Ken Patrick Barry

Ken Patrick Barry is a mission-driven leader with a deep commitment to youth, families, and community development. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Ken brings over 30 years of service as a change agent recognized for turning visions into impactful programs. In 2002, he received the World Vision International Chicago Crystal Vision Award for his work in youth development and combating hunger in sub-Saharan Africa.
Ken’s academic accomplishments include an MBA, a Master’s in Higher Education Administration, and candidacy for a Doctorate of Biblical Exposition in Practical Ministry. He also holds a Certificate in Fundraising Management from Indiana University and a Certificate in Management from Harvard Business School.

A respected grassroots leader in Gary, Indiana, Ken is dedicated to helping individuals maximize their potential. In 2013, he revitalized the Gary Youth Services Bureau, serving hundreds of youth and providing over 10,000 meals. He also founded the Gary Youth Leadership Council, empowering young voices in critical decision-making processes.
Ken later founded City Life Center with just $75,000, growing it into a four-site organization that raised $3 million to serve youth and families. During his tenure, City Life Center provided over 100,000 meals and offered programs in literacy, STEM, the arts, and recreation. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Ken retained 90% of his staff, introduced the City Life Mobile program, and developed virtual after-school activities, earning induction into the Purdue Northwest Society of Innovators.

In 2022, Ken became Club Director of the John Will Anderson Boys & Girls Club in Gary, where he increased average daily attendance from 34 to over 200 members in 18 months. He transitioned the club from a program-based to an affinity-based strategy, emphasizing key partnerships with organizations such as Best Buy’s Teen Tech Center, WorkOne, and Indiana University Northwest Kids College. Under his leadership, the Gary Tech Center became the nation’s largest in both size and youth served.

Ken’s passion for youth empowerment led to the founding of Uthiverse Incorporated, an organization dedicated to closing the opportunity gap and fostering a generation of equipped, empowered, and engaged innovators, entrepreneurs, civic leaders, and workforce talent. Uthiverse’s mission is to create a comprehensive youth development ecosystem to help young people realize their full potential.

Ken’s efforts have earned numerous accolades, including Advocate for Youth Entrepreneurship of the Year Award, induction into the Purdue Northwest Society of Innovators, Youth Advocate of the Year from the Indiana Small Business Development Center, the Urban League of Northwest Indiana Youth Award for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Indiana University’s Martin Luther King Bridge Builders Award.

Ken’s enduring legacy is built on his passion for mentoring and empowering youth to discover their purpose, create a vision for their lives, and develop actionable pathways to success. His innovative and servant-leadership approach continues to transform communities and inspire positive change.