ANTWAUN BANKS
Founder and President of Product of the Project (POP)
Occupation: Antwaun Banks is founder and president of Product of Project (POP). The non-for-profit organization’s mission is to mentor young people between the ages of five and 24 by introducing them to character-building, conflict resolution, healthy living and job-training skills. POP partners with Peoria Public Schools and other organizations. He was formerly director of operations for Sherman’s, an appliance and furniture store.
Community Involvement: Mr. Banks is vice president of the Muslim Education and Community Association (MECA), which partners with POP to operate a community food pantry. Either individually or in partnerships, POP’s other community activities include back-to-school celebrations, book drives, Thanksgiving turkey giveaways, and community clean-up projects. He also serves on the transportation committee of the Joint Commission on Racial Justice and Equity.
Education: Bachelor of science, business administration and program management, Illinois State University; commercial driver’s license (CDL) certification, Illinois Central College Commercial Driving Institute
Three things he’s passionate about: Family, the next generation of leaders and the community and the community around them, Product of the Project (POP)
Three favorite hobbies: Reading, live music, traveling
Career influence or inspiration: Imam Bashir Ali, president of the MECA Center, has been his mentor and spiritual guide.
Inspirational quote: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.” Winston Churchill
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