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BY ALLISON POTTERMAN

In the electrifying pulse of Las Vegas, where light and artistry meet, a humble yet profound change is unfolding. Beneath the neon glow and vibrant chatter, a young visionary named Justyn Boumah is redefining what it means to give back to his community.

At just five years old, Justyn planted the seeds for Heroes & Heart, an organization birthed from a simple yet powerful belief: no one is too young to make an impact. "I wanted to show that even kids can create change," he reflects, a dedication born from both youthful curiosity and a heart teeming with empathy. And this wasn't your everyday venture. Heroes & Heart serves as a crucible for navigating personal growth, intertwined with transformative social programs—the Blessing Project, Art & Reading, Learning is Fun Libraries, and STEMpreneurs—each designed to highlight the synergy between creativity, learning, and leadership.

Reflecting on one cornerstone accomplishment, he recounts with nostalgia and pride opening the first Learning is Fun Library. "I was just 6, and it was a mix of excitement and a touch of nerves. Watching kids immerse themselves in books and their worlds fueled my excitement," Justyn says, as if still feeling the infectious energy. His gaze drifts back to the Kidpreneur Marketplace, where he witnessed young entrepreneurs—often not more than his age—display passion and ownership over projects budding with potential. These instances are not mere memories for Justyn; they are a testament to the palpable impact of his mission.

The evolution of Heroes & Heart is both a vision for Las Vegas and a blueprint for broader horizons. "In five years, I envision our programs reaching numerous corners, changing many lives," he asserts, his voice carrying the weight of dreams yet to be realized. The organization has already expanded its reach, building libraries in places like Warsaw and various parts of Africa, each library a beacon of hope and opportunity. In Las Vegas, particularly in richly historic and diverse communities, these libraries are welcoming havens for imagination and knowledge.

Justyn highlights the substantial role his hometown plays in his mission. "Las Vegas itself inspires me—it's a melting pot of innovation," he observes. The city’s dynamic environment is reminiscent of his programs, rich with possibility and creativity.Support like the Kidpreneur Marketplace reinforces the city’s commitment to nurturing a future led by young innovators.

One magical moment imprinted in his heart was witnessing the sheer joy of a young refugee girl as she discovered the treasure trove hidden in books provided by the library. "Her excitement was infectious, reminding me why we do what we do," Justyn says, his eyes sparkling with a vision far greater than pages; it’s a bridge to a future filled with promise.

The story of Heroes & Heart is not merely about an organization—it is the unfolding legend of a driven young soul who, with each step, is building a movement. Justyn hopes people will remember Heroes & Heart as a vessel of hope, a testament to what youthful courage and compassion can achieve.

"My dream is that people see us as combining fun with transformation," he concludes, encapsulating his journey with authenticity and a quiet inner resolve. Justyn Boumah’s narrative is a melody of youthful ambition and social generosity—a story that inspires us all to look beyond and embrace our power to craft change, no matter how small we might appear.

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Featured Interview

Justyn Boumah's Heroes & Heart Transforming Young Minds in Las Vegas

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FEATURING Justyn Boumah

Below is our interview with Justyn Boumah.

{Introduction}

Share a bit of history about Justyn Boumah. Why did your choose to start a business?

I started Heroes & Heart when I was just 5 years old because I wanted to show that no one is too young to make a difference. Heroes & Heart is all about educating, encouraging, and empowering people through programs that combine learning, creativity, and leadership. Our four main initiatives reflect this mission: the Blessing Project, Art & Reading, Learning is Fun Libraries, and STEMpreneurs: Robotics, Innovation & Financial Literacy.

Can you share a moment when you saw your impact firsthand?

One moment that truly moved me while working with Heroes & Heart was during the opening of our first Learning is Fun Library. I was just 6 years old, and the emotions were a whirlwind! I felt an overwhelming sense of excitement and joy—imagining kids diving into books and discovering new worlds made my heart soar. There was a sprinkle of nervousness too, because I wanted everything to be perfect and truly impactful for the community.

But mostly, it was pure gratitude. Seeing a dream turn into reality and witnessing the smiles on the children’s faces reminded me why I started this journey and filled me with a deep sense of purpose and hope.

Another unforgettable moment was at the Kidpreneur Marketplace, watching young entrepreneurs proudly share their creations and explain their ideas to visitors. Seeing their confidence grow and knowing that my work helped give them this opportunity filled me with pride and joy.

These moments—small but powerful—remind me every day that even at a young age, we can make a real difference. They inspire me to keep creating programs, supporting kids, and building a movement where every child feels empowered to lead, create, and make a lasting impact.

How do you envision the future of Heroes & Heart evolving in Las Vegas?

In the next five years, I see Heroes & Heart transforming communities by expanding our programs and reaching even more children and families worldwide. I started creating Learning is Fun Libraries when I was just 6 years old, and so far we’ve opened six: Warsaw, Poland for Ukrainian refugees in 2022; Central Africa in 2023; South Africa in 2024; West Africa in 2025; and two in Las Vegas at the Historic Westside and a school in North Las Vegas. These libraries give kids access to books and resources that ignite their imaginations and create new opportunities for learning.

Our STEMpreneurs program will continue to inspire young innovators, teaching them to tackle real-world challenges with creativity and ingenuity. We’ll keep developing leaders who use kindness and collaboration as their superpowers. Ultimately, I hope to spark a global movement where every child feels empowered to make a difference—proving that together, we can change the world.

Another exciting initiative I launched through Heroes & Heart is the Kidpreneur Marketplace, an annual event that empowers young entrepreneurs. The second annual event, held at Meadows Mall in Las Vegas, featured 12 aspiring “kidpreneurs” and drew strong community support, with many booths selling out. Beyond business skills, the marketplace teaches resilience, teamwork, and community engagement—reflecting my broader mission to inspire youth to lead, innovate, and make a positive impact in their communities.

How has Las Vegas inspired your vision for these community initiatives?

Las Vegas is a vibrant community filled with diversity and opportunity, and it has deeply inspired my vision for Heroes & Heart. Growing up here, I've seen a city that thrives on innovation and creativity. This dynamic environment fuels my passion for empowering kids to become leaders and change-makers. The local support and enthusiasm for initiatives like the Kidpreneur Marketplace and our Learning is Fun Libraries remind me that Las Vegas is a place where dreams can flourish. Here, I've learned that when a community comes together, we can inspire young minds and create lasting, positive change for future generations.

Can you describe a moment of joy you've had seeing kids' reactions to the libraries?

Absolutely! One moment that stands out is when we opened a Learning is Fun Library in Warsaw for Ukrainian refugees. I watched as a young girl picked up a book and her eyes lit up with wonder. She was beaming, flipping through the pages like she had discovered a treasure chest. Seeing her joy and curiosity filled me with happiness. It was like watching magic unfold before my eyes. That moment reminded me why I started this journey—to spark imagination and hope. It reinforced my belief that libraries are gateways to new worlds, inspiring every child's potential to dream and learn.

What story do you want people to tell when they talk about you and your business?

When people talk about me and Heroes & Heart, I want them to share a story of transformative impact—where a young kid dared to dream big and inspired a global movement. I hope they remember how we created joyful learning experiences, empowered young leaders, and used kindness as our superpower. I want them to see how we combined fun with innovation to light up communities and show that anyone—no matter their age—can make a lasting difference. Ultimately, I hope our story is one of hope, possibility, and the incredible power of youth-driven change.

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