Empowering Youth
For Future Success
In Business & Life
KNA is dedicated to transforming the lives of young people by investing in their potential and equipping them with the tools needed for success. Through our comprehensive programs in credit counseling, real estate education, job training, skills development, and youth mentorship, we empower participants to build strong foundations for both personal growth and professional achievement. Our goal is to create lasting change by fostering leadership, promoting financial literacy, and guiding youth toward brighter futures in business and life.
A Mission to Empower…
KNA Empowerment Outreach is committed to transforming lives by investing in youth and young adults. We empower our participants with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to achieve personal growth, financial stability, and professional success. Through education, mentorship, and hands-on training, we strive to empower young people to reach their full potential and turn their dreams into reality.
KNA Programs
& Services
Credit Counseling
& Real Estate
Education
This program is designed to set you on the path to financial freedom and homeownership. We provide practical tools and expert guidance on managing credit, budgeting effectively, and understanding the real estate market. Learn how to boost your credit score, qualify for loans, and even explore the steps to becoming a homeowner. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to secure your financial future, this program is all about helping you build wealth, stability, and long-term success!
Youth Development, Violence Intervention
& Prevention
KNA is all about empowering young people to thrive while creating safer communities. We focus on building strong, confident leaders through mentorship, life skills training, and personal development. Participants learn conflict resolution, effective communication, and strategies to prevent violence, equipping them with the tools needed to make positive choices. It’s more than just a program—it’s a movement to inspire change, promote peace, and foster brighter futures for Chicago’s youth.
Job Training, Skills Building & Workforce
Development
Our job training program is designed to equip young people with the skills and confidence needed for success in the workplace. Participants receive hands-on training, resume building, interview preparation, and professional development workshops tailored to their career interests. We offer real-world experience and networking opportunities, helping youth enter the workforce with a clear path to sustainable careers. This program is about building a strong foundation for a productive future.
Our Target Population…
Our target population consists of youth who require mentorship and guidance, with a focus on those from single-parent households, facing low academic performance, and living near poverty levels. We focus on supporting young people in areas with a history of violence and limited resources, providing them with the tools they need to overcome challenges. We also aim to uplift youth who have a passion for business, helping them turn their aspirations into reality.
Empowering South Side Youth to Create Brighter Futures
We’re all about equipping young people with the skills and confidence to chase their dreams! From hands-on job training and financial literacy to real-world mentorship, our programs are designed to be as exciting as they are impactful.
We even offer exciting internship opportunities that allow you to earn while you learn! Get hands-on experience in real-world settings, build valuable skills, and boost your income—all while working alongside industry professionals.
”As the founder of KNA, my mission is to empower inner-city youth and young adults by providing them with the skills they need to succeed. From creating Watta Potato and watching it go viral, I’ve experienced first-hand the impact of investing in yourself. Now, I’m committed to guiding the next generation to do the same.”
— Keayna Washington, President & Founder, KNA Empowerment Outreach
Meet Our President
Keayna Washington
Keayna Washington is the dynamic founder and President of KNA Empowerment Outreach, NFP, and the innovative CEO behind Chicago’s popular Watta Potato. She is also the owner of KNA Mortgage Brokerage, LLC, a growing independent mortgage company. With nearly a decade of expertise in the residential mortgage banking industry, Keayna combines her professional background with her passion for youth empowerment. KNA is dedicated to equipping inner-city youth with the skills needed for success in business and life. From hosting food truck events with Watta Potato to feed the homeless, to organizing give-back initiatives that support youth, we are committed to making a difference. Recognized by acclaimed food critic Keith Lee and featured on WGN’s Spotlight Chicago and Daytime Chicago, Keayna is dedicated to guiding young people toward achieving their dreams, just as she did as a proud product of Chicago.
The Why.
Our Purpose…
Keayna’s story is one of hustle, grind, and the power of giving back. Born and raised in Chicago, she knows first-hand the challenges that inner-city Chicago youth face every day. Despite the obstacles, Keayna forged her own path to success, becoming a thriving entrepreneur and the founder of Chicago’s popular Watta Potato. Her journey wasn’t easy, but it was fueled by the belief that with the right support, skills, and opportunities, anyone can achieve their dreams.
Today, as President of KNA Empowerment Outreach, Keayna’s mission is clear: to help young people in the same communities she grew up in realize their potential and build brighter futures. She understands what it means to come from humble beginnings and turn struggles into stepping stones. That’s why she is committed to equipping inner-city youth with the tools needed to succeed—whether it’s through job training, financial literacy, violence prevention, or personal development.
Keayna’s purpose is deeply rooted in giving back to the community that raised and shaped her. She wants to create pathways for young people to become entrepreneurs, leaders, and change-makers in their own right. KNA Empowerment Outreach is more than just another nonprofit giving back; it’s KNA’s way of paying it forward and ensuring that the next generation has the support and opportunities needed to thrive. This is about transforming lives, neighborhoods, and the future of Chicago—one young person at a time.
