Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jermaine Cooper . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jermaine , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

When I was 17 years old, a senior in high school.
I was in jeopardy of not graduating because of a state mandatory test. Yes I was graduating early only if I could conquer that test. A teacher of the school came to me and said come to my class during your off periods so she could help tutor me for that TAAS exam. 2 weeks of tutoring a retake of the exam math to be exact I passed with a score of 95. She was never a teacher of mine during my tener at the school so still I never new how she knew that I was in jeopardy of not graduating. So that’s where the love to help tutor people with their educational needs.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am Jermaine Cooper, a dedicated individual with a passion for transforming lives through education. My journey into the field of adult education and literacy stems from a personal experience of almost failing high school. As a former star football player, I underestimated the importance of education until a teacher, Mrs. Carpenter, intervened and guided me towards success. This pivotal moment ignited my commitment to helping others overcome educational barriers and achieve their full potential.

My organization, AES Literacy Institute, offers a unique program designed to assist individuals aged 17 and above who did not graduate from high school. We provide a 3 to 6-month curriculum that enables participants to earn a nationally accredited high school equivalency diploma. What sets us apart is our emphasis on personalized learning plans, blended learning approaches, and comprehensive support services that address the diverse needs of our students.

I am most proud of the impact we have had on over 120 graduates since 2019, with 83% successfully obtaining gainful employment. Our focus on empowering individuals through education and practical life skills sets us apart in the adult education sector. I want potential clients and followers to know that our organization is driven by a deep commitment to social impact and equity in education.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

In my journey as an entrepreneur, one of the most challenging lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that everything had to be perfect before moving forward. This lesson was deeply ingrained in me from a young age, where I was always praised for my attention to detail and high standards. However, this mindset became a hindrance when I started my own venture.

Back in 2012, I embarked on a new business venture in the hospitality industry by opening a social lounge in the South Dallas area. As someone with a natural knack for organizing events and creating compelling social environments, I poured my heart and soul into the venture. However, despite my best efforts, unforeseen circumstances led to the closure of the business when it was at its peak. The challenges I faced during this time forced me to confront my perfectionist tendencies.

The closure of the business taught me that perfection is an unattainable goal and that waiting for everything to be flawless before taking action can sometimes lead to missed opportunities. I realized that it’s essential to embrace imperfections, learn from failures, and adapt quickly in the face of adversity. This experience reshaped my approach to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of resilience, flexibility, and the willingness to iterate and improve continuously.

Moving forward, I have embraced a more agile and iterative mindset, understanding that progress is more important than perfection. I now approach challenges with a growth mindset, viewing setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth. Unlearning the lesson of perfectionism has allowed me to navigate the unpredictable nature of entrepreneurship with greater adaptability and grace, ultimately leading to personal and professional growth.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

As the President of the organization, one of the most effective strategies for growing our clientele has been enhancing our marketing efforts to raise awareness about our programs and attract more participants. By utilizing digital marketing tools and strategies, we have been able to reach a broader demographic and increase the visibility of our programs. Additionally, developing a comprehensive sales strategy has allowed us to increase program enrollment and reach a wider audience. These combined efforts have significantly contributed to the growth of our clientele and the success of our organization.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Alihsedu.org
• Instagram: @aesaliinstitute
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/aesaliinstitute
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aesalijcooper/
• Twitter: @aesaliinstitute

Image Credits

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