KANSAS CITY, Mo. — In a time when society is working to bring equality to the Black community, Big Brothers/Big Sisters is continuing a program giving young adults work experience at minority-owned businesses.
Lonnie Thompson recently graduated from high school with an interest in becoming a construction manager.
Through BBBS’ Access Internship program, Thompson has been working with Axiom Construction CEO Daniel Felder.
“He has this unique fire in him,” Felder said. “I remember when I sat out at the interview with him - he was a little timid - but I saw a fire inside him. He truly has a desire to do something greater than himself.”
In addition to the formal internship program, Felder also serves as a mentor for Thompson.
“A lot of people don’t get this opportunity, and I’m taking everything that I’m doing,” Thompson said. “I’m not taking it for granted at all. I really like it.
This year marks the second year of the program. Ten young adults receive a stipend as part of their internship.
Editor's note: A previous version of this story misspelled Daniel Felder's last name.
