Oye Waddell is the Founder and CEO of Hustle PHX, where he leads with a visionary approach grounded in the belief in the inherent dignity of all people. With a strong background in urban education and entrepreneurship, Oye is passionate about transforming low-income, inner-city communities across the United States through business development and economic empowerment.
In addition to his work with Hustle PHX, Oye serves as a pastor at Sojourn Village PHX and is a partner in New Culture, a company dedicated to supporting youth and young adults—particularly those aging out of the foster care system—with their mental, physical, and behavioral health needs. Oye lives in Phoenix, Arizona with his wife, Crys, and their four children.
The primary mission of Hustle USA is to provide the intellectual, social, and financial capital to low-income, underserved entrepreneurs to start businesses that glorify God and serve their neighbor throughout the United States. Our goal is community development where we empower entrepreneurs in low income communities to support themselves, their families, and the broader community through providing job opportunities to others with low-income, low-wealth, and a lack of opportunity.
Q: What do you see as Hustle PHX’s unique contribution to the space of juvenile justice advocacy?
A: Hustle PHX’s unique contribution lies in its focus on purpose-driven entrepreneurship as a tool for transformation. Rather than only addressing behavior, the program helps youth build intellectual, social, and financial capital through business training, mentorship, and a youth-friendly, feedback-driven curriculum. By emphasizing real-world skills, strong volunteer support, and adaptability, Hustle empowers young people—especially those with economic-crime backgrounds—to develop leadership, responsibility, and a positive sense of identity as contributors to their communities.
Q: Most of Hustle PHX’s volunteer support comes from churches. What does it look like to engage a broad range of churches in the mission and work of Hustle PHX?
A: Hustle PHX engages a broad range of churches by connecting its mission to their call to serve the community, particularly justice-involved youth. It invites both church leadership and congregations to participate in “faith and work” by using their professional skills—not just traditional volunteer roles—to mentor youth, lead workshops, and support programming. Through experiences like local mission field trips and cross-denominational collaboration, Hustle activates business-minded individuals to invest their time, talent, and expertise in helping young people grow as entrepreneurs and contributors to their communities.
Q: You’ve indicated that a challenge for Hustle PHX has been forming a partnership with the Department of Probation. How do you maintain your identity as a faith-based organization while pursuing partnerships with a range of stakeholders?
A: Hustle PHX maintains its identity as a faith-based organization by keeping its mission, values, and faith-centered curriculum at the core of its work. Through creative approaches—like integrating biblical principles into practical teachings—it remains authentic while offering programs that are accessible to youth from all backgrounds. At the same time, Hustle builds partnerships by focusing on shared goals with stakeholders, such as supporting youth development and reducing recidivism. Our organization is intentional about preserving the integrity of our programming and is willing to walk away from partnerships that would require compromising our core beliefs.
Q: What is one piece of advice you would give to an organization just beginning engagement in juvenile justice advocacy?
A: Start by learning the juvenile justice system and building strong relationships with the community and key stakeholders. Approach the work with a trauma-informed mindset, openness, and a genuine heart to serve. Focus on understanding real needs so you can provide meaningful, long-term support through mentorship, skill-building, and consistent engagement that leads to lasting transformation.