Meet the Main Street: Charlie Whitaker, CEO of Career Path DC

In our first installment of ‘Meet the Main Street’ we caught up with Charlie Whitaker, CEO of Career Path DC. Mr. Whitaker founded Career Path DC in 2006 after identifying a need for a program to support individuals seeking stable employment after the loss of a job or a transition. Clean Teams that service many of our city’s Main Streets were established more than ten years ago. Our 2-person Clean Team on Upper 14th Street works six days a week to ensure that Upper 14th Street looks and feels like a place you’d like to visit. We invite you to learn more about Mr. Whitaker by reading his profile below.

Which of our small businesses is your favorite?

My favorite spot on Uptown Main Street is Highlands Cafe. It’s a nice place for families to come and enjoy a delicious meal. I also like that it’s a place where you can see the makeup of our city. D.C. is incredibly multicultural. Highlands Cafe reflects our city and that’s what I like best about it.

What is your favorite thing about working with the community?

My favorite thing about working with the community is that you get to see people change. Our program provides support and a pathway to employment for people who are often at a low point in their lives. Whether they are having financial troubles, problems with addiction or completing the daunting task of re-entering the workforce after being incarcerated, our program supports them in finding stability. I enjoy watching our team gain back all of the things they lost during that period.

Why should others get involved with their community or Uptown Main Street?

I would tell people to get involved because at the end of the day, small businesses are catalysts in the community. Small businesses truly run America. Through getting involved in the small business community, you will have the opportunity to learn and grow in addition to supporting the entire community of D.C. I urge people to come out and support small business because it is the blood of our community.

“Get involved because at the end of the day, small businesses are catalysts in the community.”