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Leith Has Earned Inclusions In:
"I did not possess one red cent not to mention $20,000”, Leith exclaimed! When Leith she set out to search for start-up money, she was faced with many hurdles such as exploitation by money brokers who promised to search for Investors, broken promises of loans made to her by families and friends, and other numerous disappointments. To add to her dilemma when she searched for a space to house the school, more than 25 landlords rejected her and many would not even interview her owing to the fact that she could not produce a current 'financial statement'. However, through a modicum of luck, she encountered one Landlord (a past employer) who gave her the chance to prove her mettle. Upon signing a one-year lease, he placed her in a 650 square-foot space in Manhattan's Times Square. Thereafter, Leith applied to the Small Business Administration (SBA) for a start-up loan of $100,000.00. The SBA approved her for half the amount - $50,000.00! When Leith submitted a 40-hour Machine Operator Word Processing course to SED for approval, her application was rejected a number of times. However this determined, nonpareil persevered, as her penchant for the classroom grew even stronger.
In 1981, Leith finally opened the New York Institute of
Word Processing with one student and a single Throughout the Institute's history, it has established an impressive record of involvement and positive service with students from Eastern Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean and many other nations. The Institute is also committed to promoting education in various fields including business, computer technology and English As A Second Language. Leith feels strongly that in order for immigrants and more particularly the limited and non-English speakers to become a part of the "American Dream" and overcome economic independence, they must demonstrate good command of the English Language and acquire technical training and skills. EXCERPTS FROM CITATIONS AND COMMENDATIONS! The Honorable George E. Pataki, Governor of New York State stated in his Citation to Leith, "Whereas, the citizens of the Empire State are proud to acknowledge the notable contributions of outstanding individuals who have made an indelible mark on the quality of life of their fellow citizens and people from throughout the world; one such person whose efforts bear the mark of excellence is Leith Eleanor Yetman, ... ; and "Whereas, the Empire State is proud to pay tribute to its citizens who have displayed the greatest determination and perseverance in realizing their life-long goals, especially when they serve to benefit others; it is indeed fitting that we extend our gratitude to Leith Yetman for the encouragement, inspiration and opportunities she has given to thousands of immigrants who have traveled to our State in hopes of making their "American dream" a reality...". The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton, United States Senator, wrote to Leith on the 20th Anniversary of the Institute, "A good education system is not only a cornerstone of our democracy, but also of the interdependent world of the new millennium. Investing in education benefits our national economy as well as the institutions that are vital for our common future. "The efforts of Leith Yetman and the students, teachers and supporters of the New York Institute of Business Technology [renamed: New York Institute of English And Business] enhance not only the communities of New York City, but the intellectual health of the nation as a whole...". The Honorable David N. Dinkins, ex-Mayor of New York City exclaimed in his letter to Leith on the 10th Anniversary of the Institute, "I understand that today you pay tribute to the founder of your institute, Ms. Leith E. Yetman. She is most deserving of our praise. Her dedication, determination and untiring efforts in founding the school in 1981 and her subsequent unflagging commitment to her vision and the students who attended the institute, have been an inspiration to all who know this remarkable woman... I congratulate Ms. Yetman for her unselfish sacrifice and commitment”. Dr. Arthur Caliandro, Minister of the Marble Collegiate Church in New York City paid a visit to the Institute. In a letter to Leith, Dr. Caliandro wrote, "I was overwhelmed by the experience of my visit at the New York Institute of Business Technology [renamed: New York Institute of English And Business]. What an operation! What wonderful people you have working for you! But more important, what a wonderful spirit and ability to lead by its founder and Chief Executive Officer, wonderful Leith Yetman. You are very, very special. "I pray things continue to go well for you and for the realization of a dream come true. You are performing a very important function that is changing people's lives. Surely you must feel great satisfaction...". BACKGROUND! Leith is the second child of 12 children born to Grace Elizabeth and Percival August Yetman in Kellits, Clarendon, Jamaica, West Indies. At age 13, Leith had a dream in which she envisioned herself sitting in a classroom filled with foreign nationals - teaching, directing and instructing - a dream that haunted her from then on. At a very young age she taught those of her peers who could barely read and write. Leith’s ambition was to be a “shining star” and make a difference in society. She vowed that she would reach out and touch the lives of those in need of education, training and skills.
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