On October 19th, the NIU College of Business will welcome Kareem K.W.O.E. Wells, entrepreneur, Level Next recording artist and motivator, and Robin Robinson, founder of Birdland Media and veteran
Chicago Fox 32 news reporter. Wells and Robinson will introduce and celebrate the evolution of the college’s Passport Program, a co-curricular program recently expanded to include a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion focus in support of the institution’s overall focus in this area. Current NIU Business students can find registration details on the Passport Suitable app.
In an immersive presentation scheduled on October 19th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wells will share his story through spoken word, visual presentation and special musical performances. An interactive shared experience, his presentation will embody all of the brands within the K.W.O.E Group. Wells’ message is rooted in the K.W.O.E. Theory of Change:
- Know your genius
- Work to be unstoppable
- Own your actions
- Explore the world
The K.W.O.E. Theory of Change has become a way of life for Wells and provided him with the strength to find his passion and make a difference in his own life as well as others.
About Kareem K.W.O.E. Wells. From the streets to the C-suites, Kareem K.W.O.E. Wells is not settling for his own success. He has applied his entrepreneurial skills learned on the streets of the West Side of Chicago to build the K.W.O.E Group. The brand portfolio includes Flow Entertainment, the K.W.O.E. Foundation, K.W.O.E Stories and K.W.O.E The Artist. Wells has channeled his passion for music and positive messages through his work as an artist with Level Next Music. Wells sees countless “Kareems” in his old neighborhood and throughout Chicago: excellence, innovation and talent being diverted to tragedy for lack of resources, opportunities and chances. Through the care, support and belief of a few special individuals coupled with Wells’ own resilience, hope and determination for success, a new life story was fostered. With a grateful heart, Wells started his 501(c)(3), K.W.O.E. Foundation. He gives his time, life lessons and financial support to providing youth with entrepreneurial networking opportunities while helping Black-owned businesses in their communities scale and create generational wealth through the WeUp initiative, among other charitable causes and organizations throughout the city.
About the Business Passport program. Business Passport is a co-curricular program that provides NIU Business students with opportunities to gain experiences outside the classroom in order to broaden their business perspective, enhance their marketability and help define their personal brand. Program content is organized around continents and now includes the addition of a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion continent. All NIU College of Business students are required to complete a set level of programming in each of the continents; they graduate with both an academic transcript and a Business Passport co-curricular transcript.
by A. Buhrow, Senior Director, Strategy, Student Success & Accreditation, NIU College of Business; edits by M. De Jean, Director of Marketing, NIU College of Business
