Kilil Roussaw grew up in Philadelphia and has spent more than a decade working with young people. He started as a teacher, built businesses in real estate and educational entrepreneurship, and today leads the KRoussaw Foundation, whose mission is to be a catalyst for change with education as the resource.
His belief is simple: when people know better, they can do better. In this episode of The PR Bunker Podcast, Kilil talks about the moment a young person realizes what's possible, how the foundation built a sustainable model, and why relatability comes first.
A few takeaways from the conversation:
Through mentorship, tutoring, college and career readiness and community programs, Kilil watches young people grow in ways they never imagined. Students who never thought they could go to college are now about to graduate, and some have started businesses based on what they learned. That impact is what keeps him going on the toughest days.
To make the work sustainable, the foundation became a licensed institution. The KRoussaw Institute of Technical and Workforce Development helps youth and young adults earn certifications in plumbing, HVAC, electrical and CDL, with more vocations on the way. It is the foundation's big push for 2027, with the goal of growing beyond DC and across the East Coast.
Kilil meets kids where they are and customizes programs instead of using a cookie-cutter model, because everyone learns differently. He credits his family's Philadelphia grit and the teachers who poured into him growing up.
At this summer's Summer Workforce Institute in Baltimore, one student arrived shy and afraid of public speaking. By graduation, her answer to the question "Why should I hire you?" brought the whole room to tears.
Kilil sums up the work in five words: exposure, experience, impact, perseverance and grit. You can support the foundation by volunteering, donating, sponsoring a program or a young person, or by following and sharing its work. Learn more at kroussawfoundation.org.
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What is the KRoussaw Foundation?
The KRoussaw Foundation is a nonprofit led by Kilil Roussaw that uses education as a resource for youth and young adults, through mentorship, tutoring, college and career readiness, community programs and workforce training.
What is the KRoussaw Institute of Technical and Workforce Development?
It is the foundation's licensed workforce program, helping youth and young adults earn certifications in plumbing, HVAC, electrical and CDL so they can find and keep good jobs.
How can I support the KRoussaw Foundation?
You can volunteer, donate, sponsor a program or a young person, or follow and share the foundation's work. Visit kroussawfoundation.org to get started.
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