Meet Our Founder
Katrell Folie was born on August 20, 2003, in Athens, Alabama, before being whisked away as a baby to the dynamic Chicago South Suburbs. Growing up in this vibrant yet resource-limited area, Katrell developed a unique bond with her community, understanding its struggles and dreams intimately.
In school, she shared the same uninspired paths as her peers, departing without a spark for any career. But everything changed when she engaged with a transformative youth program in her community. This pivotal moment provided her with the mentorship and hands-on experience she craved, igniting the flame of her passion.
Today, Katrell is committed to lighting the way for the next generation. “From a young age, I knew I wanted to create something bigger than myself—something that would empower people to dream boldly and take action," she asserts. "I witnessed how the absence of mentorship, career guidance, and creative opportunities stifled potential. That realization fueled my passion for youth development, leadership, and career exploration."
With expertise spanning conservation, business, youth leadership, and program management, Katrell founded KVRSON Creative Youth Center (KCYC) to bridge the gap between passion and opportunity. Her mission is clear: to help teens uncover their strengths, explore diverse career pathways, and cultivate the confidence to transform their ideas into action.
At KCYC, we ignite the spark within every young person, empowering them to seize the future with confidence. Our interactive programs and career-focused workshops serve as the launchpad for innovation and leadership. No matter your background or interests, at KCYC, you're not just included—you’re celebrated.
Katrell's vision is bold and unapologetic. She identified a critical gap in opportunities within the Chicago Southland area and responded with a passionate commitment to change. This unique framework she’s designed pushes youth to gain real-world experience and develop vital skills that will open doors to their future.
“This is more than just a passion project—it’s a movement. And I’m excited for you to be part of it.” Young leaders are rising, and together, we’ll shape a community that thrives on creativity, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. Be a part of a transformative journey—your future starts here and now.
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Founder“Sometimes all it takes is a leap of faith and a network of supporters.”
What is KVRSON Creative Youth Center (KCYC)?
How does it work? What do we do?
Career-Focused Training: KCYC provides opportunities for participants to attend specialized workshops and hands-on training designed to equip the skills they need to turn their creative interest or talents into viable long-term careers.
Skill Development: KVRSON emphasizes practical skills — from digital media and music production to editorial and professional writing — ensuring that participants are ready for the job they desire.
Professional Mentorship: Young people connect with experienced professionals and industry leaders who provide guidance, feedback, and networking opportunities, opening doors to career opportunities in their chosen field. These mentors work with youth directly to create unique career and learning pathways that ensure success and growth.
Experience: We collaborate with local businesses and organizations to produce events, creative projects, and opportunities to give youth valuable experience and exposure to the professional world. Our goal is to uplift and empower young generations through fun activities and things like workshops to allow for learning and growth experiences.
Empowerment and Community: We work to build a strong, supportive community that has the ability to help youth gain the confidence and resilience needed to navigate the challenges of creative industries and excel professionally.
Overall, KCYC is all about bridging the gap between creative passions and professional success, giving young people the tools and opportunities to build meaningful, sustainable careers.
At Kvrson Creative Youth Center, we recognize that all youth are not the same.
They have different creative interests and passions. Our mentors understand this and work with each person individually to discover what they love to do. By working with them directly and exploring their interests, we are able to develop clear pathways for KCYC members to find their niche and create success in their lives through a career they can be passionate about.
To learn more about our programming please continue to read below.
KVRSON Creative Youth Center (KCYC) is a dynamic non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young people through creative expression and career development to transform their creative passions into thriving careers. It’s not only a space for exploration — it’s a launching pad for building professional futures in industries that allow them to express their creativity.
Our mission is to empower youth, ignite passions, and create purpose. We envision a world full of people who are not only successful, but happy and excited about the career and lifestyle they live.
Career Development Model
So what exactly does a day of programming look like for a KCYC member?
That depends all on the member, their interests, and their goals.
Youth are paired with mentors who dive deep into the passions that set their hearts ablaze or introduce them to new realms they never knew existed.
Each participant is offered a uniquely tailored program pathway, sculpted to forge specialized skills through immersive hands-on experiences, dynamic trainings, skill workshops, vibrant conferences, and engaging lesson agendas.
These customized pathways are crafted by seasoned professionals and mentors who are committed to unlocking the vast potential within every young individual.
Together, they embark on a journey to identify areas of growth and seize opportunities that align with their unique aspirations.
At KCYC, it's all about empowerment. Members call the shots. If a certain opportunity doesn't resonate, there's no obligation to engage. Our curriculum is rich with lesson and skill development plans, seamlessly integrated yet uniquely tailored to meet the specific needs of each member.
