Bio: Kenneth Billups III                                                                                                                                                       updated: February 2009

Action | Ambition | Awareness: Kenneth Brown Billups III. Born the eldest son of Kenneth and Robin Billups, the Los Angeles native is on a relentless pursuit of success. With a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the School of Business and Industry at Florida A&M University, Mr. Billups has returned to Los Angeles to make a difference. He credits his parents, a “village” of positive influencers, and his education with giving him the tools that contribute to his achievements.

Within months of his return, Mr. Billups co-founded The Young Professional Network (YPN | www.typnetwork.com), an organization that aims to fuse the social scene with progressive-minded young professionals through networking events, professional development, and community service. The YPN has blossomed into an impressive movement of young professionals throughout the city of Los Angeles. This collective group, which Mr. Billups refers to as the “greatest asset to the community”, ignited his passion for service, and motivated him to start a community-based organization that would steer this same group into making the community a priority. CLIMB, Inc. (Creating Leaders In Mind & Body | www.climbinc.org) is an organization that aims to service at-risk youth by providing mentoring and educational programs, as well as professional development for young professionals.

In 2008, Mr. Billups spearheaded another entrepreneurial venture, Downtown LA Network (DLAN | www.downtownLAnetwork.com). DLAN strives to establish a credible networking environment that is conducive to downtown LA residents, professionals, and business owners. The synergy of professional and social networking will allow DLAN participants to form business and personal relationships that are essential to the development and progress of downtown LA’s community landscape. In addition to networking, DLAN will create strategic marketing opportunities for companies to reach and engage with an upwardly mobile and diverse consumer demographic.

Many relationships were built, numerous new job opportunities achieved, and a wide-array of new business partnerships were formed. From such successes, downtownLAnetwork was been approached by individuals, partnerships, and organizations with various business opportunities for expansion and development. Therefore, downtownLAnetwork strategically aligned with selected professional organizations with aim to attract the necessary corporations which ultimately broaden growth. In doings so, a decision was made to re-brand the company; as of January 2009 downtownLAnetwork now operates as the Los Angeles Professional Network (LAPN | www.laprofessionalnetwork.com).

The focus and mission of Los Angeles Professional Network is consistent to downtownLAnetwork's very successful professional networking mixers. Additionally, LAPN will introduce seminars, workshops, job fairs, and an interactive online community.

Along the way, Mr. Billups has formed successful alliances through his involvement with various organizations throughout the city. As a member of Park Windsor Baptist Church and organizations such as Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Los Angeles Urban League, and Florida A&M University Alumni – Los Angeles Chapter, he continues to contribute to the village.

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