Sullivan Anderson 
Afua Asantewaa and Ashlee Jordan started out at True Star in high school, and this year they’ve both gone on to graduate from Harvard University and take the next steps toward their futures.
Asantewaa, who was a member of True Star’s marketing program, graduated from Harvard’s Business School back in June. She will serve as the junior chief of staff for Robert F. Smith, founder and CEO of Vista Equity Partners. Jordan is a 2024 graduate from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Education. Not too long ago, she got off the campaign trail with Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, and she is continuing to take the world by storm with goals of owning her own education technology company. She, too, started in True Star’s marketing program.
The two young ladies hadn’t seen one another for years until their reunion in Hartford, Connecticut at Harvard. “It was a crazy feeling to look up and see her across the room,” Asantewaa stated.
“Reuniting with Afua, was my most incredible validation,” Jordan noted about their college connection. “I felt like I had come full circle.”
Recently they were reunited once again as they paid a visit back home to Chicago at True Star’s headquarters. “True Star empowered me to be fearless,” Jordan told True Star in an interview. “I carry that with me everywhere.” She added, “True Star motivated me to pursue my goals by showing me that anything is possible if you pursue your goals with purpose, practice, and intention.”
Asantewaa also affectionately shared one of her key takeaways from being in True Star. “I still carry with me the importance of moving the needle towards my goals every day.”
Success stories like this are no surprise. To mark True Star’s 20th anniversary of serving Chicago youth, we announced the induction of the Legacy League, which featured 20 alumni who are accomplishing amazing goals in their respective industries. The Legacy League is made up of Shannon Smith, News Anchor at Cleveland Channel 19 News; McKenzie Cooper, Brand Marketing Professional, Social Media Lead at UnitedMasters/Translation Agency LLC; Jaylin D. McClinton, Public Policy Consultant for President Biden’s Administration and many more.
True Star’s goal is to assist youth in becoming their best selves. We have instilled the value of grit, hard work, and community into our alumni, and continue to do so. Afua Asantewaa and Ashlee Jordan are just two more of our proud examples.
By Sullivan Anderson, North Carolina A&T State University Alumna
Instagram: @SullivanGrace_
TikTok: @sullivangrace
True Star Media’s content is made possible thanks to donors like you. By donating at truestarmedia.org/donate you are helping to empower young creators and transform lives.
