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Building The Future
Our mission at The Ideal Candidate is to empower individuals and organizations to reach their full potential through transformative soft skills training. We are committed to providing tailored solutions that cultivate essential attributes like communication, leadership, and adaptability, fostering personal growth and professional success. With dedication to excellence and innovation, we strive to be the premier partner in unlocking the ideal candidate within every individual.
Impact Focused
Workforce Development
The Ideal Candidate began in 2015 as a pilot with 7 students at Chicago Public Schools - Air Force Academy. In the 8 years since, we have grown to serve 4,700+ Fellows across 15 states nationwide.
We understand the pivotal role soft skills play in shaping individual and organizational success. Our comprehensive range of training programs is meticulously designed to cultivate essential attributes like communication, leadership, and emotional intelligence. By harnessing these skills, our clients gain a competitive edge in their respective industries, fostering enhanced collaboration, productivity, and overall performance.
We believe in forging long-term partnerships with our clients, working closely to tailor our solutions to their unique objectives and challenges. Whether it's refining the interpersonal skills of their workforce, empowering executives to lead with confidence, or preparing individuals for career transitions, our expertise spans a diverse array of needs. Through our collaborative approach and unwavering commitment to excellence, we empower our clients to thrive in today's dynamic and ever-evolving business landscape.
2023 Microsoft Tech Maker Award
Microsoft & World Business Chicago
2023 Most Influential Business of the Year
NorthWest Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
2020 Community Impact Award
Chicago Community Trust
2019 FWD Award
FWD (For Women & Diversity) Collective
Our Leadership Team
The leadership team at TheIdealCandidate.org comprises industry experts dedicated to driving innovation and excellence in soft skills training. With a wealth of experience and a passion for empowering individuals, our leaders are committed to delivering transformative solutions tailored to our clients' needs.
Founder & CEO
Kevin Davenport
I am a passionate leader committed to uncovering and designing the necessary means for people to achieve their fullest potential.
Program Director
Haley Deome
Studying people and our social world empowers me to identify and remove barriers to equity, which ensures equally accessible opportunities for all.
Program Manager
Maria Rivera
As a passionate advocate for financial literacy, I am dedicated to empowering individuals and families through education and resources that foster economic well-being.
History & Experience
Our Founder, Kevin P. Davenport, started teaching this curriculum at 12 years old in the back of his mother's performing arts academy on the south side of Chicago. Fast forward to 2015, Kevin at age 25, incorporated The Ideal Candidate to formalize his mother's vision for impact. The Ideal Candidate Inc team has 47 years of combined experience in leadership development and training experience.
