Today we’d like to introduce you to Youssef Mekawy.
Hi Youssef, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
journey, from the banks of the Nile River in Egypt to the bustling Missouri River in Kansas City, is one of inspiration and impact. My professional journey began in 2011 while studying at Al-Azhar University, public university, in Cairo, Egypt, where I co-founded Spread Your Skills (SYS)—an organization committed to helping college students achieve their career goals. This foundational experience shaped my calling.
In 2013, I made the pivotal decision to move to the U.S., driven by my passion for coaching. As an undocumented immigrant and first-generation student, I navigated significant barriers, an experience that instilled in me a deep commitment to the underserved. I successfully earned my B.A. in Human Resources Management and Communications (2017) and an MBA with coursework focusing in Coaching and Organizational Development (2020), solidifying my professional foundation.
My expertise is built on almost a decade of experience across various higher education institutions, from community colleges to world-ranking universities. I currently serve as a Career Coach at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and am a Certified Life Design Coach by Stanford University. This unique blend of academic rigor and practical experience allows me to apply intentional, design-thinking methodologies to career planning.
Furthermore, my dedication to guidance extends to my role as a local volunteer Imam in Kansas City. This dual role—as a career coach and spiritual leader—empowers me to guide individuals holistically, addressing both their professional ambitions and their sense of purpose. I’ve shared this expertise nationally, presenting at conferences like the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey to the U.S. was paved with perseverance. In 2012, my initial scholarship application for an academic program to study in the U.S. was rejected, but I reapplied and was thankfully accepted in 2013 to start a new acadimic journey at North Central College, Naperville, IL. Where I earned both my 2nd Bachelor degree and my Master’s degree in full-ride scholarships
The challenges came with opportunities but didn’t end there. Navigating a new culture, a new language, and the complexities of immigration and college life—all thousands of miles from my family—was incredibly demanding. I faced these difficulties largely alone.
However, I found my strength in my new environment. I built a supportive community and found mentors who guided me, helping me push forward to achieve my professional goals. This support system was so vital that, in 2023, I founded Ummah Career Lab. I now lead this organization, providing career guidance and actively giving back to the community that uplifted me during my journey.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My journey led me to establish Ummah Career Lab (UCL) in 2023. UCL is a community-focused organization dedicated to providing empowering career guidance to the next generation.
We specialize in equipping the disadvantaged and underserved workforce with the college and career guidance services they need to unlock new possibilities. Our central focus is to transform ambition into measurable outcomes, which is captured in our motto: “Where Career Ambitions Turn Into Action Plans!”
We achieve this through:
Interactive Career Development Workshops
Targeted Mentorship Programs
Personalized 1:1 Coaching Sessions
What I’m most proud of is our rapid, nationwide impact. In just a short time, we have served over 50 schools and community centers in 9 different states, positively impacting thousands of high schoolers, college students, and young professionals nationwide. UCL is set apart by this commitment to hands-on, action-oriented training for those who need it most.
How do you define success?
I define success by the positive, ripple effect I create in the lives of others. For me, it’s about the spark of energy I leave with every individual I interact with. My goal is to equip people with the intentional mindset and proactive strategies necessary for effective life and career planning. Success is achieved when these meaningful, impactful stories live on and create a lasting, positive legacy in communities everywhere
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ummahcareerlab.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ummahcareerlab/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ummahcareerlab
