Cultivating Humanity and Purpose: Lessons From CHAMP's Nonprofit Journey

This week Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Brawley Chisholm III. The two talk about the journey of founding a nonprofit, the challenges of getting started, and the game-changing benefits of offering free events that teach everything from financial literacy to coding, yoga, and basketball.  In this episode, we discuss: How Brawley Chisholm III, former Harlem Globetrotter, channeled his basketball passion and New York roots into founding CHAMP (Cultivating Humanity And Manifesting Purpose), inspired by childhood programs that provided free access to sports for inner-city kids. What drove Brawley to launch CHAMP—recognizing that while he achieved his athletic dreams, he felt a void in community impact, leading him to create free events blending sports, life skills, and professional development for underserved youth. When CHAMP's first event took place at a Baltimore public school, quickly snowballing into larger back-to-school initiatives like the Bronx event at Mallalis Park near Yankee Stadium, serving 200 kids with rotating skill-building stations. Why consistency and starting small matters—Brawley emphasizes overcoming overthinking by leaning on mentors, with CHAMP expanding to teen summits in Indiana featuring panels, meditation, sales training, coding, and gaming scholarships. How CHAMP addresses modern needs like social media, AI, and gaming careers, teaching kids to look beyond playing games to opportunities in production, logos, and business behind them.   Brawley Chisholm III is a three-time Emmy-nominated entertainer, longtime Harlem Globetrotter, and founder of CHAMP—his youth nonprofit focused on financial literacy, wellness, creativity, and career development for ages 8–18. After performing in over 60 countries, he's dedicated his platform to mentorship and purpose-driven impact. He also co-leads EMCC Media, producing cinematic brand storytelling for companies like Converse and Jordan Brand, and hosts "Confidently Different," a motivational series centered on confidence and mental wellness. Born in Brooklyn and raised in The Bronx, Brawley's mission is simple: inspire through authenticity, purpose, and service. https://becomeachamp.org/