In MemoryMadhi Chambers |
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Dear Friends of HHA,
It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our Founder and beloved Executive Director, Mahdi Chambers, on Sunday, January 5, 2025. Hack & Hustle Academy has lost not only a visionary leader but also a cherished friend and colleague.
Mahdi was a distinguished electrical engineer, entrepreneur, and the dedicated Executive Director of Hack & Hustle Academy. Under his guidance, Hack & Hustle opened its doors in 2017 as a self-funded pilot program serving underserved youth in Charlotte. Officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in 2018, Mahdi combined his passions for technology, music, and entrepreneurship to bridge the digital divide faced by youths in under-resourced communities. He brought extensive expertise and a visionary approach to his role, focusing on improving the lives of young people through STEM education, paid internships, and entrepreneurship training.
During his tenure, Mahdi's remarkable dedication propelled Hack & Hustle Academy to unprecedented heights. His leadership inspired countless individuals, particularly underserved youth, to pursue brighter futures in STEM and through workforce development. Entrepreneurship training is a core component of our curriculum, furthering Mahdi’s mission of empowerment.
Mahdi's unwavering dedication to our community, his colleagues, his family, and his professional network was unparalleled. Despite enduring a medical condition for 18 years, he tirelessly worked to create opportunities and educational platforms, ensuring all young people in Charlotte had a chance to succeed. His legacy of innovation, compassion, and tenacity will continue to empower the next generation of leaders.
Gurtej Singh, Co-Founder and Board Member, shared, “I will miss Mahdi deeply. The partnership, friendship, leadership, and genuine humanity he consistently exemplified has been a profound inspiration to me. We will carry forward his legacy as we honor his memory and continue our work for the community.”
As we adjust to this transition, we are pleased to announce Joan Woods-Rashid as our new Executive Director. Joan brings extensive nonprofit experience and a commitment to expanding programs for underserved youth. Her expertise, aligned with Mahdi’s vision, will be instrumental in furthering the path he paved. Since 2020, Joan has collaborated with Mahdi in fundraising and development, contributing significantly to operations and growth. In the coming weeks, we will share more details about Joan’s strategic role and vision for Hack & Hustle Academy.
We invite you to honor Mahdi's legacy by continuing your support for Hack & Hustle Academy as we strive to fulfill his mission and enhance our community impact. Together, we will keep his dreams alive and extend his remarkable contributions to society.
In tribute to his incredible legacy, Mahdi Chambers’ family has established the Mahdi Chambers Memorial Fund to support and expand our ongoing work at Hack & Hustle Academy.
Donations can be made at https://everloved.com/life-of/mahdi-chambers/donate/.
Thank you for your enduring support and understanding during this difficult time.
Warm regards,
It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our Founder and beloved Executive Director, Mahdi Chambers, on Sunday, January 5, 2025. Hack & Hustle Academy has lost not only a visionary leader but also a cherished friend and colleague.
Mahdi was a distinguished electrical engineer, entrepreneur, and the dedicated Executive Director of Hack & Hustle Academy. Under his guidance, Hack & Hustle opened its doors in 2017 as a self-funded pilot program serving underserved youth in Charlotte. Officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in 2018, Mahdi combined his passions for technology, music, and entrepreneurship to bridge the digital divide faced by youths in under-resourced communities. He brought extensive expertise and a visionary approach to his role, focusing on improving the lives of young people through STEM education, paid internships, and entrepreneurship training.
During his tenure, Mahdi's remarkable dedication propelled Hack & Hustle Academy to unprecedented heights. His leadership inspired countless individuals, particularly underserved youth, to pursue brighter futures in STEM and through workforce development. Entrepreneurship training is a core component of our curriculum, furthering Mahdi’s mission of empowerment.
Mahdi's unwavering dedication to our community, his colleagues, his family, and his professional network was unparalleled. Despite enduring a medical condition for 18 years, he tirelessly worked to create opportunities and educational platforms, ensuring all young people in Charlotte had a chance to succeed. His legacy of innovation, compassion, and tenacity will continue to empower the next generation of leaders.
Gurtej Singh, Co-Founder and Board Member, shared, “I will miss Mahdi deeply. The partnership, friendship, leadership, and genuine humanity he consistently exemplified has been a profound inspiration to me. We will carry forward his legacy as we honor his memory and continue our work for the community.”
As we adjust to this transition, we are pleased to announce Joan Woods-Rashid as our new Executive Director. Joan brings extensive nonprofit experience and a commitment to expanding programs for underserved youth. Her expertise, aligned with Mahdi’s vision, will be instrumental in furthering the path he paved. Since 2020, Joan has collaborated with Mahdi in fundraising and development, contributing significantly to operations and growth. In the coming weeks, we will share more details about Joan’s strategic role and vision for Hack & Hustle Academy.
We invite you to honor Mahdi's legacy by continuing your support for Hack & Hustle Academy as we strive to fulfill his mission and enhance our community impact. Together, we will keep his dreams alive and extend his remarkable contributions to society.
In tribute to his incredible legacy, Mahdi Chambers’ family has established the Mahdi Chambers Memorial Fund to support and expand our ongoing work at Hack & Hustle Academy.
Donations can be made at https://everloved.com/life-of/mahdi-chambers/donate/.
Thank you for your enduring support and understanding during this difficult time.
Warm regards,
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Victor Lawrence, Ph.D.
Member, Board of Directors
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Gurtej Singh
Member, Board of Directors
Member, Board of Directors
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