Today we’d like to introduce you to Willie Briscoe
Hi Willie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I founded Hope Leadership Academy (HLA) with the goal of serving at-risk youth by providing mentorship, character development, and life skills through sports and faith-based initiatives. The academy was born out of my vision, which began under challenging circumstances with only $1,500 in my bank account. Growing up in a single-parent home, I faced the same struggles many of the youth we serve at HLA do. Our programs—ranging from outreaches to after-school initiatives—have helped transform lives. One notable success is Charles, a boy who once faced the lure of gangs but is now a top student and athlete, thanks to the structure and support provided by Hope Leadership Academy. Over the years, we’ve expanded our reach, impacting the lives of countless adolescents.
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?
The journey to establish and grow Hope Leadership Academy has not been smooth. I encountered both personal and financial challenges while getting the academy off the ground. My own upbringing, marked by negative reinforcement and limited support, pushed me to work harder, but starting HLA with only a small amount of money presented substantial risks. Financial struggles and personal sacrifices have been a consistent part of the journey. Despite these hardships, we’ve persisted, and stories like Charles’ illustrate the profound impact the academy has had on many young people, offering them guidance, mentorship, and a new direction in life.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Hope Leadership Academy ?
Hope Leadership Academy (HLA) is dedicated to serving fatherless youth from underserved communities, offering them a chance to thrive in a world full of hope and joy. Since our launch in 2010, we’ve focused on providing year-round comprehensive support to inner-city youth, particularly those growing up without a father figure. Our founder, Willie Briscoe, understood the deep impact of growing up in a fatherless home and made it his mission to fill that gap for children across San Diego County.
HLA began with humble roots, offering summer camps and sports clinics, but our outreach quickly expanded to include city-wide programs and after-school Academies. We now serve over 80 children weekly in three Academies across San Diego County, with more Academies on the horizon. Additionally, our summer camps, clinics, and annual toy drive reach thousands of children and families each year, providing free access to enriching activities and resources.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to breaking cycles of poverty, divorce, and hopelessness by offering children not only mentorship but also opportunities to grow through academic support, spiritual development, and community-building activities. From basketball and surfing to small group worship and overnight camps, we aim to create spaces where children can learn, grow, and find hope.
We are passionate about giving youth the support and tools they need to thrive, and we believe that mentorship, community, and spiritual development can truly transform lives—one child at a time.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck has played a minimal role in the success of Hope Leadership Academy compared to perseverance, faith, and hard work. I’ve always credited my success to my faith in God and my determination rather than relying on luck. While opportunities like my career with Nike and my return to college basketball may seem like strokes of luck, I attribute these moments to a mix of hard work and divine guidance. Similarly, HLA’s continued growth is due to the dedication of our team and the biblical truth that every child deserves a chance, not to luck or chance occurrences.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hla.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hlaimpact/
