Jacob Metrick
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When Jacob noticed the food kiosk at the Glenview
Park District had closed, he imagined something new - a place where people with
disabilities could work in a community setting, supported by coaches. He founded
Great Potentials, a 501(c)3, and recruited parents and supporters to help
fulfill his vision. His plan was to employ Keshet graduates like his sister
Sarah, and since its inception, the Perk
Center Café has expanded from that goal and employed over 100 people.
Jacob earned the Outstanding Family Member Advocate Award from Arc of
Illinois in 2019 for his work, and he continues his involvement with Perk Center
Café by serving on the board as the treasurer. He also offers financial
oversight, fundraising, and technical experience, and helps other entrepreneurs
looking to create similar ventures.
He also enjoys mentoring at
work, where his colleagues seek him out for professional and personal advice,
and as an alumnus of Magevet, Yale University's Jewish acapella group.
PRONOUNS:
He, Him, His
AGE:
30
PRIMARY GIG:
Principal Software Engineer at Hume.ai
ON THE SIDE:
Treasurer/Founder for the Perk Center Cafe
CELEBRITY DOPPLEGANGER:
Jason Segel
YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:
Don't worry about what you can't control.
