Uthiverse
Youth advocate inspires innovation, entrepreneurship for future leaders
Ken Barry’s aspirations to expose young adults to the world of innovation and entrepreneurship prompted the formation of Uthiverse, a space to spark opportunities, growth and development.
Ken believes the future of strong youth leadership is rooted in five points of impact: mental health, leadership and engagement, entrepreneurship and innovation, college, career and workforce and the transition into adulthood.
“Young people have value. They also have ideas and vision. They are untapped resources that the business community tends to overlook,” Ken said. “They think outside the box and innovatively. I believe it is incumbent upon me to be their representative and advocate in business circles.”
Ken launched Uthiverse with his wife, Nicole, in 2023 to turn their focus to youth development. Ken has decades of experience in working with youth as director of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater NW Indiana as well as the head of the City Life Center of NW In and the City of Gary Youth Services Bureau. During his time at the Boys and Girls Club, the Best Buy-funded Teen Tech Center was opened to introduce teens to an innovative way of thinking.
“This is a calling. Seeing young people achieve is one of my greatest joys,” Ken said. “Watching kids come in lacking confidence and leaving believing they can conquer the world is a source of satisfaction. Plus, young people help me stay relevant and in the know!”
At Uthiverse, young adults are offered training and entrepreneurship education, mentorship throughout the varied stages of business development and connections to explore financial backing and assistance.
In March of 2024, the inaugural Uthiverse StartUp Madness Business Pitch Tournament provided a platform for student entrepreneurs to share their ideas for an opportunity to win seed money. The competition was in partnership with the Society of Innovators at Purdue University, and Munster High School students took home the top prize for their business, Scent Seal.
“I hope that young people have the confidence and courage to pursue their entrepreneurial vision. My hope is that they persevere through any failures and never quit on their dream,” Ken said. “Most of all, I hope they believe that anything is possible, and they have the intelligence, leadership ability and problem-solving skills needed to maximize their life’s potential.”
Ken said young entrepreneurs especially need support as the face of our future.
“Adults in the business world with connections to industry can be the difference in helping young people begin their journey toward generational wealth and breaking the cycle of generational poverty. Since one day they will be in key leadership positions, we secure our own future success by ensuring that they actualize their vision.”
Uthiverse
7111 Virginia St. in Merrillville
www.uthiverse.com