Paul Thompson is a dynamic individual whose career spans diverse industries, from business and workforce development to the arts. Currently, Paul serves as the Chief Economic Empowerment Officer of the YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago, where he leads critical programs focused on Workforce, Entrepreneurship, Housing, and StreetWise magazine. With over 30 years of experience in business management, he previously led Purpose Workforce Solutions as CEO, helping Opportunity Youth from Chicago’s South and West sides access meaningful employment. He has also held leadership roles at City Colleges of Chicago, overseeing the redevelopment of business programs and apprenticeship systems designed to propel students into high-potential careers. Paul’s leadership extends beyond the corporate world—he is deeply engaged in his community. He has served on various boards, including the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board’s Apprenticeship Committee, the National Skills Coalition’s National Apprenticeship Panel, and the Pulman Tech Workshop, where he is currently President. A Past Commodore of the Jackson Park Yacht Club, Paul’s passion for sailing is a significant part of his life, deeply intertwined with his professional endeavors. He also has a rich history in real estate development, having owned and operated a firm responsible for building over 475 units of affordable housing in Chicago. While his career is distinguished by his work in business and community development, Paul’s artistic journey is equally compelling. In the 1980s, he discovered his passion for performance arts, which has remained a lifelong pursuit. His acting credits include notable roles in several productions during that period, where he honed his craft and embraced storytelling as a powerful form of expression. A natural storyteller, Paul’s involvement in Legacy of the Sea, a 10-minute short film exploring Black Fatherhood, is a testament to his artistic growth. The film delves into themes of fatherhood, legacy, and sailing, exploring the powerful lessons Paul has learned both on the water and in his role as a father. His voice work for the film adds an additional layer of depth to his connection to the project, as he uses his platform to promote the importance of family, history, and cultural identity. In addition to Legacy of the Sea, Paul is the host of WISE, a monthly podcast focused on sailing topics. The podcast blends his passion for sailing with his desire to engage in meaningful conversations around culture, community, and personal growth. With a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Western Michigan University, Paul combines his technical expertise with a deep commitment to social impact and personal expression. He is also a Fellow of both the Civic Leadership Academy at the University of Chicago and the Chicagoland Workforce Leadership Academy at the Aspen Institute. Through his many roles and projects, Paul Thompson continues to leave a lasting legacy—whether on the water, in the boardroom, or on stage. Paul also skilled in Carpentry and cooking which are two passions he continues to expand building on the legacy from his late father.