Entrepreneurs who became intimate with life’s trials and adversities quite often turn out to become icons of inspiration and the best at helping other people. The experiences they have had allows them the strength and humility to rise in whatever field they choose. In the case of Morehouse alumnus Maurice D. Ravenna, he grew to become a massive name in the business industry and to find his place as one of the top CEOs in America.
Born in Queens, New York, Maurice, and his family were privy to the ups and downs of life. His family saw great heights and experienced devastating lows, and in the face of life’s uncertainties, Maurice was raised to chase after dreams regardless of the obstacles. That goal-driven mindset, coupled with his curious and ambitious personality, pushed him to where he is today.
After studying International Relations at Morehouse and Business Management at Southern Wesleyan University, Maurice left his mark in several industries. For three years, he was a US Naval Midshipman and became a subway franchise manager for two years while finishing his master’s degree. He also spent six and a half years at the US Treasury, an opportunity that taught him several valuable lessons about people and the government. It also made him realize that this form of government service is not the end to his path.
And this is where Maurice’s life took another turn. Maurice went on to develop Phoenix International Inc., a social service firm dedicated to housing, educating, inspiring, and uplifting homeless, foster youth who were aging out of care. Not everyone has recognized how dire the situation is for these youth, how they are left to fend for themselves without resources, and proper guidance. This injustice to countless youth simultaneously disturbed and inspired Maurice to bring about change.
For the past four years, Phoenix International Inc. has been revolutionizing the lives of countless foster youth. They are taught not just to settle for survival, but to aim to break the cycle of institutionalization and reliance on the state. With the program’s focus on providing these youth with crucial life skills, they are being introduced to an entirely different way of life — a better way that equips them with the necessary tools to thrive.
His work with Phoenix International Inc. inspired Maurice’s next successful endeavor. He founded Griffin Global Incorporated, a full-service business consulting firm that provides tools necessary to achieve personal and business success.
Maurice is also the brilliant mind behind the U-Do phone app. This upcoming platform serves as a global marketplace helping to break down barriers of entry for would-be entrepreneurs.
All of these ingenious products of Maurice’s solution-driven mind landed him on the international business radar. Business Elite picked him from thousands of CEOs in America, and in 2019, Maurice was given the distinction of being part of the Business Elite’s Top 40 CEOs under 40.
For Maurice, exemplifying service and excellence is a life-long engagement. He continues to look for ways to grow as a person while giving others a helping hand. Today, even with the responsibilities of being at the helm of two companies, Maurice still manages to volunteer for organizations whose causes are dear to him, such as the human rights organization, Just Stop Killing Us.
Maurice knows how hard life can be and how uncertain it may seem, especially during chaotic times. This knowledge pushes him to contribute to a future of social impact and change.
