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Champions of Mentoring Programs
Champions of Mentoring is dedicated to celebrating and recognizing the incredible impact of mentoring programs in our communities. This celebration will showcase successful mentoring stories and highlight the positive changes these programs bring to young people.
We will be honoring five mentoring programs that have shown an exceptional commitment to building and cultivating mentoring relationships and strengthening their communities. Our event will spotlight mentors, mentees, mentoring program staff and all who support mentorship and are passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for young individuals in Virginia.
Our keynote speaker, Dr. Marcus J. Newsome, is an award-winning educational leader who has served as an advisor to governors, members of Congress, and business leaders throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. He is the President of the National Bible College and Seminary in Fort Washington, Maryland, a senior advisor for Benchmark Education, and a professional developer specializing in Artificial Intelligence in Education. Newsome is the author of two recent books, “Breakthrough Leadership” and “Transcend.” He previously created and led the Virginia Superintendents Leadership Academy, providing professional development, mentoring, and training for school superintendents.
Newsome is renowned for his innovative leadership and ability to drive change. He began his career as an art and mathematics teacher in the District of Columbia Public Schools. His journey led him to roles as a principal, director, executive director, and superintendent in three different districts. As superintendent of Newport News Public Schools, all high schools were named among the ‘Best High Schools in America’ by Newsweek Magazine. As superintendent of Chesterfield County Public Schools, the district was honored as a national leader in digital education at a White House ceremony. His contributions are featured in the award-winning documentary, “Petersburg Rising,” which has received six international film festival awards.
Newsome has also held academic positions as an associate professor at Harvard University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Virginia State University. He co-founded Mega Mentors; an organization recognized by the Obama Administration for its impactful work. Newsome’s awards include the FBI Community Service Award, the NAACP Living Legends Award, and the Regional Superintendent of the Year. Beyond his professional achievements, he is a dedicated volunteer and advocate, serving as an education advisor for the Abulkoi Foundation, which supports students in South Sudan, Africa. He is an ordained minister, devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
MENTOR Virginia is an independent nonprofit organization founded in 1993 to provide training and support to mentors and mentoring programs across Virginia. MENTOR Virginia leads the mentoring movement in Virginia to address the “mentoring gap” by supporting strong programs and raising collective awareness about the impact of mentoring with community stakeholders, public officials, and potential volunteers.
MENTOR Virginia’s mission: We partner with youth mentoring programs to grow their impact, because high-quality mentoring transforms lives and strengthens Virginia communities.
We continue to make youth mentoring a top priority for community leaders and to recognize quality mentoring as an important intervention for young people that helps them to succeed in school, meet their goals, and prepare for entrepreneurship, career and technical training, college, and/or the workforce.
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/2634552-0
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/2634552-2
