The CDC of Tampa, Inc. Premieres Youth Leadership Retreat for Minority Males

TAMPA, Fla.- (Feb. 21, 2014) – The Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa, Inc. (CDC of Tampa) is hosting its inaugural Suit Up & Show Up event on February 24 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County. Suit Up & Show Up is designed to provide minority male youth, 16-24 years of age, with an opportunity to engage with minority male professionals who are eager to empower them with knowledge, tenacity and self-assurance. 

News Channel 8 anchor, Rod Carter, will serve as the emcee and Tampa Bay Times columnist and East Hillsborough Bureau Chief, Ernest Hooper, will be the keynote speaker. Both men have an active role in our community encouraging young men in personal and professional development and are eager to participate in this initial event.   

“I’m so thrilled the CDC is hosting this event,” said Ernest Coney, CEO and President of the CDC of Tampa. “I know it will be an impactful, positive experience and a chance for these young men to gain opportunities about making good choices and building confidence in their abilities to achieve success in their future.”

Youth will participate in breakout sessions on goal setting, personal responsibility, and suiting up for the roles in your life. After completing the sessions, the youth will begin their transformation at the CDC of Tampa’s Suit Up Closet to select a suit, shirt, tie, and shoes to take home. 

For more information on the CDC of Tampa visit http://www.cdcoftampa.org/ .  Additional information on Suit Up & Show Up may be found at http://www.cdcoftampa.org/suit-up-and-show-up/  or by contacting Julie Rocco at [email protected]  or 727.254.7131. 

About CDC of Tampa
The Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa, Inc. (CDC of Tampa) creates opportunities for people to improve their lives and strengthen their communities by providing access to job training and placement, affordable housing and youth programs. The CDC was incorporated in 1992 for the purpose of alleviating poverty and physical deterioration in Hillsborough County’s East Tampa community. CDC of Tampa is a charter member of the NeighborWorks® network, consisting of 240 private nonprofit affiliates that work in nearly 4,500 urban, rural and suburban communities nationwide.

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