arl Martin Phalen is the Founder & CEO of a non-profit named in honor of his parents, the George and Veronica Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA), which helps turn around some of nations lowest performing schools. PLA currently serves 10,000 scholars at 24 schools, and PLA has already turned 12 F-rated schools into A-rated schools.

Earl is also the Founder & CEO of Skilled US, a tuition-free workforce development program tailored to assist adults 18 and above earning less than $45,000 per year in securing industry-recognized credentials that will lead to family-sustaining careers in high-demand fields and advance economic opportunities for individuals, families, and communities. The Skilled US model impacts 10,000 adults annually and the average graduate increases their annual earnings by nearly $20,000 plus full benefits for themselves and their families.

Earl is also the CEO of a third non-profit, Great Jobs KC, which annually awards 1,000 high school students with $50,000 college scholarships. As a result of the scholarships and enrichment supports offered by the program, scholars achieve a 73% graduation, which is 2-3 times higher than their peers.