I lead the strategy, design, and execution of our Secondary Pathway Strategy at Black Men Teach. My primary focus is building "stage-to-wage" pipelines that recruit, engage, and retain young Black men in high school, connecting them directly with near-peer College Fellow mentors, structured in-building classroom instruction, and clear pathways into higher education and teaching careers.

Having spent over 30 years in K–12 administration, non-profit leadership, and youth development across Minnesota, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative it is for young Black men to see themselves reflected at the front of the classroom. BMT’s explicit commitment to building a sustainable, supported pipeline for Black male educators addresses a systemic gap that directly impacts student success, brotherhood, and community empowerment.

‍

What ultimately drew me to BMT was recognizing that recruiting, preparing, placing, and retaining Black male teachers isn't just a hiring goal, it's a coalition-building challenge, which is exactly what pulled me in. Collective Impact coalition development was the focus of my Master's thesis and a framework I found real passion in, and BMT's mission is that framework in action. It's the thread that ties together my public health background, my experience as a Gates Millennium Scholar and alum, my time teaching ESL, and my ongoing work in mentorship. BMT gave me a place where all of that could finally work toward getting more representation in front of elementary classrooms, and keeping them there.

Recognize that your presence alone is powerful, but your purpose will transform lives.

‍

Teaching is not just a career—it is leadership, mentorship, and community restoration. Lean on the brotherhood around you, trust the wisdom of your lived experience, and know that you are laying a foundation that young men will walk on for generations.

‍

Two educators profoundly shaped my educational and leadership journey:

‍

• Coach Earl Solomonson (Head Football Coach, North Dakota State University): When my high school counselor discouraged him from giving me an opportunity in college, Coach Solomonson pushed back, stating that my potential wasn't up to the counselor—it was up to me. He gave me the opportunity to attend NDSU and pursue higher education. Without his belief in me, I would not be sitting at this table or serving as a school administrator today.

‍

• Ms. Marilyn Leach (Director of the Learning Resource Center, Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN): Ms. Leach was the first educator to identify and diagnose my unique learning style as a person with dyslexia. Her insight and guidance completely transformed how I navigated academics, proving that with the right support and self-awareness, learning differences become strengths.