Anthony Byers

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Age: 30

Title: Co- Executive Director

Company: Hartford Youth Scholars

Location: Hartford

Hometown: Hartford

College: University of Connecticut

Bio

Anthony Byers' life mirrors the work that he does daily as co-executive director of Hartford Youth Scholars. Byers found his way to a small independent high school in West Simsbury called The Master's School. It was this opportunity that he feels has made the difference between college success and college dropout. Coming from a low-income family where college success had not been the standard, the tight-knit community, rigorous academics, support and general college-going culture at Master's removed all doubt and skepticism about college completion.

Upon graduating college, Byers saw the value of an organization like Hartford Youth Scholars Foundation. Since 2007 Byers has served the organization in various programmatic roles and is now chiefly responsible for all aspects of programmatic success.

Starting with only 31 scholars and the premise that Hartford schoolchildren can achieve at high levels with adequate preparation, focus and support, Byers' programmatic leadership and vision has allowed Hartford Youth Scholars (HYSF) to blossom into an organization that now serves more than 200 scholars with more than 60 students in college. Byers has aided 60 percent of the scholars involved in the program toward this goal, accumulating over $8 million in financial aid at schools like Loomis Chaffee, Westminster, Ethel Walker, Choate Rosemary Hall and Philips Exeter.

Q&A

At what age did you decide what you wanted to do with your career? I was the ripe age of 21 when I finally made the decision to take this career path. After graduating UConn with a bachelor's degree in economics and much reflection upon my life, I realized the importance of sharing what I have learned with my community. I wanted to do something that was tangible, something that mattered.

Which destination has most shaped who you are in business and life today? I have not done much traveling in my life, but I am always fascinated by other cultures and just how grandiose this world is. It is extremely humbling to think about. It is humility and humbleness that have guided my footsteps along this career path.

If you could have four traveling companions (alive or dead, real or fictional) throughout your life's journey, who would you pick?

Nasir “Nas” Jones for his musical talent and ability to tell stories from the perspective of a young black man growing up in the inner city.

Oprah Winfrey for her second-to-none philanthropic endeavors and mentorship.

Michael Jordan because of his persistence, attention to detail and preparation.

Kevin Hart because he's a reminder that we can't take life too seriously. Live. Love. Laugh!