Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Washington. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Brandon Washington, both an entrepreneur and educator has an unwavering devotion to social justice. Mr. Washington’s formal education consists of Greenfield Elementary School and Friends Select; ultimately, going on to graduate from Bishop McDevitt High School. When not in school, Brandon primarily spent his time working at his father’s restaurant, Ron’s Ribs, a community staple where he learned both the importance of hard work and community engagement. Both tenets are integral to the man Brandon has become. In addition to his work at the restaurant, he began working at IBS Communications as a graphic designer when still only in high school.
Brandon went on to graduate from LaSalle University with a B.S. in Integrated Science Business and Technology. This advancement led IBS Communications to promote Brandon to field technician which allowed him to vastly broaden his technological knowledge and expertise. By leveraging his technical and graphic design skills, he excelled at executing network system installations, audio video systems, providing help desk support as well as designing CAD drawings. This culminated into his brand work for the company which included website, logo, promotional material and digital signage.
Wanting to get back to his roots pursuing social justice and giving back to the society that had shaped him, he chose to pursue the path of an educator. Subsequently, Brandon applied to the highly competitive Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship and was amongst the few selected despite a vast applicant pool. Upon his completion of this one-year intensive program, he committed to a three years teaching stint in New Jersey in exchange for receiving a Master of Teaching degree in STEM Teaching from The College of New Jersey.
Today Brandon is currently serving as a Technology Education Teacher instructing Graphic Arts at Hamilton West High School, Adj. Professor at LaSalle University while also serving as an instructor for the Uncommon Individual Foundation. He started The STREAM Engine Organization. The organization’s goal is to provide educational opportunities and resources to all for individuals to get acclimated to the workforce of the 21st century. He is currently fundraising by selling ‘Ron’s Signature Sauce” to equip his community’s co-op workspace, “1901”, with technologies to better support the community… Brandon also serves on the board of his local registered community organization, the South of South Neighborhood Association organization, and is a member of the Philadelphia Chapter Frontiers International organization.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been as smooth as I’ve liked. I think the biggest challenge at first was adjusting to the loss of my father. Figuring out a new life as well a grieving the loss of literally my best friend and mentor has been a struggle throughout various periods of my life.
As of lately, my biggest challenge is trying to achieve the goals for my community and business ventures while being a present father. I’m learning the value of time management and what really matters to me.
Lastly, fundraising remains an obstacle. Although I’m constantly devising ways to raise funds, it causes a barrier for me to try to develop programming simultaneously.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The STREAM Engine / Ron’s Signature Sauce?
The STREAM Engine is an NPO consisting of a network of businesses, organizations, and individuals who wish to provide educational opportunities and resources to prepare the workforce for emerging 21st-century jobs to address poverty. The organization emerged post-pandemic to establish a space to provide instruction called 1901. 1901 is a community center that acts as a coworking space possessing various technologies for content creation and technological education. Ultimately The STREAM Engine is a network of entities that want to help people. Come February, we’ll be offering virtual opportunities to receive instruction.
In order to create a funding stream to support the space and the organization, I revived my father’s historic brand by way of a barbeque sauce. As mentioned previously, I grew in the restaurant business working in a Philly Staple called Ron’s Ribs. I released “Ron’s Signature Sauce”, possessing the signature flavor that was used to prepare the restaurant;’s BBQ. It’s becoming popular and I hope it becomes Philadelphia’s version of mambo sauce or a competitor to “Sweet Baby Ray’s”. I’m proud because I’m keeping this Philadelphia tradition alive, like my father did before me, and helping people at the same time. When you taste the sauce, your not just enjoying its flavor, your enjoying history!
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory is working in a restaurant with my father. My father was diagnosed with heart failure when I was in 1st grade. As a result, my dad stopped holding back. He told me what was happening and what could happen, which motivated me to want to help my father in any way I could. My favorite thing was witnessing the smile of pride he had while he and I would work in the restaurant together.
Pricing:
- A bottle of Sauce is $10
Contact Info:
- Website: thestreamengine.org, ronssignaturesauce.com
- Instagram: @washiewash, @thestreamenigine, @ronssignaturesauce, @ronsribs, @1901philly
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ronssignaturesauce, https://www.facebook.com/brandon.washington.5851
- Other: brandonwashington.info
Image Credits
Mike Prince
