Finding Freedom

Jim and Margo Keyes remove the ties that bind underprivileged youth

by Natasha Spinks
 
Everyone has heard it said that as the rich get richer, the poor get poorer; that youth graced with privilege and prosperity are destined to stride along the road paved with gold, while those raised in hardship and poverty are less likely to achieve successful and fulfilling lives. As common as these beliefs are, they belie the American dream, as well as everything benevolent stewards such as James W. “Jim” and Margo Keyes stand for and have lived through.

The childhood of Jim Keyes, former president and CEO of the world’s largest convenience store chain, 7-Eleven, Inc., was one of poverty and adversity. But rather than allow those early misfortunes to hold him back, Jim persevered through the struggles while storing up lessons of strength and compassion to carry with him through life. “Adversity in my life proved to be an advantage,” says Jim. “It gave me an acceptance of change and a sense of confidence that I can make it through any of the challenges that life may bring.”

Working 60 to 70 hours a week at McDonald’s through high school and during his undergraduate studies at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, playing baseball, and making the grades necessary to earn an academic scholarship to the University of London and attend Columbia University Graduate School of Business, Jim Keyes is living proof that the American dream can be achieved.

Margo Keyes lives out the dream as well. Raised in Hebbronville, a town of about 35,000 in South Texas, Margo was taught that education was key to achieving her goals. Her family was encouraging, especially her brother, who mentored her and helped direct her educational path. “Growing up in a remote town in South Texas, I understood that the only way to expand my horizons was through education; it saddens me that everybody doesn’t receive the same opportunity I did,” says Margo.

Together, Jim and Margo use their success, experiences, and blessings to enrich the lives of others. “It isn’t about being the richest man alive; it is about sharing the richness that life has to offer and being an inspiration to others,” says Jim.

The couple is dedicated to causes directly related to the arts and education. “Education is truly the key to improving society in so many ways, from creating a better workforce, to reducing crime, to helping the economy. I can’t think of anything that’s more important. And the arts keep us real, reminding us of the power of human creativity,” says Jim. Margo adds, “Research shows that young people who are involved in the arts do better academically, so we’re very interested in programs that blend the two.” Jim and Margo ardently support causes such as the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s Young Strings program, which provides musical instruction and instruments for talented minority public school children, the Dallas Opera’s education outreach programs, and the Crystal Charity Ball organization. Margo actively participates on numerous boards, including the DCCCD (Dallas County Community Colleges District), SMU Meadow School of Arts, University of Dallas Board of Trustees, Hispanic 100, the Latino Cultural Center, and the Dallas Center for Performing Arts. She also serves on the national advisory board of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Jim and Margo are especially devoted to supporting Education is Freedom (EIF), a foundation envisioned by Jim and established three years ago by 7-Eleven on its 75th anniversary. EIF focuses attention and resources on students who have shown academic promise and leadership, but need financial assistance and guidance to go to college. Now an independent national foundation separate from 7-Eleven, EIF remains the company’s signature charity, and other corporations have embraced its mission, helping more than 500 students with their college education.

For both Jim and Margo, the cause is personal. “I had to work hard to get my education, but I’m living proof of the difference it can make in a young person’s life. In a very literal way, for me, education is freedom,” says Jim, who has made sharing the reality of the dream a priority in his life. This year, he was honored with the prestigious Horatio Alger Award for overcoming adversity to achieve success and pass the torch on to others. Jim and Margo understand that opportunity in America is abundant but not readily accessible to everyone. That’s why they share of themselves, devoting their time and resources to giving back in ways that help others help themselves.