Shaping the Future
Mickey's Popcorn, a locally owned business in Memphis, founded by Kenny and Dr. Penny Mickey in 2020, is making waves not just with its delicious gourmet popcorn but also with its remarkable impact on the local community. Kenny, renowned as the 'master crafter,' brings a wealth of expertise in food production and logistics from his previous roles at Cargill and FedEx. On the other hand, Dr. Penny, with her extensive background in executive leadership in education and government, leads Mickey's Popcorn with a strategic vision. Dr. Penny's involvement with the Accion Opportunity Fund (AOF) FedEx E-Commerce Learning Lab introduced her to FedEx, paving the way for exciting collaborations.
Empowering Through Enterprise
Functioning as a social enterprise, Mickey's nonprofit arm, The Gradus Project, plays a pivotal role in offering transitional job opportunities for marginalized communities, including survivors of domestic violence, individuals with autism, and young adults seeking chances to succeed. Dr. Penny recently organized the inaugural 'On and Poppin Teen Camp' in partnership with food scientist Ali Manning, generously supported by FedEx Cares. This unique initiative welcomed high school students from Youth Villages in Memphis for an immersive entrepreneurial experience.
Nurturing Future Entrepreneurs
The camp immersed students in various activities, providing insights into corn harvesting, product packaging, and shipping logistics at FedEx facilities. Guided by Ali Manning, known for her work on Netflix's 'Snack vs. Chef,' participants explored potential career paths in agriculture and culinary arts. They had the opportunity to create their own original popcorn flavors, from 'hot bacon and cheese' to 'sour strawberry' and 'birthday cake surprise,' all packaged with creatively designed labels by the students themselves.
Inspiring Confidence and Professionalism
A standout session during the camp was led by Brock Carlson, an HR manager from FedEx Logistics, who shared valuable advice on networking and career growth. The camp culminated in teams presenting their popcorn creations to a panel of judges, including esteemed professionals like Dr. Penny, Kenny, and myself, a FedEx intern. The winning team, 'hot bacon and cheese,' triumphed over 'lemon cake surprise' in a closely contested competition for a $1,000 prize.
Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders
The success of the 'On and Poppin Teen Camp' extended beyond entrepreneurial skills, instilling confidence and providing exposure to the teen participants. Interacting with industry experts like Ali, Dr. Penny, Kenny, and Brock Carlson, the students gained valuable insights and mentorship. Mickey's Popcorn plans to expand this initiative, giving future winners the opportunity to brand and sell their creations, empowering Memphis youth to shape their destinies through entrepreneurship.
A Beacon of Hope
Mickey's Popcorn serves as a shining example of how a small business can profoundly impact young lives in its community, equipping them with practical skills and inspiring role models. As they continue to evolve and innovate, Mickey's Popcorn stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for the next generation of leaders in Memphis.