Mentorship In Action: 1WayOut
Former Sto-Rox Students Create a Brand to Empower Kids and Teens in Their Community
May 6, 2024
By Positive Energy Hub Staff
When it comes to future jobs, some kids are incredibly imaginative: they might envision themselves as an astronaut, a veterinarian or even a marine biologist. But for others, they might want to make a difference in their hometown.
Taiwan La’Rue and Zay Davis identify themselves as those changemakers. Raised in the McKees Rocks area of Pittsburgh, La’Rue and Davis saw an opportunity to change the narrative around their neighborhood by spreading positive, uplifting messaging to young adults.
“Kids in our community go through countless hardships, which hurts their dreams and visions for the future,” said La’Rue. “All it takes is one person’s support to steer them in the right direction.”
La’Rue created the brand, 1WayOut, to steer under-privileged youth to find their path toward success. One outcome from his endeavors was mentoring Davis, who adopted the “one way” lifestyle and became inspired to do more.
“1WayOut is more than a mindset; it’s a lifestyle,” said Davis. “No matter where you go, you need to be a positive role model and set an example among your peers. By embracing 1WayOut — which simply means doing the right thing — it creates a ripple effect of positivity.”
La’Rue and Davis decided that offering advice is not the only way to scale their brand. From neon-colored beanies to zip hoodies, the pair launched an apparel line so their target audience could spread awareness about 1WayOut.
“Our clothing is a massive hit,” said La’Rue. “We started selling our merchandise at Sto-Rox football games a few years ago, and we sold out several times. We’re designing new apparel each month, and our community continues to support us and the brand.”
Sto-Rox faculty took an interest in 1WayOut’s success and shared the team’s story with CNX Foundation’s Mentorship Academy. The Mentorship Academy prepares 11th and 12th graders from rural and urban communities like McKees Rocks to become impactful citizens, workers and family members through transformative learning, community engagement and leadership development. Students accepted into the program develop relationships with peers and business leaders across western Pennsylvania, as well as an understanding of the region’s career opportunities and how to pursue them.
“Taiwan and Zay are impressive entrepreneurs,” said Shani Yeldell, Pys.D., Community Relations Manager for the Mentorship Academy. “Like the Mentorship Academy, they want to help kids find a path forward through regional opportunities. Each student has tremendous potential and talents, so it’s all about uncovering their interests and providing them with resources for success.”
When 1WayOut connected with the Mentorship Academy, La’Rue and Davis faced two drawbacks: an inoperable website and a lack of sponsors for their upcoming community event. Building upon CNX’s Appalachia First vision through tangible, impactful and local support, the Mentorship Academy decided to invest in the young men’s journey to help overcome these hurdles.
With the assistance of Gatesman, a local marketing agency, and Yeldell, La’Rue and Davis rebuilt their website from the ground up. The website is designed for improved discoverability, and now offers e-commerce sales for merchandise. In addition, CNX Foundation will be a key sponsor of the 1WayOut Classic, a seven on seven football tournament and community day hosted at the Sto-Rox Junior-Senior High School.
“Thanks to CNX’s support, Taiwan and I are incredibly excited to advance our mission of empowerment and impact,” said Davis. “We’re truly appreciative of CNX’s support.”
See below for more information about the 1WayOut Classic. Check out 1WayOut’s new website at www.1wayout.net.
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