BRIDGING WORLDS TO BUILD A BETTER FUTURE
UNITING FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE
The Role Initiative is the brainchild of two dynamic leaders from vastly different backgrounds, united by a shared commitment to creating lasting social change. Clement Benedict—a formerly incarcerated entrepreneur, sales professional, and social worker—and Megan Kent, an author and seasoned brand strategist with over 30 years in the advertising industry, have joined forces to address critical societal challenges.
The two met through their mutual dedication to coaching incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals in entrepreneurship skills. Despite their differing life paths, Clement and Megan discovered a profound alignment in their vision to disrupt cycles of disadvantage and create opportunities for success.
In a time when societal focus on racial equity is increasing, the harsh realities for many urban youth remain unchanged. The persistent cycle of gang involvement, violence, and incarceration continues to rob communities of potential. Clement and Megan believe that by equipping young people with essential life skills and preparing them for a brighter future, they can help break this cycle and empower individuals to thrive.
Through The Role Initiative, they aim to bridge the gap in life preparedness—addressing not just the challenges faced by vulnerable communities, but also creating a ripple effect that strengthens neighborhoods, inspires change, and fosters a more equitable world for all.
CLEMENT BENEDICT, Co-Founder
A LEADER IN TRANSFORMATION
Clement Benedict’s journey is one of resilience, growth, and dedication to making a difference. Raised in Brooklyn and following destructive role models, Clement faced significant challenges but ultimately found his purpose in screating positive change.
While serving eight years in correctional facilities, Clement discovered a passion for leadership and coaching, using constructive means to inspire and achieve positive results. This commitment to transformation became the foundation of his life’s work.
Today, Clement is dedicated to a life of service, striving to be a role model for his three children and a source of hope for others. Over the years, he has developed and led workshops for more than 100 incarcerated men, women, and youth, guiding them toward personal and professional growth.
With 22 years of success in the auto industry and office management, Clement has demonstrated a strong track record of leadership and achievement. Currently, he serves as Career Readiness & Re-entry Tri-State Manager at Defy Ventures, and also a Youth Counselor for HeartShare St. Vincent’s Services, where he continues to empower individuals to overcome barriers and rebuild their lives.
Clement’s ultimate dream is to make The Role Initiative his legacy—a program that bridges gaps, builds opportunities, and transforms lives for generations to come.
MEGAN KENT, CO-Founder
A STRATEGIST FOR SOCIAL IMPACT
A Northern California native and current Brooklyn resident, Megan Kent has spent over 25 years crafting transformative strategies for some of the world’s most recognized organizations, including BMW, Revlon, The New York Times, Microsoft, Providence Health, Outback Steakhouse, and Brand USA.
Megan is the author of the Amazon five-star reviewed book Build an Irresistible Brand, which highlights her proprietary Brain-Friendly BrandingⓇ approach—a method designed to connect deeply with audiences by aligning with how the human brain naturally processes information.
As a trained facilitator, Megan has led thousands of workshops with corporate and nonprofit leaders, consumers, youth, and individuals impacted by the justice system. Her volunteer work as a coach and mentor with the Osborne Association and Defy Ventures reflects her dedication to helping incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals unlock their potential and rebuild their lives.
Deeply committed to addressing inequity, Megan is driven by a passion to ensure today’s youth can fully realize the unique gifts they possess. She believes that untapped potential is one of society’s greatest losses and is determined to create pathways for young people to thrive.
MEGAN KENT, CORPORATE SMARTS
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Brooklyn transplant, Northern California native
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25+ years transforming brand strategy in corporate boardrooms: BMW, Revlon, New York Times, Microsoft, Providence Health, Outback SteakHouse, Brand USA
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Author of Amazon five-star reviewed book, Build an 
Irresistible Brand, featuring her proprietary Brain-Friendly BrandingⓇ approach
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A trained group facilitator, has conducted thousands of workshops among corporate and non-profit leaders, consumers, youth, and the formerly incarcerated
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Volunteer coach and mentor working with incarcerated and formerly incarcerated youth and adults through Osborne Association and Defy Ventures
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As a brand strategist, she abhors wasted potential. She wants to ensure today’s youth is able to maximize the inherent gifts they were born with
CLEMENT BENEDICT, STREET SMARTS
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Raised on the streets of Brooklyn without constructive role models, learned first hand that bad company corrupts good morals
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Formerly incarcerated - served 8 years in correctional facilities
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Played leadership roles while incarcerated, became energized learning to use constructive means to achieve positive results
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Is now committed to using his coaching and leadership skills to create positive change, is dedicated to a life of service
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Is determined to be a role model for his three children
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Has developed and led workshops for 100+ incarcerated men, women and youth
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Has a track record of success through 22 years of experience in auto industry and office management
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Serves as Career Readiness & Re-entry Tri-State Manager at Defy Ventures
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His dream is to make The Role Initiative his legacy
Have questions or want to learn more about our program? We're here to help! Please reach out to us with any inquiries or requests for information. Your journey to empowering youth starts here!