David Rojas Jr. and TA98’s Impact on Little Village

On January 17, during the Chicago Bulls' annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Game presented by Advocate Health Care, our founder, David Rojas Jr., was honored as one of the 2025 MLK Legacy Honorees. This recognition celebrated not only David’s journey but also the impactful work of our entire team at TA98. Standing alongside other remarkable individuals who embody Dr. King’s vision of equity and justice, David was recognized for his dedication to tackling unemployment and creating pathways to success for youth in the Little Village community. This honor reflects the transformative power of opportunity and the collective strength of a community committed to change.

A Vision Born in Little Village

Growing up in Little Village, David witnessed firsthand the challenges of unemployment and violence, which shaped his resolve to create change. Inspired by Rob Castaneda, co-founder of Beyond the Ball, David founded TA98 in 2018. The organization’s name paid homage to his shared love with his father for the Chicago Bulls and their legendary 1998 championship season, a symbol of perseverance and triumph.

TA98 began as a modest internship program and became a vital resource for young people aged 16 to 24. The organization equipped participants with the skills, experiences, and networks needed to secure meaningful careers. For David, the mission was deeply personal:

“We want to make sure that we are providing young people and people with hope that things can change,” David said. “It might not happen right away, but things can improve with enough consistency and persistence.”

Empowering Through Opportunity

One of TA98’s flagship initiatives was the Suited for a Cause program, which served over 600 young people. This one-year career readiness course helped participants build personal and professional identities, provided professional clothing, and instilled confidence for future job interviews. Upon completing the program, participants were connected with jobs or internships, leading them toward long-term success.

David’s commitment to workforce development went beyond job placements; it was about fostering a sense of purpose and belonging in a community facing systemic challenges. By addressing unemployment, TA98 also contributed to reducing violence, demonstrating how opportunity and empowerment could transform lives.