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Meet Your Neighbor: Kema & Jonathan Ogden
If the Ogden name sounds familiar, it’s probably because it should. Residents Kema and Jonathan Ogden are a pretty dynamic duo. Not only are they champions in the business world, but they are also champions at helping at-risk kids in the community.
By Callie Thomas
Kema Ogden has owned and operated a successful boxing gym in Henderson for the past six years. The Vegas native has taken her corporate management experience in the hospitality industry and coupled it with and her passion for boxing to create one of the top boxing gyms in the area. Meanwhile, Jonathan Ogden spent over a decade playing in the NFL as the offensive tackle for the Baltimore Ravens and became an eleven-time Pro Bowl selection and nine-time All-Pro. Last year he was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and having played his entire career with the Ravens, was the first on the team to be recognized with the honor. The former UCLA alum also made history after he retired his #79 jersey and became one of only eight from the school to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Kema and Jonathan, who are also proud parents to son Jayden and daughter Mya, are proud of their accomplishments, but their development of the Ogden Foundation (www.theodgenfoundation.org), a non-profit organization that helps at-risk kids by providing them with weekly after school enrichment programs, is creating a legacy of support for children and families in the community.
The Mission of The Ogden Foundation is to build self-confidence, self-esteem, and healthy lifestyles choices for low income youth through their academic, mentoring, athletics, and empowerment programs. Kema and Jonathan talk about the Foundation, what it means to them and what they’d be doing if they weren’t already deeply satisfied with their work.
Why did you start The Ogden Foundation?
Kema: “Starting a Foundation in the Vegas community is very important to us. Our goal is to promote a healthy body and healthy mind for at-risk children through the weekly enrichment programs. We’ve adopted two Title One schools in Henderson where we focus on academic and athletic programs.”
Jonathan: “Our mantra is ‘level the playing field.’ It’s important that the kids understand the importance of education on and off the field. We also show them the value of being healthy through nutrition and exercise.”
What was your vision in developing the organization?
Jonathan: “We want to provide activities that unite the greater Las Vegas community and create a positive, safe, and healthy outlet for at-risk youth. We aim to ultimately provide after school programs throughout the community and a state of the art facility where youth can participate in year round programs including academic, athletic, nutritional/wellness, and personal empowerment.”
What is the CA.A.M.P. Ogden Club?
Kema: “C.A.A.M.P. Ogden Club provides various program including Book Buddies, a reading, writing and pen pal program and After School Enrichment, which includes academic and athletic mentoring, health/wellness workshops, life skills and anti- bullying. Our summer Fitness Camp offers challenges, boxing classes and healthy meals.”
Any experiences you’d like to share?
Jonathan: “We’ve seen grades improve tremendously in comprehension, English and Math with the kids that are in our after school literacy program. Also to see them so excited when our professional trainers or athletes work with them makes it so special for us.”
Tell us about your upcoming fundraising event “A Fighting Chance.”
Kema: “It’s a sparring charity event on May 3rd at UFC Gym Anthem to help support our two adopted schools, Robert Taylor Elementary and Jim Thorpe Elementary. We’re also having a school supply drive for our adopted schools.”
If you weren’t doing what you are presently what other job would you like to do?
Jonathan: “I love golf and hop on the course whenever I can so I’d be a Professional Golfer.”
Kema: “I’d probably be his caddy (laughs.)”
