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Dream Chasers, sit down with John M. Brown Jr., a dedicated educator, mentor, and program coordinator, to explore a life shaped by perseverance, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

John shares personal stories of growing up with parents who taught him the values of hard work, love, and respect, despite the challenges of systemic racial barriers. From his early fascination with science and engineering to discovering his passion for teaching, John reflects on pivotal moments that defined his journey.

Listeners will hear about:

• The powerful influence of HBCU culture on John’s educational path.
• His transition from physics major to school leadership and district program coordination.
• What success, joy, and mentorship mean to him as an educator and leader.

Join us for an engaging conversation packed with life lessons!

Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.

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Join us in this compelling episode of Dream Chasers as we sit down with Preston McKinnon, an assistant manager at Ashley Furniture with aspirations of owning his own store and venturing into real estate. Preston shares his inspiring journey from being raised by his grandmother—his unwavering rock and foundation—to overcoming challenges and developing a passion for leadership and mentorship.

Through heartfelt reflections, Preston recounts pivotal moments in his life, including the influence of a middle school teacher who introduced him to the world of business, his enriching experiences at Fayetteville State University, and the hard-earned lessons from his time in organized sports. His story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and dedication to building a legacy for his family and community.

In this episode, Preston also opens up about his fears, the joy his daughter and family bring him, and his unwavering belief in the power of setting goals and working toward them with laser focus and prayer. As he defines leadership as helping others achieve their potential, Preston exemplifies what it means to lead with heart and purpose.

Tune in to hear Preston’s powerful declaration of identity and his vision for inspiring the next generation of Black youth to believe in their limitless potential.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.

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In this episode of Dream Chasers, Marvin Smith, principal in, North Carolina, opens up about his journey from a small town in Eastern North Carolina to a respected leader in education.

Marvin reflects on the influence of his close-knit community, where, raised by a single mother and guided by supportive teachers and coaches, he discovered the value of hard work, resilience, and self-reliance. He shares memories of his formative years, balancing academics, athletics, and early responsibilities, which ultimately prepared him for his role as an educational leader. Marvin discusses the challenges and joys of fatherhood, his journey through personal loss, and the importance of therapy and self-care in his life. He offers candid insights into his struggles with imposter syndrome and emphasizes the need for vulnerable, honest conversations—both personally and professionally.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.