Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Blayther Sabbat. 

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:
Showcase Blayther Sabbat’s mission through his nonprofit Pillars of Success, which empowers returning citizens and at-risk youth.
Discuss strategies for reducing recidivism and creating pathways to success via mentorship, financial literacy, and career development.
Inspire individuals and communities to take action toward social impact and economic empowerment.

Key Takeaways


Background and Motivation
First-generation Haitian-American from Washington, D.C.
Athletic background (DeMatha Catholic High School football) instilled discipline and leadership.
Personal experiences with family and community challenges inspired his commitment to mentorship and reentry programs.


Pillars of Success
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing wraparound services:

Mentorship
Financial literacy
Life and work skills
Career development and housing support
Focus on empowering returning citizens and at-risk youth to reintegrate successfully into society.


Challenges and Misconceptions
Common stigma: People assume returning citizens are “bad individuals.”
Reality: Many are in survival mode and lack resources, not character.
Success requires personal accountability and willingness to change.


Impact and Measurement
Success is defined as progress, even small steps like consistent routines or positive mindset.
Emphasis on action: “The difference between success and failure is taking action.”


Affordable Housing Advocacy
Sabbat worked at D.C. Housing Authority for 8 years, rising from clerical assistant to certified housing inspector.
Purchased property at age 26, faced conflict-of-interest issues, and resigned to pursue real estate and community impact full-time.


Career Development and Partnerships
Promotes trades (plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, IT) as sustainable career paths.
Partnerships with Google for digital literacy tools and scholarships.
Collaborates with local universities and organizations for training and job placement.


Financial Literacy
Learned through personal experience buying property on a $35K salary.
Advocates understanding credit, banking, and responsible money management.


Call to Action
Support through donations, mentorship, volunteering, and spreading awareness.
Website: www.pillarsofsuccess202.com

Notable Quotes


On stigma:
“People judge returning citizens as bad individuals without knowing their story. Many are just in survival mode.”


On success:
“Progress—any form of it—is success. The difference between success and failure is taking action.”


On leadership:
“We don’t succeed unless they succeed.”


On financial literacy:
“It’s not about how much you make—it’s about what you do with it.”


On courage:
“I walk by faith. Fearless. Failure and fear are the same—you learn from mistakes.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed&nbsp;Blayther Sabbat.&nbsp;
<hr>
Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to:
<ul>
<li>Showcase Blayther Sabbat&rsquo;s mission through his nonprofit Pillars of Success, which empowers returning citizens and at-risk youth.</li>
<li>Discuss strategies for reducing recidivism and creating pathways to success via mentorship, financial literacy, and career development.</li>
<li>Inspire individuals and communities to take action toward social impact and economic empowerment.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Key Takeaways
<ol>
<li>
Background and Motivation
<ul>
<li>First-generation Haitian-American from Washington, D.C.</li>
<li>Athletic background (DeMatha Catholic High School football) instilled discipline and leadership.</li>
<li>Personal experiences with family and community challenges inspired his commitment to mentorship and reentry programs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Pillars of Success
<ul>
<li>A 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing wraparound services:
<ul>
<li>Mentorship</li>
<li>Financial literacy</li>
<li>Life and work skills</li>
<li>Career development and housing support</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Focus on empowering returning citizens and at-risk youth to reintegrate successfully into society.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Challenges and Misconceptions
<ul>
<li>Common stigma: People assume returning citizens are &ldquo;bad individuals.&rdquo;</li>
<li>Reality: Many are in survival mode and lack resources, not character.</li>
<li>Success requires personal accountability and willingness to change.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Impact and Measurement
<ul>
<li>Success is defined as progress, even small steps like consistent routines or positive mindset.</li>
<li>Emphasis on action: &ldquo;The difference between success and failure is taking action.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Affordable Housing Advocacy
<ul>
<li>Sabbat worked at D.C. Housing Authority for 8 years, rising from clerical assistant to certified housing inspector.</li>
<li>Purchased property at age 26, faced conflict-of-interest issues, and resigned to pursue real estate and community impact full-time.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Career Development and Partnerships
<ul>
<li>Promotes trades (plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, IT) as sustainable career paths.</li>
<li>Partnerships with Google for digital literacy tools and scholarships.</li>
<li>Collaborates with local universities and organizations for training and job placement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Financial Literacy
<ul>
<li>Learned through personal experience buying property on a $35K salary.</li>
<li>Advocates understanding credit, banking, and responsible money management.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Call to Action
<ul>
<li>Support through donations, mentorship, volunteering, and spreading awareness.</li>
<li>Website: <a href="http://www.pillarsofsuccess202.com/">www.pillarsofsuccess202.com</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
<hr>
Notable Quotes
<ul>
<li>
On stigma: &ldquo;People judge returning citizens as bad individuals without knowing their story. Many are just in survival mode.&rdquo;
</li>
<li>
On success: &ldquo;Progress&mdash;any form of it&mdash;is success. The difference between success and failure is taking action.&rdquo;
</li>
<li>
On leadership: &ldquo;We don&rsquo;t succeed unless they succeed.&rdquo;
</li>
<li>
On financial literacy: &ldquo;It&rsquo;s not about how much you make&mdash;it&rsquo;s about what you do with it.&rdquo;
</li>
<li>
On courage: &ldquo;I walk by faith. Fearless. Failure and fear are the same&mdash;you learn from mistakes.&rdquo;
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Hi, this is Rushion McDonald. Welcome to the podcast world of Money Making Conversations Master Class. I interview profits and nonprofits to learn their "Secrets to Success."  I'm a former IBM Executive with a degree in Mathematics. I started my entrepreneurial career as a stand-up comic, then became a sitcom writer, award-winning baker, social media influencer, award-winning television Executive Producer, and brand architect for super-successful celebrities and products. Money Making Conversations Master Class interviews a diverse group of celebrities, entrepreneurs, and influencers in the financial and business community with their advice and tips so you can be successful, too. It's time to stop reading other people's success stories and start building your own. People always talk about their purpose or gifts. If you have a gift, Lead with your Gift, and don't let your friends, family, or co-workers stop you from planning or living your dream. Keep Winning!

https://www.moneymakingconversations.com

https://www.youtube.com/MoneyMakingConversations

https://www.facebook.com/MoneyMakingConversations/

https://twitter.com/moneymakingconv

https://www.instagram.com/moneymakingconversations/

Hi, this is Rushion McDonald. Welcome to the podcast world of Money Making Conversations Master Class. I interview profits and nonprofits to learn their "Secrets to Success."  I'm a former IBM Executive with a degree in Mathematics. I started my entrepreneurial career as a stand-up comic, then became a sitcom writer, award-winning baker, social media influencer, award-winning television Executive Producer, and brand architect for super-successful celebrities and products. Money Making Conversations Master Class interviews a diverse group of celebrities, entrepreneurs, and influencers in the financial and business community with their advice and tips so you can be successful, too. It's time to stop reading other people's success stories and start building your own. People always talk about their purpose or gifts. If you have a gift, Lead with your Gift, and don't let your friends, family, or co-workers stop you from planning or living your dream. Keep Winning!
https://www.moneymakingconversations.com
https://www.youtube.com/MoneyMakingConversations
https://www.facebook.com/MoneyMakingConversations/
https://twitter.com/moneymakingconv
https://www.instagram.com/moneymakingconversations/

Money Making Conversations Master Class

Second Chance: He focuses on empowering returning citizens and at-risk youth to reintegrate successfully into society.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/f68587fb-ef65-4d9f-88de-b3a8001f85a0/transcript

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