Rising Stars: Meet Joseph Greathouse II

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph Greathouse II. 

Joseph, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story really begins in 2015-2016 as an undergraduate student at The University of Akron. As most college students going through the motions of life and trying to figure out where your purpose and passion lies. It wasn’t until I stated randomly volunteering at the local Boys & Girls Club (back then known as the Boys & Girls Club of the Western Reserve) is where I begin to realize what that purpose and passion was for me. 

A year goes by of volunteering, and I end up getting offered a position to work at the LeBron James Club (in Akron). At that time, I still didn’t fully realize if this was my purpose and if I was passionate about this line of work (non-profit youth development). All I knew was I enjoyed going to “work” every day. That enjoyment came from the youth I was able to interact with on a daily basis, along with the families. 

A handful of years into this line of work. Finishing up my undergrad degree. I decided to purses my master’s degree in public administration (also at the University of Akron) and stepped away from the Boys & Girls Club. I ended up getting a few internships. One, for a summer working at Bridgestone on a local marketing campaign – and two, working at the Cleveland Clinic as an Administrative Research Intern. That opportunity led to a full-time position as a Project Manager. 

Two different lines of work but ultimately not the line of work I sought out for. I ended up getting connected via email from at the time CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Cleveland (now Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Ohio) regarding a Club Directors position at the largest Club in Cleveland (Broadway Club) – now the largest Club in Northeast Ohio. It was a few months in that it finally clicked for me – “This is what I am meant to do.” 

I dedicated 3 and a half years to the 200+ underserved youth and families, along with the (Slavic Village) community that the Broadway Club resides in. I bought my first home right in the neighborhood (1 minute away from the Club) mainly so the youth and families could know how serious I was and still am about supporting them for life (whether I’m physically there or not). 

A lot was accomplished during that time for those youth and those families. WE (when I say we, I mean my team Darren Jones, Trinity Harris, and countless others) were able to be a part of directly impacting with action: 

Raised 100k in funding for a new playground – this in partnership with DTLR (not happening without the good guys Jeff and Tremayne at DTLR). 

In partnership with IBTTA, shared efforts of raising 80k for an outdoor multipurpose court. 

Formed lifelong partnership with the great Charlese Antoinette (Costume Designer – do your goggles on her) that started with the two of us collaborating/creating a program called “Design YOU” for youth to create themselves through fashion. She then spearheaded directly raising 17k through various partners to expose youth to a trip to New York for Fashion Week (2022). 

Related efforts in raising 13k to expose youth to an HBCU College Tour in Atlanta (2022) 

I’m leaving a handful of things out, but the point is I was able to find my passion in purpose in this life and that is to be of service to youth, families, and communities that need it the most no matter the city or state I’m in. This leads me to where I am today. I currently serve as the Director of Programs at Cincinnati Squash Academy, a sports & education nonprofit that seeks to create a transformative impact on a select group of motivated, underserved youth and families in the community. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t always been the smoothes of roads, but that’s life in general. I’d always observe how my mother maneuvered in challenging situations – she would never be too high and never get too low. It’s transferred to me and how I approach obstacles in life. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m originally from Dayton, OH; I am an experienced youth development professional with over 10 years of passionately serving youth and families in various roles, predominantly in the Cleveland area. I attended the University of Akron, where I majored in Sport Studies and subsequently earned a master’s degree in public administration, also from the University of Akron. 

In my professional career, I am most proud of having a continual direct impact on youth, families, and communities that need it the most – I pride myself on meeting people where they’re at and being a resource to all I encounter. 

What does success mean to you?
Success to me is defined in the “impact.” How are you positively impacting the ones around you? 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehouseofgreat/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgreathouseii/