Kinecta Hosts Eighth Annual Defying the Odds Event
MANHATTAN BEACH, CA (March 3, 2026) – Kinecta Federal Credit Union proudly hosted its eighth annual Defying the Odds Black History Month event on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 empowering over 70 African American male students from eight local high school districts. The day featured mentorship, inspiration and career-focused discussions with accomplished African American male professionals.
The symposium kicked off with an interactive vision-boarding session, where students collaborated to map out their paths across future careers, health, and higher education. This hands-on exercise established a foundation of intentionality, underscoring the value of strategic planning. Following this, a dynamic panel of industry leaders engaged the students in a candid dialogue about maintaining a personal brand and commanding a presence in academic and professional spaces. Their shared experiences offered a masterclass in resilience and the critical decision-making required to navigate modern career and life challenges.
“The Defying the Odds initiative is more than an event — it’s a commitment to upward mobility,” said Latrice McGlothin, Community Executive Director at Kinecta. “Equipping young Black men with mentorship and tangible resources is vital for navigating today’s society. By connecting them with leaders who have paved the way, we are empowering the next generation to dream bigger and build a legacy of success.”
The event featured 20 distinguished mentors representing a cross-section of small business leaders, educators, athletic coaches, wealth advisors, corporate professionals, entrepreneurs, and a law enforcement officer, all committed to uplifting the next generation. Speakers included (partial list):
Throughout the event, students gained insights into career readiness, wealth-building, investing, personal branding, and business etiquette. Students left the event equipped with more than just inspiration; they received actionable strategies to help them navigate through their academic and professional futures.
Kinecta Federal Credit Union remains committed to fostering opportunities for young people through financial education, and community engagement initiatives.
The symposium kicked off with an interactive vision-boarding session, where students collaborated to map out their paths across future careers, health, and higher education. This hands-on exercise established a foundation of intentionality, underscoring the value of strategic planning. Following this, a dynamic panel of industry leaders engaged the students in a candid dialogue about maintaining a personal brand and commanding a presence in academic and professional spaces. Their shared experiences offered a masterclass in resilience and the critical decision-making required to navigate modern career and life challenges.
“The Defying the Odds initiative is more than an event — it’s a commitment to upward mobility,” said Latrice McGlothin, Community Executive Director at Kinecta. “Equipping young Black men with mentorship and tangible resources is vital for navigating today’s society. By connecting them with leaders who have paved the way, we are empowering the next generation to dream bigger and build a legacy of success.”
The event featured 20 distinguished mentors representing a cross-section of small business leaders, educators, athletic coaches, wealth advisors, corporate professionals, entrepreneurs, and a law enforcement officer, all committed to uplifting the next generation. Speakers included (partial list):
- Sean Patikas-Hunter, Wealth Advisor, Kinecta Wealth Management
- Marquis Boochee, VP Member Experience, Kinecta
- Dr. Doug A. Webber, Director of Palliative Care, Glendale Memorial Hospital
- Jonathan McBride, Global Managing Partner, Heidrick and Struggles
- Lieutenant Jason Bryant, Los Angeles County Sheriff Department
- Erick Walker, General Manager, Delta Airlines
- Ray Lawson, Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters
- Jakobe Dempsey, Actor
- John Jones III, CEO, Eastside Riders Bike Club
- Tony Magee, Principal Engineer, Aerojet Rocketdyne
Throughout the event, students gained insights into career readiness, wealth-building, investing, personal branding, and business etiquette. Students left the event equipped with more than just inspiration; they received actionable strategies to help them navigate through their academic and professional futures.
Kinecta Federal Credit Union remains committed to fostering opportunities for young people through financial education, and community engagement initiatives.