My name is Kai Lyle–Obiozor, I grew up in a close knit family in Illinois the middle child of four. I was first member of my immediate family to complete college obtaining a BA in Political Science and graduate education at the University of Illinois-Urbana. I am also the mother of twins, one boy and one girl, and the grandmother of a two year-old boy. My professional work experience is varied and includes working five years as a cross cultural trainer in Milan, Italy, a Neighborhood Development Specialist in city government, to a college administrator heading an Office of Sponsored Programs’ Department of Grants and Contracts.
For many years I have wanted to be an entrepreneur (the captain of my own ship), but I lacked the necessary tools to take my dream further than just a great idea. I didn’t know what I didn’t know. Over the last couple of years I have gained many of those much needed tools to launch and grow a successful business from the guidance and trainings at local organizations.
I am a graduate of the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center’s Business Planning Program, a second year participant in Urban Solutions Enterprising Women. I attended Urban Solutions 8-month Tech Divide Training for Small Businesses, in addition to ongoing workshops at SCORE, and with Centro. I also completed a one year internship with Design Plus Gallery to gain hands-on work experience in a local small business.