Camden, NJ
“I’ve never even been on an airplane. I’m going to be a paratrooper.”
Those words, from Byron Lightfoot, reflect the same daring spirit we admire in business — taking leaps that open new paths. Byron, a 2023 graduate of UrbanPromise Academy, didn’t just finish high school; he launched into a journey of growth that has carried him from classrooms to finance offices, and now, into military service.
Courage in Every Transition
Byron first enrolled at Rutgers, then transferred to Camden County College to study finance and business. Along the way, UrbanPromise shaped his outlook through programs like Trekkers, summer camps, and internships that brought life-skills off the page and into practice.
At Retail Sites, LLC, we recognize the power of that kind of formation. Strong communities make strong futures — and supporting UrbanPromise’s mission is one way we help build both.
Real-World Experience
For the past six months, Byron interned with UrbanPromise’s Director of Finance, managing payroll, taxes, and expenses. His mentor, Maureen Gallicchio, shared: “He’s really made a contribution and I’m sorry to see him leave.”
That kind of practical, hands-on experience mirrors what we value at Retail Sites’ — bridging the gap between vision and reality. In real estate, as in Byron’s journey, the leap from theory to practice is where transformation happens.
Preparing for the Next Chapter
Byron is now preparing for Army basic training — a step that will test him in new ways. He believes his service will also sharpen his ability to give back, especially in an area he’s passionate about: financial literacy.
For us, that resonates. UrbanPromise equips young people not just to succeed, but to lead and uplift others. That’s the kind of ripple effect worth investing in.
Our Ongoing Commitment
Retail Sites, LLC has been a proud supporter of UrbanPromise for years. Our President, Robert Hill, serves on their Board of Directors, helping guide strategy and ensure their programs continue to create opportunities like the ones Byron has seized.
This isn’t just philanthropy; it’s partnership. When young leaders thrive, neighborhoods thrive. When neighborhoods thrive, cities thrive. That alignment between UrbanPromise’s work and our vision for sustainable, vibrant communities is why we remain committed to their mission.
Why This Story Matters
- Courage: Taking the leap, even into the unknown.
- Mentorship: None of us do it alone; we all need guides and opportunities.
- Community Impact: Growth ripples outward — whether through teaching financial literacy or revitalizing a neighborhood.
Byron’s journey is a reminder that meaningful change happens step by step, often in the spaces where people and organizations come together to create opportunity.
As Byron prepares for basic training, he carries with him the love, hopes, and encouragement of those who walked beside him. He’s moving toward something hard, something noble. And we, as part of his community, get to be in the background, cheering him on.
So If you’re reading this and would to share a note, wish, or message to Byron — that kind of support echoes. It matters.
You can do so via this -> link