When Shawn Ho-Hing King talks about purpose, it’s not a buzzword, it’s a life mission.
Having turned personal tragedy into a platform for empowerment, Shawn has spent over two decades showing what true resilience looks like in action.
As the Founder and CEO of Talented Teen Club (TTC), a nonprofit organization based in Palm Beach County, Florida, Shawn has helped over a thousand young people each year since 2005 find confidence, skills, and purpose through education, mentorship, and compassion.
Her journey from hardship to hope proves one thing: you can build something extraordinary even when you start with nothing but faith.
Tell us a bit about your background
“I am the Founder and CEO of Talented Teen Club (TTC), a nonprofit organization based in Palm Beach County that has empowered over a thousand youth annually since 2005. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to reach, teach, guide, and inspire young people to lead healthy, productive lives. Through mentoring, leadership training, vocational courses, athletics, and our free hygiene store, we equip teens with the tools to thrive. Beyond TTC, I’m also an entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist , driven by a purpose much greater than myself. Every initiative I lead centers around helping others discover their worth and walk confidently in their purpose.”
What first inspired you to begin this journey or take on the role you are in today?
“My journey began from pain, but it evolved into purpose. Losing my mother at ten and becoming a single mother at a young age forced me to grow up fast. I learned early that life can break you or build you ,and I chose to be built. When I looked around my community, I saw too many young people who reminded me of myself ,filled with potential but lacking guidance and opportunity. That’s when the spark ignited. I founded Talented Teen Club to create a safe, empowering space where every young person feels seen, valued, and equipped to succeed.”
Along the way, what has been one of the most defining challenges you faced, and how did you navigate it?
“One of my most significant challenges was starting a nonprofit with no funding, no team, just a vision and a determination that wouldn’t quit. There were times I wanted to give up, but faith, perseverance, and the support of a few believers kept me moving. I learned to turn ‘no’ into motivation and obstacles into opportunities. Each setback became a stepping stone that shaped my leadership and deepened my compassion for those I serve. The lesson? Never underestimate what God can do with a little faith and a lot of consistency.”
What impact do you feel your work has created so far?
“The impact has been transformational. Many of our TTC youth have gone from at-risk students to college graduates, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. We’ve seen teens find their voice, gain confidence, and return as mentors to uplift the next generation. On a community level, we’ve built bridges between families, schools, and organizations, proving that collective effort can break cycles of poverty and low self-esteem. Every success story ,every teen who believes, ‘I can do this’ ,is the objective measure of impact.”
Looking ahead, what is your vision or goal for the future?
“I envision taking the TTC model nationwide and expanding into schools and communities that need it most. Regardless of background, I want to see every teen equipped with mentorship, mental wellness support, and growth opportunities. We’re building a building for students to have a sense of ownership and the vision of generational wealth. This matters to me because our children are our most significant investment, and the future depends on how we nurture them today.”
Finally, what message would you share with others who want to create positive change but are unsure where to start?
“Start where you are, with what you have, and a heart willing to serve. You don’t need perfection ,just purpose. Every act of kindness, every moment of courage, and every dream you pursue creates a ripple effect. The world changes when ordinary people decide to do extraordinary things with love and consistency. Remember: it’s not about being ready; it’s about being willing.”
About Talented Teen Club
Founded in 2005, Talented Teen Club (TTC) is a nonprofit organization empowering youth through mentoring, education, leadership, athletics, and community support. TTC provides essential resources , including a free hygiene store, skill-building programs, and confidence workshops , helping teens transition from vulnerable to visionary.
At UPDEED, we’re proud to highlight inspiring individuals who turn empathy into measurable impact. By sharing authentic journeys like Shawn Ho-Hing King’s, UPDEED continues its mission of connecting changemakers and amplifying good deeds globally.
