Leadership Learning

My leadership journey began in the classroom first as a student, then as a mentor, and eventually as an educator. Growing up, I didn’t always see leaders who looked like me, so I knew early on that representation mattered. I naturally stepped into leadership roles by helping my peers, speaking up in group settings, and being the one others turned to for support. But it wasn’t until I started working in education that I truly found my purpose. Guiding young students, especially Black boys, showed me that leadership isn’t just about directing—it’s about inspiring, listening, and lifting others up. From that point on, I knew I was called to lead not only inside the classroom, but beyond it into schools, communities, and eventually my own institution focused on empowerment and equity.