First Generation of R.I.C.H Leaders

Metanoya Z. Webb

Metanoya joined the RICH program in 1994 and it has helped her become the woman she is today. She is the national spokesperson for the organization and former classroom facilitator. Metanoya is a storyteller, editor, and writer who currently works with Essence and Domino Magazines. In her free time, she loves traveling, she has visited over 50 countries and has lived in London, Costa Rica and Belize.

Which of the RICH 4 Guiding Principles helped you succeed the most and why?

I matter. There’s something about this principle that gives you a certain level of confidence that really sets you apart. Life isn’t always easy, but when you know that you matter and that you’re worthy you put one foot in front of the other and keep going no matter what obstacles life throws your way.

Why do you think the RICH 4 Guiding Principles are so important to your success?

They provided a foundation that kept me grounded and inspired. The principles are tools that eventually become embedded in you. What’s amazing, is to now watch the future generation of young leaders utilize them and really reap the benefits. It’s like a proven success formula, that’s what makes it so cool, it’s accessible to everyone but the people who actually figure out how to apply these principles to their everyday lives will always succeed.

Chrisann Anderson

Chrisann joined the RICH program as a very shy sixth grader. RICH helped her become more confident by helping her improve her writing, presentation and interpersonal skills. She is now in her last semester of graduate school and will soon get her Master's in Industrial Organizational Psychology. A quote she likes to live by is: “No one is you and that is your superpower” so be you, and be confidently you.

Which of the RICH 4 Guiding Principles helped you succeed the most and why?

I matter. This is the main RICH principle that kind of sums up everything else. Ultimately, once an individual understands their importance, they're able to really go out in the world and accomplish their goals and learn how to be compassionate towards others. So, whenever you think about quitting or giving up, just always understand that you matter. It's really being your authentic self and expressing who you are. Don't hide behind the mask, be uniquely you.

Why do you think the RICH 4 Guiding Principles are so important to your success?

RICH helped me overcome my shyness by allowing me to come outside of my comfort zone. I remember we would have to stand in a circle and describe which RICH principle we were going to use throughout our week to improve whatever issue we had. Through that, I gained a lot of confidence in what I had to say. Everyone has something important to say. So, never feel like what you have to say is less than anyone else. I have confidence so now I make eye contact, project my voice, and really understand how to be successful inside and outside of the classrooms. It's been a long journey, but I'm here. I'm achieving my goals.

Joseph B. Barclay

When Joseph joined the RICH program in 1992, he was on the verge of expulsion. Using the 4 Guiding Principles, Joseph had a complete transformation and became valedictorian of his elementary school. He currently serves on RICH's Board of Directors while balancing a career in financial data. He is successfully pursuing his real estate dreams having doubled his real estate portfolio this past year. He has four children, two of which are named after himself.

Which of the RICH 4 Guiding Principles helped you succeed the most and why?

I am responsible for my behavior. because I used to get into a lot of altercations with my classmates and others, which ended up being detrimental to my school success. Now, I am more conscious of how I react to things.

Why do you think the RICH 4 Guiding Principles are so important to your success?

The RICH principles gave me a path to follow. They made me more aware and definitely more responsible.

Akilah Bird-Watson

Akilah joined RICH in 1992. She is a mother, a partner, a friend, a certified financial coach and counselor, a mentor, and a RICH Graduate.

Which of the RICH 4 Guiding Principles helped you succeed the most and why?

Throughout my life and my journey, the most valuable principle I’ve been able to reference continuously is: I matter. It may seem cliché but although I wear many hats in life between family, career, friendships, and business, as long as I stay true to myself and always make sure I am honest and accountable for treating myself the way I expect others to treat me, I’ve found that the universe is giving me back what I put out.

Why do you think the RICH 4 Guiding Principles are so important to your success?

These principles were introduced to me at a time in my life where I was figuring out the world and where I fit in. What they did was ground me and give me a foundation of relatable concepts that I could guide my thoughts and behaviors around. My parents sowed the seeds of these principles, but the RICH program gave me the space to water and nurture the seeds, so they could plant strong roots and manifest throughout my life. My roots are solid and founded on the Guiding Principles, and I’m passing them down to my children, so they may show up in the world as loving, respectable, accountable and amazing human beings.

Sherman Whittenburg

Sherman joined the RICH program in 1992. He is a former actor and model who now lives in Saudia Arabia. In addition to being in hundreds of magazines, he is a retired basketball player. He attributes all of his success to him believing in himself and always using the 4 RICH Guiding Principles.

Which of the RICH 4 Guiding Principles helped you succeed the most and why?

I matter. There's a long road for a young man at 11 years old. When you understand and have the confidence that you matter, you're able to face the society that you live in. This principle helped me realize that failure is not an option and that I had to work hard, even from a young age. With the I matter principle, you are able to go into careers and academic environments with the self-confidence to know that you want to be somebody in life and you're going to put in the work to do it.

Why do you think the RICH 4 Guiding Principles are so important to your success?

I lived by those four principles my entire life. They deal with all the aspects that someone needs to be successful in life. I was hired as a professional model on my first shot and I think a lot of that just had to do with the way I carried myself. These principles allowed me to be confident under any circumstances. I remained confident, no matter how high the level of competition. My self-confidence really helped me and that was all due to the RICH program; RICH invested in me and I invested in myself.

New Generation of R.I.C.H Young Leaders

See how the RICH Graduates have blossomed over the years

Kayla joined the RICH program in 2012. She went from a shy fifth grader to a confident high school senior. In 2015, Kayla volunteered as a RICH peer leader where she mentored other RICH students. She currently attends Howard University.

Join us on Social Media for the #richimatterchallenge. We want to hear the story behind why YOU matter!

Developing positive attitudes and relationships for school success.

We thank you for supporting our next generation of leaders.