Jay Wilson: Workforce Development, Public Health, Housing and Food Security

Name: Jay Wilson

Home-state: Panama City, Panama; currently residing in New Mexico

Languages: English, Spanish, Mandarin

Occupation: Founder of Katalyst Professional Industries

Why I Joined the FLP: I believe the FLP is an organization which shares a common cause and similar values to KPI and is poised to make an impact in the immediate and long-term growth of the communit[ies we serve].
[My ultimate goal] is to be a part of that and offer my experience and the expertise of KPI to help FLP in solidifying the vision of a better life for [the communities they serve].

Immigrating from the Republic of Panama in 1998, I grew up with my humble family in the Flatbush community of Brooklyn New York. During my upcoming, I spent much of my youth rising through the adversities of adjusting to a new country and navigating the many structural hurdles of his home town, including the results of drug induced violence and the tyranny of over zealous police.

Following my father’s retirement from 22 years of distinguished service in the USAF, I was [subsequently] able to move to the small town of Schertz Texas, roughly thirty minutes outside of San Antonio Texas. Despite the numerous challenges that came with being northern black youth transitioning to life in a predominantly white southern community, I proved myself a very capable academic and graduated in the top 10% of my class with Magna Cum Laude, several college credits, and acceptance into the National Honor Society. From there I elected to realize my long held dream of attending Texas Southern University in Houston Texas where I was an active leader within the Thomas F Freeman Honors College and participated for several years in the world renowned Thomas F Freeman Debate team, touring the globe and winning numerous awards including the 2018 First place international award for Parliamentary debate.

This passion for scholarly engagement would allow me the opportunity to secure several prestigious concurrent internships including one with his future employer, the City of Houston Office of Economic Development. During my Junior year, I wanted to make a change and as such crossed with the Epsilon Alpha Chapter of Iota Pho Theta fraternity incorporated. As the Chapter Polaris from 2017 to 2018, I worked tirelessly to expand the image of scholarship, leadership, citizenship, fidelity, and brotherhood which his fraternity is known for throughout the Greater Houston area by implementing several initiatives including a genomics health screening program. Following the obtainment of my first degree in 2018, a Bachelors in Political Science, I went on to complete additional course studies in criminal justice and business management and secured a position with The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employs working as a litigator for county workers rights and specializing in assisting Spanish speaking litigants.

It was during this period that I truly underwent a profound re-evaluation of the socioeconomic system in the Houston community and the nation as a whole and decided to adopt a more proactive role in improving the economic mobility for disadvantaged and economically isolated residents. [As a result], with the support of a close cadre of associates and former professional colleagues, I started Katalyst Professional Industries (where I currently work), an organization wholeheartedly dedicated to uplifting the economic, social, and political health of the community by revolutionizing the workforce.

What It is Like Working With Me

Working with me is a very transformative and constructive experience. I make sure to pay attention to the needs and vision of our partners and strive to make sure that our work [at Katalyst Professional Industries] relationships and the projects we implement are impactful, uplifting and inclusive for all parties involved.

My Skills I Offer x My Specialties

Areas of services now include:

• Addressing the key issues of financial illiteracy
• Improving food security & public health
• Criminal justice reform and services for the former/currently incarcerated
• Uplifting local political voices in communities of color

Professional Bio

Jay Wilson has been an avid community leader in the Houston area for several years and over his professional career developed a plethora of first hand, on the ground experience working on various issues concerning community development and public management.

Since 2015, Jay Wilson has leveraged this experience to benefit the community as the Executive Director for Katalyst Professional Industries, a Houston, Texas based workforce development organization which currently services underserved communities both in the states of Texas and New Mexico.

Katalyst Professional Industries specializes in helping those coming from adverse backgrounds with cultivating marketable professional expertise and working with participants to successfully navigate opportunities for gainful employment.

For the last five years, Katalyst Professional Industries has grown to incorporate other services and become an all encompassing organization that addresses inequalities and injustices throughout the communities it serves.

Work With Me