Who We Are
About The Institute
The blueprint for a national model of how to intentionally close the racial wealth gap, change how investments are made, and create generational wealth in a more equitable way.
How We Help DC Residents
The NorthStar Institute (Institute) provides tangible ways to close the regional racial wealth gap through direct investment in assets, upward income mobility, and expert guidance in homeownership, entrepreneurship, savings, investments, and legacy planning.
The Institute consists of a financial well-being center and a career accelerator. It targets the A.L.I.C.E. population, who represent 134,000 residents in Washington, D.C., alone and within reach of the middle class. Individuals work directly with a licensed and experienced wealth advisor to position themselves to attain and retain an asset. This includes restoring/establishing credit, adjusting expenditures, and creating a short- to midterm plan for success.
Additionally, the Institute allows residents to obtain or recapture credentials that increase income and mobility quickly. The Institute invests directly in individuals’ plans to accelerate asset attainment/retainment.
Target Population
A.L.I.C.E. — asset limited, income constrained, employed, is a term coined by the United Way, which disproportionately describes households of color. A.L.I.C.E. individuals are the backbone of our economy. They are healthcare providers, teachers, retail clerks, and sanitation workers. In Washington, D.C., where the population is just over 700,000 people, 134,314 individuals are classified as A.L.I.C.E.
The A.L.I.C.E. population is the ideal target group because they are in a position to attain/retain assets. This population is not in emergency status; they are within arm’s length of owning a home, beginning to save and invest, and starting a business. They may also inherit an asset and need assistance in navigating how to manage keeping it, given their current financial status.
Proposed Outcomes
The impact of the Institute will be seen in a number of ways (studied via third-party evaluations). Anticipated metrics include:
- Increase in credit score
- Number of new homeowners
- % of Families above A.L.I.C.E threshold, now considered middle class
- Number of investment accounts established
- Number of legacy plans established
- Number of new businesses established and/or capitalized
- Increase in savings
Because of the proximity of the A.L.I.C.E. population to the middle class and asset attainment/retainment, the Institute will demonstrate a positive impact within six to 18 months of working with residents. Additionally, due to the size of this population, outcomes will initially be reported in the hundreds (year 1 and 2) and then move into the thousands (year 3 and beyond).
Professional journey
Company achievements timeline
We are committed to being a business that balances purpose with profit that create value for all our stakeholders.
Hello World!
Company Inception
The company is founded by a team of passionate entrepreneurs. The vision, mission, and values are defined.
January 2020
Milestone 1
Product Refinement
Alpha Testing
The first version of the product is completed. Alpha testing begins, with the team rigorously testing the product for functionality and usability.
February 2020
Milestone 2
Beta Testing
User Feedback
The product enters beta testing. A select group of external users is invited to try out the product and provide feedback.
September 2020
Milestone 3
Launch Event
Official Launch
The product is officially launched to the public. The marketing campaigns go live, and the team focuses on driving user acquisition and adoption.
June 2021
Milestone 4
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Meet Our Team
Jua Williams, President
Jua Williams is a passionate leader with over two decades of experience in the financial services industry and workforce development. With a tenured background in retail banking, Jua has held key positions at both Citibank, N.A. and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. where he empowered residents and businesses through education on the importance of sound money management. Jua provided advice and guidance to support not only the residents and businesses but also the employees seeking upward mobility in the workplace.
Throughout his career in finance, Jua firmly believed in the principle of “each one, teach one.” Recognizing the importance of sharing knowledge, experience, and expertise, he has always been committed to empowering others. This belief led him to transition into the workforce development field, where he found a new avenue to have a meaningful impact.
During his time as Assistant Director at the University of the District of Columbia’s Workforce Development and Lifelong Learning Program, he spearheaded initiatives to bridge the gap between job seekers and employers, fostering partnerships with local businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations to create pathways to employment. Through innovative training programs, mentorship initiatives, and career counseling services, Jua has helped countless individuals in D.C. gain access to meaningful employment opportunities and advance their careers. His commitment to the principle of “each one, teach one” has been evident in his dedication to empowering others to reach their full potential.
Nicole Hanrahan
Executive Director, LAYC Career Academy
Nicole Hanrahan serves as the Co-Founder & Executive Director of the LAYC Career Academy, a school that supports young adults in building literacy, finishing high school and training for careers in the Information Technology and healthcare fields. Ms. Hanrahan, co-founded the school in 2011 and currently oversees the school’s day-to-day operations and strategic direction alongside the board and senior leadership team. Prior to her current role, she was LAYC’s chief strategy officer, supporting its efforts to grow and deepen its impact for youth in Washington, DC. Before joining LAYC, she served as a director at Community Wealth Ventures, where she helped nonprofits and foundations build capacity and improve sustainability. Prior to that, she directed workforce development programs in New York, Chicago, and Boston. Ms. Hanrahan is a member of Leadership Greater Washington and holds a B.A. in public policy from Brown University and an M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School.
Lecester Johnson
CEO, Academy of Hope
Lecester Johnson is the Chief Executive Officer of Academy of Hope Adult Public Charter School. Ms. Johnson joined Academy of Hope in 2006. Under her leadership, the organization has grown to two locations with education centers located in Ward 5 and Ward 8. Academy of Hope has also more than doubled the number of individuals graduating with a high school credential, won adult public charter school status and has increased its revenue from $650,000 in 2006 to now over $8 million.
A long time, passionate advocate for quality adult education and workforce development services, Ms. Johnson is known for her innovation and visionary leadership. She has developed and operated several award winning education and workforce development programs for individuals who face the most significant barriers to education and economic self-sufficiency. Ms. Johnson holds Masters and Education Specialist degrees in Transition Special Education from The George Washington University. She is also a Certified Vocational Evaluator (CVE).
Ms. Johnson has received numerous awards and honors for her work and leadership. In 2014, she was honored with Georgetown University’s John Thompson Jr. Legacy of a Dream Award. She was also one of three recipients of the 2011 Meyer Exponent Award for visionary leadership. Other honors include the 2003 Dick Omang Best Practices award for vocational evaluation, and she served as a U.S. Department of Education Institute for Rehabilitation Issues (IRI) Scholar from 2004 – 2005. She contributed to two chapters on vocational evaluation and career assessment.