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Justin Cunningham

Background & Expertise​

  • Community leader and innovator in education/youth development based in Chicago.
  • Skilled in creating engaging and nurturing activities/programming for young people (e.g., open mics, potentially similar to a "cruise director" role).
  • Appears to have connections within the Chicago cultural/music scene (e.g., referenced alongside Chance the Rapper, though direct connection not specified in this transcript).
  • Recommended by Gary Sheng as the top choice to lead the Alpha Summer 2025 program due to his expertise in creating positive, engaging youth environments.

Potential Role in Alpha Ecosystem​

  • Lead for Alpha Summer 2025: Gary Sheng proposed Justin lead the planning and execution of the intensive summer program in Austin, focusing on the experiential, community-building, and "fun" aspects, complementing the master-apprentice learning tracks.
  • Future Chicago School Leader: Positioned as a potential leader for a future Alpha-affiliated school in Chicago, potentially collaborating with figures like Pastor Brooks. The summer program is framed as a way to build trust and demonstrate capability within the Alpha ecosystem.

Interactions​

  • 2025-05-05: Joined call with Gary Sheng and Beef Jones. Received proposal from Gary to lead the Alpha Summer 2025 program in Austin. Discussed the apprenticeship model vs. traditional projects, the vision for the summer program (high-energy, experiential focus, media integration), the required timeline (immediate action needed), compensation philosophy (generous pay, doubling based on milestones), and the potential pathway to leading a Chicago school.
  • Next Steps: Consider the offer, determine availability/interest in relocating to Austin for the summer (approx. mid-June to early/mid-August), communicate required compensation/terms to Gary for inclusion in budget proposal.

Connection Points​

  • Shared interest in innovative youth development and education.
  • Potential synergy between his community-building skills and Alpha's goals.
  • Direct invitation from Gary Sheng (acting as delegated lead for Joe Liemandt) to take on a significant leadership role.
  • Potential future role in Chicago expansion.

Transcripts​

Transcript IDDateSummary
2025-05-05_gary_beef_justin2025-05-05Alpha Summer 2025 program planning discussion with Gary and Beef, including proposal for Justin to lead the program