Next Up Columbus 2020: Terry Green
Interview by Sarah Shumick
Name: Terry Green
Age: 31
Profession: Founder and Executive Director at Think Make Live Youth
Neighborhood: Near East Side
Quote: “It’s truly a blessing to be chosen for the Next Up Columbus award after overcoming youth homelessness and many different challenges. From experiencing poverty right here in Columbus and now being honored, I am truly humbly grateful.”
Connect: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
In 2012, Terry “Nunnie” Green got his start as a motivational speaker and youth mentor, which eventually led to his creation of Think Make Live, a nonprofit organization that provides development to underserved youth in central Ohio. In addition to Think Make Live, Green also founded the Social Justice Awards in 2019, which honors outstanding social justice leadership. It’s a national partnership he developed with Opportunity Youth United to support their Columbus Community Action Team program.
As a child, and even today, music is Green’s passion and getaway. As a kid, he wanted to be a recording artist. To release stress, Green spends time making music at a local recording studio. And like many of our Next Up Columbus honorees, he has never forgotten his roots.
“I appreciate my mentors Dr. Angela Bryant, C. Sunny Martin, Paul Rockwell and Jahi Davis for continuing to support me along my journey as I transitioned from a justice-involved young adult to social entrepreneur and nonprofit executive,” he said.
Give us a snapshot of your career path:
In 2012, I started off as a motivational speaker and youth mentor. In 2015, I presented Think Make Live as a powerpoint at The Ohio State University. In 2016, I developed into a national social justice consultant. In 2017, I founded Think Make Live Youth as a non-profit organization to provide Positive Youth Development for opportunity youth within Central Ohio. In 2019, I founded the Social Justice Awards, an award ceremony that honors outstanding social justice leadership. Think Make Live Youth developed a national partnership with Opportunity Youth United to support our Columbus Community Action Team program.
What advice or mentors have helped guide you along the way?
I appreciate my mentors Dr. Angela Bryant, C. Sunny Martin, Paul Rockwell and Jahi Davis for continuing to support me along my journey as a transitioned from a justice involved young adult to social entrepreneur and nonprofit executive.
What do you do or where do you go to unwind?
When I want to unwind, I will go work out at the gym or go make a song at a recording music studio. I have recorded music that no one has ever heard. Music is my self-care.
When you were a kid, what did you say you wanted to be when you grew up?
When I was a kid I said I always wanted to be a famous recording artist and business owner.
What books or podcasts are you reading/listening to right now?
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill and Womanpower Unlimited and the Black Freedom Struggle in Mississippi by Dr. Tiyi M. Morris
What does it mean to you to be chosen for the Next Up Columbus award?
It’s truly a blessing to be chosen for the Next Up Columbus award after overcoming youth homelessness and many different challenges from experiencing poverty right here in Columbus and now being honored, I am truly humbly grateful.
If someone were to ask you what the “pulse” of Columbus is, what would you tell them?
Innovation and Inclusion
The Next Up Columbus Awards highlight emerging leaders who are connectors and ambassadors in Central Ohio and who are making a positive impact on the future of Columbus. Special thanks to the Columbus Young Professionals Club, Discover Financial, and Zipline Logistics for their support of this awards program. Meet the entire “Class of 2020” »