Today we’d like to introduce you to Ron Chaisson
Hi Ron, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
When both his daughters were at age 9 and 11, a father by the name of Ronovan “Ron” Chaisson decided he didn’t want his children to grow up not having a plan for what they wanted to do with their lives. So he sat both of them down and through various conversations started working on a plan for them to grow up and have a successful career. Then he prayed about it and ask God to cover his children so that nothing bad would ever happen to them. He would ask his children basic questions like what is their favorite subject. What time they like getting up. What type of work would they do for free. Why do they like going to all of the acting and dancing activities. His oldest daughter Yasmine replied because she has Dyslexia. And wanted to show the world that having the stigma was cool and you can do anything you put your mind to. His youngest daughter Evelyn felt like dance was her way of doing something she loves to do.
And so Ron worked with his daughters every week on this plan. Putting them in several acting, singing, and dance classes throughout Dallas to help them with their craft. He even would teach his daughters about goals. By having them write down their short-term and long-term goals in a picture frame so they could see them every day. He taught them about budget because Ron was an Accountant. Eventually Ron’s second wife Lavonne would come into the picture of both his daughters. Where Lavonne would manage which activities they would sign up for. And Ron was the bank who paid for all of the classes, uniforms, trips, etc.
Well that same plan that Ronovan created with his daughters. Eventually would help his daughter’s friends, classmates, and now over 100 students from all over the United States who has come through the organization. Created in May 2018, Clearpath Discovery, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization based in Desoto, Texas. Where the mission is to help high school students 9th – 12th grade and even college students from all over the US figure out their career plan for life. The organization has five components including Career Readiness, Career Mentoring, Financial Wellness, Social Activities, and a Summer Ambassador Job Program. Over 7oo Career Paths to choose from, including 200 in the military world, trade, and business entrepreneur.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Some of the obstacles and challenges we as a non-profit organization face is volunteers and funding. Since the inception most of the funding has come from the Founder & CEO Mr. Ron Chaisson and a couple of parents. Who has given generously to help students. Whether they’re going on a trip to visit colleges and universities. Even just the software the organization has to use to help students with providing a clear and concise careerpath. We don’t have enough volunteers to help with administrative, marketing, and business development. But we still press on trying our best to open up doors and give students the opportunities available today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
So I am the Founder & CEO of Clearpath Discovery, a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization that helps high school students and college students all over the country figure out their career path.
I’m also a multi-talented individual who has 15+ years as an Accountant working with the State of Texas Economic Development, Neiman Marcus, Arnold Palmer/Century Golf, Health Care, and Consultant industry. I have done some some amateur acting on the side as well. I have been a Career Mentor for about 10 years now. And I am a professional Wedding Singer.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I believe my favorite childhood memory was moving from a small town Port Arthur, Texas to a big city Dallas, Texas due to my great-grandmother having been diagnosed with Alzheimers. Because I am the oldest boy of 5 children. Three of us moved to be with my grandparents here in Dallas. My youngest brother and sister moved to California to live with my mother. The reason why I say it’s my favorite because I didn’t understand why a young man like me. Who has been playing basketball all his life in a small community. Has to literally uproot everything to move with my grandparents. I was 15 when the move came and pretty much gave up a basketball powerhouse system of Port Athur Lincoln High. By which I was looking forward to it. But I believe it was God saying you’ll understand it later. Which is when I believe later on in life I gave up the world of basketball to create a bridge for my two daughters to cross over and make it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.clearpathdiscovery.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clearpathdiscovery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clearpathdiscovery/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronovan-ron-chaisson-94945b2a5/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ClearpathDiscovery
