transform lives.
Because of CFK, we’ve been able to:
Sponsor an out-of-state HBCU College Tour, exposing students to new possibilities and inspiring them to dream bigger.
Support programs like "What’s Cookin'?", where students develop valuable culinary and life skills that prepare them for success.
Reduce barriers to education by providing students with opportunities to pursue college, career programs, and high school success.
Offer scholarship opportunities that help students further their education and careers.
CFK’s dedication to breaking down barriers and creating pathways for young people is exactly the kind of work I believe in. Their commitment to ensuring that every student has access to opportunities, mentorship, and resources is what makes them so impactful. Joining the board allows me to continue giving back and helping more students step into their full potential.
What is it that motivates you to give back to your community?
Giving back is personal to me. My parents set an example of service and care for others, and after losing them at a young age, I realized how powerful it is to have people who pour into you. When I was young, I made a lot of mistakes, but I was fortunate to have people step in, guide me, and help me get on the right track. Their support gave me a second chance, and I owe it to them to do right by it.
I strive to honor my parents' memory by making a difference—especially for young people who may not have the guidance or opportunities they deserve. More than anything, I want to be who I needed when I was younger, offering mentorship, encouragement, and access to opportunities that can change lives.
What challenges do you see for our future generations?
Access and equity remain the biggest challenges. Whether it’s education, financial literacy, or career pathways, too many young people don’t have the resources or support systems to help them succeed. Technology is advancing rapidly, and while it creates opportunities, it also widens gaps.
Beyond that, too many kids are forced to grow up too early—whether due to parents not being in the household for a number of reasons or simply having to take on responsibilities beyond their years. That lack of stability can lead to a sense of hopelessness, where joining a gang seems like a better opportunity because of the camaraderie it offers, rather than facing loneliness and uncertainty alone.
Ensuring that all youth—regardless of background—have the tools, guidance, and sense of belonging they need to thrive is critical. No young person should feel like they have to choose between struggling alone or finding support in the wrong places.
What brings you gratitude in life?
There are two things that bring me immense gratitude. First, seeing the impact of small acts of kindness. A conversation, an opportunity, a connection—these things can change someone’s life. I am grateful for every mentor, friend, and leader who invested in me. I try to pass that same energy forward. Second, seeing my kids grow up and find themselves. They know how hard I work and that I haven’t always been as present as I wanted to be because I was busy helping other young people. But instead of resenting it, they want to be a part of it. Watching them join me in those efforts, seeing their hearts grow tremendously, and knowing they share a passion for making a difference—it means everything to me.
How do you define success?
Success is about legacy—not just what you accomplish, but how you lift others as you climb. It’s not measured by titles or wealth, but by the lives you impact, the doors you open for others, and the culture of giving you help create. If I can create lasting change, empower others, and leave my community better than I found it, that’s success to me. Success is also about personal growth—becoming the best version of yourself while making sure others have the opportunity to do the same.
Why is it important to you to give back?
Because someone gave to me. I wouldn’t be where I am without the people who stepped in when I needed guidance, encouragement, or a push. Giving back isn’t an obligation—it’s a responsibility. It’s about honoring those who believed in me and making sure that no young person feels like they have to navigate life alone. I believe in breaking cycles, opening doors, and creating opportunities where none existed before.
What does “community” mean to you?
Community is about connection. It’s the people who show up for you, who challenge you, who believe in you when you don’t believe in yourself. It’s about shared experiences, lifting each other up, and building something greater together. Community is family—not just by blood, but through the bonds we create by supporting each other. It’s a responsibility to look out for one another and ensure no one is left behind.
Who inspires you?
My parents and my twin brother, Jermayne. They’ve shaped my values, my work ethic, and my heart for service. I also draw inspiration from the youth I work with—they remind me why this work matters. Seeing their resilience, creativity, and ambition motivates me to keep pushing forward. I’m also inspired by mentors and leaders who have paved the way, showing me what it means to lead with purpose and integrity.
How do you prepare yourself to overcome hurdles professionally & personally?
Faith, discipline, and perspective. I remind myself that every challenge is temporary and that adversity often brings growth. I also lean on my network—no one succeeds alone. When faced with obstacles, I take a step back, evaluate the situation, and approach it with a problem-solving mindset. I’ve learned that setbacks aren’t failures—they’re just lessons that prepare you for the next level. I also focus on self-care, making sure I recharge so I can continue to show up at my best.
If you had all the money in the world, what would you do with it?
I’d invest in reading, writing, and vocabulary education because literacy is the foundation for success. I’d create programs that make learning engaging and accessible, ensuring that young people develop the skills they need to communicate effectively and navigate the world with confidence.
Entrepreneurship would be another key focus, approached through fun and creative ways that help young people see the value of their ideas and the opportunities they can create for themselves. Teaching financial literacy and business skills early can change the trajectory of entire communities.
Family unity is something I’d prioritize by creating spaces and opportunities for families to reconnect. Whether through family dinners, game nights, movie nights, or family portraits, I want to help bring people back together and reinforce the importance of strong family bonds.
Experiential learning is critical, and I’d ensure kids have the chance to travel beyond their zip codes, experience different cultures, and explore career paths they never knew existed. Exposure breeds ambition, and when young people see what’s possible, they begin to dream bigger and work toward greater goals.
Community development would be at the heart of it all, creating sustainable opportunities that lead to generational success. By investing in mentorship, workforce development, and infrastructure that uplifts underserved communities, I’d work to ensure that every young person has the tools and support they need to build a thriving future.
And, of course, I’d open that high-quality, fun family-style restaurant I’ve always dreamed of—a place where people can come together, share great food, and create lasting memories.
What does the next 5 years for the CFK Foundation look like?
Expanding reach, increasing impact, and creating more opportunities for youth to succeed. I see CFK continuing to build stronger mentorship programs, scholarship initiatives, and partnerships that empower young people to achieve their full potential. We will redefine what it means to support and uplift the next generation of leaders—ensuring that they have the resources, guidance, and community to thrive. CFK will be a driving force in closing opportunity gaps and proving that when young people are given the right tools, they can change the world.