Here, your journey is yours to define—bold, unapologetic, and driven by your own passions!
We believe in the power of exploration and self-discovery. When a participant walks through our doors, they’re greeted with the potential for transformation.
For those drawn to music, we connect them with skilled mentors who don’t just teach but ignite passion. These mentors dive deep, assessing each individual’s unique needs and aspirations, crafting personalized lesson plans that resonate.
But we’re not just about the music or art; we’re about the journey.
We understand that finding your passion isn’t always straightforward. If a participant feels lost or uncertain, we embrace that too—because every moment of uncertainty is a step towards discovery. We challenge the status quo, fueling creativity through tailored experiences. Everyone has something to contribute, and we are here to guide them toward their spark.
With us, you don’t just find your passion; you cultivate it.
Welcome to a space where boldness meets creativity, where purpose is discovered, not dictated. Welcome to KVRSON.
SO… to answer the question, a day as a KCYC member may look like attending a cosmetology conference, because you want to be the best and most well known barber ever,
OR reviewing lesson plans and attending career development workshops assigned by your mentor,
OR taking a trip to another state to participate and be part of an environmental cause.
Where you go and what you do, is ultimately up to you! KCYC just provides the resources and opportunities to make your dreams a reality.
FAQs
What separates this youth program from all the other ones out there?
KCYC understands that not all children are the same. They need unique and tailored pathways that keep their interest and actually encourages them to grow. Pathways are developed for the participant by expert mentors. These pathways include trainings, conferences, workshops, and lesson plans that will help to shape and build the skills of the people who participate. This youth program is designed to empower youth while they find their passions, ignite those passions, and use those passions to create a future career of success and excitement in not only the workforce but in the personal life as well.
Not only do the participants/members get a taste of career development, but our mentors and volunteers will have opportunities to expand upon their leadership skills, through trainings and workshops.
What type of programs does KCYC offer?
KCYC offers:
Creative Pathways – Helping youth turn their creativity into careers.
Creative pathways are prepared by expert mentors. They will support participants in developing necessary skills and knowledge to excel in something they are passionate about.
Mentorship & Leadership Development – Guidance from professionals.
KCYC works with a range of professionals who have the experience, knowledge, and skills necessary to provide support and guidance to youth.
Workshops & Hands-On Learning – Real-world skill-building.
KCYC hosts and works with partners to create and facilitate a range of events that allow for youth to gain more experience in different industries.
Career Development & Internships – Opportunities to gain experience.
Whether this is by shadowing a successful professional, following a strict development pathway, or joining our on-going workshops an trainings - There will always be opportunity to gain skill and experience.
Is KCYC free for youth to join?
Yes! KCYC provides free or low-cost programs to ensure all youth have access to career-building opportunities. Some specialized programs may have a small fee, but we offer financial assistance when needed and available.
What is the goal of KCYC?
KCYC’s goal is to empower youth (ages 14-18) to discover, develop, and transform their passions into long-term careers through mentorship, hands-on experiences, and career-building programs. By providing access to creative pathways, leadership training, and real-world opportunities, KCYC helps young people gain the confidence, skills, and resources needed to turn their talents into meaningful careers.
At its core, KCYC aims to bridge the gap between passion and success, ensuring that every young person, regardless of background, has the tools and guidance to build a future they are excited about.
Do I need to know what career I want to join KCYC?
Not at all! KCYC is designed to help you explore different industries while learning valuable skills that apply to many career paths.
How do I get involved or apply for a program?
It’s easy! Just visit our “Get Involved” page to apply. We recommend signing up for our newsletter and following KCYC on social media to stay updated on new opportunities. There are opportunities for internships, mentorship, volunteering.
Where are we located?
We are based in Chicago Southland and offer both in-person and virtual programs, making it easy for young people to get involved no matter where they are. Our programs can sometimes be indoor, outdoor, or at partner organizations. However, we typically only serve Chicago and Chicago South Suburban communities. (Dolton, Markham, Calumet City, Hazel Crest, Homewood, Tinley Park, Bronzeville, Roseland-Pullman, etc.)
Who does KCYC serve?
KCYC is for youth ages 14-18 in Chicago Southland area who are eager to explore career paths, build confidence, and gain mentorship in creative and professional industries. No experience is needed—just passion and a willingness to grow!
Contact KCYC
Interested in collaborating or have more inquiries? Don't hold back—fill out your details, and we’ll get back to you in a flash!
Email: Kvrson@kcycforyouth.com
Phone: (872)-216-7642
We can’t wait to connect with you!