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Tim Dura: A Life of Inspiration
In the spotlight today, we have the extraordinary Tim Dura. His life’s journey is a remarkable tale of resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication.
From Fighter Pilot to Entrepreneur
Tim’s educational foundation includes two Bachelor of Science degrees from North Dakota State University, but his true calling took flight when he proudly served as a command fighter pilot in the United States Air Force for a commendable 22 years. Though his military career was cut short due to medical reasons, it marked the genesis of a new chapter in his life.
A Journey of Entrepreneurship and Education
Tim’s post-military endeavors have been nothing short of extraordinary. He ventured into diverse businesses spanning entertainment, food service, and aviation. Subsequently, he embarked on a 20-year teaching career, sharing his passion for entrepreneurship with the next generation. His dedication to the field earned him the title of the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship FFTE’s Entrepreneurship Educator of the Year for 2015.
Chief Operating Officer at Polk Institute Foundation
Presently, Tim serves as the Chief Operating Officer at the Polk Institute Foundation, located in Los Angeles, CA. This remarkable foundation is dedicated to empowering individuals of color, veterans, and minorities to become successful entrepreneurs. They provide comprehensive training, support, and even the opportunity to secure seed money for their businesses.
Supporting Veterans and Transitioning Heroes
As a retired US Air Force member, Tim deeply understands the challenges veterans face when transitioning from active duty to civilian life. Many veterans find themselves lost in the transition process, and the Polk Institute Foundation offers them a lifeline. Through their initiatives, veterans can not only build their businesses but also provide opportunities to their fellow service members.
The Cohort Opportunity
The Polk Institute Foundation is opening its doors to Cohort 2, and applications are currently being accepted. If you’re a veteran or someone with a passion for entrepreneurship, this is an incredible opportunity to realize your dreams. They’re dedicated to supporting our military members in every way they can.
Don't Miss Out
Visit their website now to sign up for Cohort 2, as applications will close on December 1, 2021. If you’re interested in becoming a donor, mentor, or subject matter expert, you can contact the Polk Institute at info@polk-ise.org or visit their website for more information.
Reach out to Tim directly at tdura@polk-ise.org if you’re a veteran ready to make your entrepreneurial dreams a reality.
Tim Dura is an embodiment of what it means to persevere and make a difference. Join us in celebrating his journey, and let’s support the Polk Institute Foundation in their mission to nurture the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.
If you find yourself unable to join us, but find that you still want to support. You can still make a significant impact. Consider offering a financial windfall to our cause; we depend on generous donors like you to help us flourish.
All Donations fuel the Polk Institute’s ambitious vision of birthing 1,000 dynamic entrepreneurships by 2032. Our focus is on nurturing social entrepreneurship within the minority, women, and veteran communities in the heart of Los Angeles.
Your generosity can propel us further toward nurturing ethical, visionary CEOs who aspire to create goodness while achieving greatness. Join us in crafting a legacy of impact and empowerment by choosing how much you would like to contribute.
Gary Polk
Founder/CEO
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