Jovan Acree
Jovan Acree
Entrepreneur. Speaker. Media Leader. Advocate.
Jovan Acree is a professional film director, media leader, athlete, model and philanthropist. He was born in Paterson, New Jersey and raised by a single mother of two. Jovan’s Entrepreneurship passion began when he was a young child.[1] As a young man, he graduated from Hackensack High School. For college, he attended Delaware State University and Raritan Valley Community College.[2] His life as a model led to runway shows such as BET Rip The Runway and billboard ads for Sears campaigns.[3] While immersed in the fashion industry, Jovan built his athletic brand Impact Universe, his denim brand Daekshinco and shoe collection, Aliveshoes.[2] In college, he played basketball, which led to him playing professionally overseas. Today, Jovan is the founder of IMU (International Media Union) and Impact Universe LLC., a foundation that specializes in media, branding and film content creation.[4] Mr. Acree is also the Executive Producer of Control The Narrative (CTRL) and is a Resident Partner with Rutgers University at Express Newark. [1]
Early Life
Born in Paterson, New Jersey and raised by a single mother. Watching his mother open her own shop that specialized in cosmetology struck Jovan with the encouragement to someday have something of his own. Jovan endured some hard times growing up. A fire broke out at home while he was in his late teens and left him and his family homeless for a period of time. He started a sales position at The Gap clothing store, but this was not enough to help the family’s financial crisis. Jovan’s determination and eagerness to get his family out of this situation could not be stopped. He decided to pursue a serious career in the fashion industry and started working as a model. From walking runway shows for major designers to billboard ads for campaigns, Jovan used his earnings from modeling to pay for his college education and help his family.[3]
Career
Jovan's interest in the fashion world slowly faded away and would not be picked up until a few years later.
The love and talent for sports would soon come into play. While attending Delaware State University Jovan began to play college basketball. After college he went to play professional basketball overseas. Acree played semi-pro basketball in the U.S. and earned a place in the USA Basketball’s 2011 tour for Europe.[2] Mr. Acree kept pursuing his dream of playing pro basketball. In 2015, Jovan had the opportunity to train with The Erie BayHawks, an NBA G League team, and that landed him a final cut with New York Knicks although he did not make it to the floor. This hurtful disappointment made him desist from his NBA dream.[5]
Upon receiving news that he was going to be a father, he changed his entire life around and learned from his mistakes. Jovan started his IMU company while he was homeless and raising his son. With the help of his aunt, Jovan was able to partner with Espejo and launched his luxury fashion brand, Daekshinco.[2] In spite of troubles and sufferings, he is now in partnership with Rutgers University and Express Newark. Jovan is a big advocate for helping those that are in need. Mr. Acree encourages the youth to follow their dreams and strive for greatness. These are the same values that he teaches his son, Jordan Acree. His son plays a heavy role in his life. If Jovan is not seen on a runway or playing basketball, he can surely be sighted with his son. He takes his son on sets as much as possible so he can see the hard work that goes into entertainment and entrepreneurship.[2] In the present, Jovan is the founder of IMU (International Media Union) and Impact Universe LLC., a private entity that specializes in media branding and film content creation.[1]
Partnerships
Mr. Acree is the Executive Producer of Control The Narrative (CTRL), a podcast at New York City’s YouTube Space and is partnered with Rutgers University at Express Newark. His work focuses on news, lifestyle, technology, culture, politics and music. A man of many talents, Mr. Acree has also worked as a photographer and videographer for many high profile clients, one being journalist Lisa Evers from FOX 5 on her segment Street Soldiers.[3] He has also held the title of talent producer for Page Six. In addition to Rutgers University and Express Newark, Mr. Acree also partners with The Source, Positive Community, E-news, BET, News12, and DKshin.
Advocacy
Jovan Acree’s advocacy work through IMU Media and Impact Universe Cares is to provide young innovators with the resources and opportunities to become leaders and mentors.[5] Mr. Acree employs mostly college graduates or college dropouts. He believes everyone deserves another shot at achieving their goals. [1] Every year, as part of Jovan's commitment to his community, he throws a back to school charity event sponsored by his company (IMU) and partners with similar organizations. Growing up he was not fortunate as other kids, so he tries his best so no child is left out in the neighborhood.
Awards Received
On January 1st, 2020 at the Great American Emancipation Day Awards Banquet Jovan Acree was rewarded with the Young Innovator Award for his outstanding work with the youth in Newark. The young entrepreneur was recognized for providing employment and internship opportunities for college students and college dropouts working in the media field.[6]
The picture on the right shows Jovan Acree at The 20th Anniversary of the Great American Emancipation Day Awards after receiving the Young Innovator Award.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Jovan Acree Partner, Community Media Center". Express Newark. Retrieved 7 April 2020.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Schrader, Adam (February 3, 2020). "How a failed Knicks tryout led to the takeoff of a luxury jean brand". New York Post. Retrieved 7 April 2020.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Howard, Monique (January 24, 2020). "This Father Went From Homelessness To Executive Producer, Meet Jovan Acree". The Quintessential Gentleman. Retrieved 7 April 2020.
- ↑ "IMU MEDIA CORP". Linkedin. Retrieved 7 April 2020.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Lundy, Kadeem (March 11 2020). "Jovan Acree Talks Building Daekshin & Co Fashion Brand". The Knocturnal. Retrieved 7 April 2020. Check date values in:
|date=(help) - ↑ The Positive Community 's Young Innovator Award (Winter 2020 ed.). Positive Community. p. 17. Search this book on
External Links
Jovan Acree page submission
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