KAMREN LAKE, CHI2

Kamren Lake, a Hidden Genius Alum of our Chicago Cohort 2 (CHI2), began his journey at a time when he had big dreams but was still searching for direction and confidence. After discovering The Hidden Genius Project at a local event, he stepped into our Intensive Immersion Program, where he was challenged to think more critically about his future, build discipline, and step into his voice. Through hands-on experiences in entrepreneurship and technology, Kamren not only developed practical skills like public speaking and networking but also learned how to turn ideas into action, bringing his vision for Pryde, an injury prevention sportswear brand, to life. Today, at 16 years old, Kamren is a student at Lindblom Math and Science Academy, continuing to grow as a leader and preparing to step into a Youth Educator role, while pursuing his goal of becoming a physical therapist with a clearer sense of purpose and direction.

How have you been?

Great, I can’t complain. Getting selected for this Genius Revealed spotlight is a huge honor and made me even better! School has been hard this year, but I’m pushing through and trying to overcome the challenges. My whole family is doing well; my brother is actually finishing the last month of his sophomore year at Morehouse. For work, I’m very excited to step into my role as a Youth Educator [with The Hidden Genius Project] for this coming summer. I can’t wait!   

How did you first learn about The Hidden Genius Project?

I was introduced to The Hidden Genius Project at a local expo [in Chicago]. It was called “The People of Color Summit,” and The Hidden Genius Project had a table there. I was with one of my closest friends at the time, and we both walked up to their table because we were tempted by the candy they had out. Once we walked up to the table and heard their pitch, I fell in love with it. Hearing that I got paid to learn, got a MacBook, and got to bond with other Black male youth made me interested. The minute they finished their pitch, I applied on the spot.

What was your experience in the program like?

I liked the business side of things because a couple of my brothers and I started off the first summer by making websites for our businesses. Going off of that, as we went through the rest of the program, it was cool to see my and others’ ideas built on and evolve. I also liked the lessons because they helped me think more like an entrepreneur. The educators and mentors gave me helpful and insightful knowledge on how to start a real business.

While I was in programming, I encountered a major challenge, which was my schedule. It was hard to fit programming into my school year schedule because I am also involved in sports. So I had to work extra hard to make sure I didn’t fall behind and followed up with the educators in case I missed a lesson.

Another challenge I overcame was time management, as it was a new skill that I learned to build. There are times when you need to lock in and put your foot on the gas, and there are times when you can coast a little bit. Some days during the summer, it was hard to get work done because I wanted to have fun with my brothers. We were all aware that these would be some of the last weeks we would all be together during the program, and we didn’t want it to end. So it was hard to do work when you want to create EVERY memory, but I had to learn to prioritize my responsibilities. 

Describe the final project you created during your time in the Immersion Program.

The project I created was in the business track called Pryde, an injury prevention sportswear. My business is centered on a rehab sports product designed to help you return to play before you’re fully recovered. I started the idea in my first summer, and it was rewarding to watch it evolve into something way better than I imagined as I learned more about business principles. The goal was to help people return to their sport sooner and ease back in gradually, something I didn’t have while recovering from an ankle injury last summer, which kept me from playing basketball.

How is The Hidden Genius Project different from other mentorship or training experiences that you have been involved in?

I was part of another mentorship group at my school called “Real Men Talk,” which was valuable, but The Hidden Genius Project took my understanding of what it means to be a Black man in this country to a deeper level and helped me grow even further. I also joined Kappa League after programming, and I’d say that my experience in The Hidden Genius Project better prepared me to step up, speak confidently, and answer questions more thoughtfully in that new space.

What specific skills learned in The Hidden Genius Project have been most beneficial for you?

The first skill I have learned that has benefited me is public speaking. The setting of programming encourages you to speak up because it’s a judgment-free space where thoughts are uplifted and also built upon. That type of space encouraged me to learn, take in information, and gave me the confidence to share my thoughts in any setting. When I first learned some things in immersion programming, I thought to myself, “This stuff won’t help me in life. We’re just learning concepts.” I know now that there’s a method to all of this. In January of this year, I was informed that my mom became the Principal of the Year for the state of Illinois. They wanted me to speak in front of a crowd and gave me 3 days to write a speech. I thought to myself, “easy” because most of our elevator pitches in The Hidden Genius Project were on the fly, so the skills I learned helped me to prepare to speak and kill it on that podium, bringing everyone to tears. 

The second skill that’s been most beneficial to me is networking. Before The Hidden Genius Project, I didn’t even know what networking was or how to do it. Because of our many business trips, I was able to practice this skill a lot, and now it’s second nature to walk up to someone, chop it up, get to know what they do, learn what they can do to help me, and then get connected with them through LinkedIn.

What was the most important thing you gained on a personal level from participating in The Hidden Genius Project?

The most important thing I gained on a personal level was my CHI2 brothers. I love those guys so much. They were the best thing I got out of all of this because they are my rock, I can go to them for advice, and we support each other. They are people with whom I hope I’m connected with forever, and they will always be on my mind.

How do you think your path might have been different if you hadn’t participated in The Hidden Genius Project?

It’s hard for me to really imagine that version of myself. I was less confident, I was a little naive about the world, and honestly, I didn’t have a plan for my life. I had dreams, but no path to know how to get to them, as I didn’t understand what it would take to reach certain goals.  For example, I said I wanted to be a physical therapist, but I never asked myself these questions that The Hidden Genius Project asked me: “Do you know how much school that takes?” or “Do you know what type you want to be?” I didn’t take the time to learn stuff like that because I thought I had time. Now, I take time to plan and build a strong foundation of ideas instead of reacting impulsively.

If I were to fast-forward to myself right now without the program, I probably wouldn’t have a planned-out future or be able to speak as freely or confidently as I do now. I would be more of a dreamer. The current version of myself still dreams, but I say that because I’m more of a doer now, who makes those dreams a reality.

In what ways have you remained involved with The Hidden Genius Project since completing the 15-month Intensive Immersion program?

I recently went to the Chicago cohort 4 Interview Day and volunteered to evaluate the new applicants. I also occasionally pop into programming and say hi to the current cohort and staff, offering support in any way. Daryl Johnson, the Chicago Alumni Engagement Coordinator, has stayed in touch with me. We have a strong connection because I see some of myself in him, and I see him as a role model. We both play basketball, and he checks up on me regularly.

If you could talk to yourself just before you applied, what is one thing you would say?

I was confused, and I was just coming off a city championship loss. I didn’t know how to feel, and I got into a mental health slump during my 8th-grade year. I would say to myself, you’re not even going to be able to imagine how this program will change your life. I’d tell myself that I couldn’t even begin to imagine how much this program would change my life.

What words of encouragement do you have for future Geniuses? 

This program will open doors to opportunities you never thought possible. The money might be nice, the MacBook is also nice, but that’s all temporary. You will have a network all around this country that will last forever. I can’t stress this enough: doing this program will change your life. Even if it’s just a little change, this project sets you up for life.