March Alumni Accolades
Empowering the Next Generation: Walter Mendenhall’s Journey with the Male Mogul Initiative
Walter Mendenhall, a former NFL running back and Chicago native, has dedicated his post-athletic career to something far greater than himself—uplifting and empowering young men of color in Chicago’s underserved communities. Through his organization, the Male Mogul Initiative Inc., Walter is changing lives by providing mentorship, resources, and guidance to young men, helping them reach their full potential. Walter’s inspiration to create the Male Mogul Initiative came from a life-altering encounter with a young man on Chicago’s West Side. This individual, despite his intelligence, athleticism, and academic promise, was selling drugs to support his family. The meeting left a lasting impression on Walter, pushing him to take action. He started by gathering five young men in a church basement, sparking conversations about how to unlock their potential and lead their communities toward a better future. Today, that small gathering has grown into a movement that has mentored thousands of young men across Chicago’s South and West Side neighborhoods. The Male Mogul Initiative is more than a mentorship program—it’s a lifeline for young men of color seeking guidance, confidence, and practical skills to build successful futures. The program’s mentors, many of whom come from similar backgrounds, serve as living examples of what success looks like, making dreams feel attainable for the youth they guide.
The Sunshine Enterprises Connection
Walter’s entrepreneurial journey took a significant step forward when he discovered Sunshine Enterprises through a mutual acquaintance. In 2018, he enrolled in our Community Business Academy (CBA) and found the curriculum invaluable in shaping his business approach. One topic, in particular, stood out—personal finance. “The personal finance week was a game-changer for me,” Walter shares. “I realized that I was spending more than what I was making.” Since then, he has incorporated a strict budgeting system into his financial habits, a skill he continues to use today. Understanding financial management was crucial not only for his personal well-being but also for ensuring the sustainability and growth of the Male Mogul Initiative.
Walter also took full advantage of our Business Acceleration Services (BAS), including one-on-one business coaching and structured accountability check-ins. These resources provided him with a structured approach to growing his initiative steadily and strategically. “The most valuable part was having personal accountability to move forward with my business,” Walter explains. “Having a business coach meant regular meetings, goal setting, and check-ins that kept me on track.” Through these services, Walter gained confidence in running a business, particularly in understanding financial statements and securing funding—two key challenges he faced before joining Sunshine Enterprises.
Walter’s journey didn’t stop at CBA and BAS. In 2019, he joined the Next Level Exchange (NLE) Program on behalf of Sunshine. NLE is an initiative designed to provide mentorship and business connections for entrepreneurs through a partnership between Sunshine Enterprises, Chicago Urban League, and Women's Business Development Center. This experience introduced him to a mentor who continues to be an instrumental part of his success. “My mentor has provided me with valuable information and connections that have helped advance my business,” Walter says. “From funding opportunities to an expanded network, the support has been incredible.”
Looking Ahead: A Vision for a Brighter Future
Through strategic planning, financial discipline, and strong mentorship, Walter has transformed the Male Mogul Initiative into a force for good. His mission remains clear: to cultivate generations of exceptional leaders and role models from Chicago’s under-resourced neighborhoods. Walter’s story is a testament to the power of mentorship, education, and unwavering commitment to community upliftment. By leveraging the support of Sunshine Enterprises, he has not only grown his organization but also solidified a lasting impact on the lives of countless young men.
To learn more about the Male Mogul Initiative and support their work, visit www.malemogulinitiative.org.
Follow them on social media:
Facebook: Male Mogul Initiative
Instagram: @malemogulinitiative