ABOUT US
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.
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 NFP to formalize his mother's vision for impact. By 2021 The Ideal Candidate incorporated The Ideal Candidate Inc. to serve their growing demand for training and placement. The Ideal Candidate Inc & NFP team has 47 years of combined experience in leadership development and training experience.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Awards:
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
2020 Community Development Award,
Chicago Housing Authority CHCS
2019 FWD For Women & Diversity Chicago Award,
FWD (For Women & Diversity) Collective
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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.
Our founder, Kevin was born with ADD & Dyslexia, so he created the learning tools to be disseminated in quick and highly specific bursts of content. & In combination with heuristic and holistic models, the varying styles help to promote the highest level of learning and engagement for all learning styles.
Our Leadership
I am a passionate leader committed to uncovering and designing the necessary means for people to achieve their fullest potential.
Kevin P. Davenport
Founder/ CEO
Studying people and our social world empowers me to identify and remove barriers to equity, which ensures equally accessible opportunities for all.
Haley Deome
Programs Director
OUR MISSION
Building a
Sustainable 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.
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