Our Story
Our CEO & Founder: Banio Koroma Jr.
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Passionate About Inspiring Others
Vision to Succeed was founded in 2019 by Banio Koroma Jr. Due to his own journey of overcoming the difficulties of navigating a life as a young black male youth, diagnosed with ADHD, with negative peer pressure, and an immersion of destructive hip hop influence, Banio's mission is to give back, by teaching and encouraging positive masculinity to males everywhere.
The first programs incepted were Mandela Effect (renamed the Mentoring Show in 2023) and Manhood Training Camp (a male, youth-based mentorship program/model). Vision to Succeed obtained grant funding in 2022, leading to an expansion of summer program services in Champaign County, including Money Making Sessions (youth stipend program) and Manhood Summer Camp (outdoor risky play experiences).
Vision to Succeed’s mentoring model was substantiated as effective, according to its first year evaluation/annual report. Both youth and parent feedback surveys rated the program on average 95% effective related to its program objectives of decreased anxiety, stress, depressed mood, emotional regulation, and antisocial behaviors. Vision to Succeed is renowned and recognized as the premier mentoring program in the region.
Banio Koroma Jr’s experience, in the human services field, spans over 20 years. Organizations Banio has worked and volunteered with include: Thompson's Alternative School, New B.O.Y. Mentoring Program, Lincoln’s Challenge Academy, Youth Assessment Center, YouthBuild, CU Trauma Resiliency Initiative, and Field of Hearts (Human Sex Trafficking Awareness Media Initiative). Banio received a professional license in Conflict Mediation in 2019.
Banio also has an extensive media background and worked on several national film and television projects. Banio uses his media skills to promote non-violence and provide outreach to community youth. Banio is a graduate of Columbia College of Hollywood, obtaining a bachelor’s of fine arts in Film & Television Production in the year 2008.
Our Board Members
Meet Our Diverse and Grassroots Board
CEO: Banio Koroma Jr. CRMS
Clinician: Shanelle Koroma LPHA, LCSW
Youth Advocate: John Smith
Parent Representative: Sukiya Reid
Grandparent Representative: Shannon Bryant