Meet Alphonso Mayo

We were lucky to catch up with Alphonso Mayo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alphonso, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I believe we all are born with our purpose. Life has a way of helping our purpose discover us. Purpose is that activity or passion that makes your heart race and comes to you almost supernaturally. It’s something that moves your spirit. For me, that purpose is working with children and youth. Initially, I thought it was just a passion, but I realized it goes beyond that. I would do it even if no one ever recognized me for it.

I began working with children at the age of 14, as a 9th grader, tutoring first and second graders. In my 10th-grade year, I joined the early childhood education program and graduated with my 90-hour certificate.

Entering the ninth grade, I struggled with severe reading difficulties and was diagnosed with a learning disability. Tutoring the first and second graders taught me the language of reading. I graduated in the top 10% of my class. Though I don’t know their names, those children saved my life and helped me achieve goals I never thought possible. I am incredibly grateful and honored that God blessed me with the opportunity to learn from them which allowed my purpose to be discovered.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I was born in 1987 at the height of the crack epidemic, to a mother battling addiction who abandoned me in a drug house at just six months old. Rescued by an aunt and uncle, I was brought into a home where drugs and violence were woven into the fabric of daily life. My relationship with my father was marked by brutality—relentless beatings and psychological torment. I grew up surrounded by physical abuse, hunger, and the devastating effects of substance abuse on my family.

I am a son of Baltimore, and my story is not unique to me. I know what it means to rely on a free school lunch as your only meal of the day. I understand the terror of being pinned to the ground by a police officer because you “fit the description.” I know firsthand the pain of being abused in every conceivable way—physically, verbally, and emotionally. Like so many boys in my neighborhood, I was labeled with learning and intellectual disabilities, socially promoted through school without earning my grades, and arrived at high school reading at a first-grade level.

Yet, in the face of all that seemed designed to break me, I discovered a fire within. I secretly taught myself to read while tutoring first graders. I pushed through the challenges, graduating in the top 10% of my high school class and earning the immense joy of keeping my promise to my grandmother to become the first in our family to graduate from college. Being an outcast in my community for choosing not to sell drugs or join a gang was a small price to pay for the victories I fought for.

In 2007, after dropping out of college and returning home to be a father, I learned that my grandmother—the woman who believed in me through everything—had been diagnosed with alzheimer’s and cancer. I became her primary caregiver, alongside my cousin India. Every day was a battle, and the emotional toll pushed me into a deep depression. But despite her alzheimer, my grandmother was adamant about one thing: her determination that I return to college. Her last words to me were, “Al, when are you going to go back to school.” I held her hand and promised I would. Through those moments, I understood that sometimes God uses our darkest pains to push us toward the promises He has set before us.

Today, I am a proud father of four, a graduate of both Stevenson University and Johns Hopkins University, and the Founder and Servant Leader of Mentoring Mentors. I wasn’t born into privilege or surrounded by the best support. Diagnosed with a learning disability, I struggled academically for years. Like so many African American boys, my intellectual disability was overlooked because of my athletic talent. But I never became comfortable with not working toward the promise I knew was within me. Even when I didn’t fully understand God—when I didn’t care for God—there was still a quiet voice inside me, guiding me forward.

I believe we all have that voice within us, urging us to rise despite the challenges we face. I know you feel it too—that stirring inside that tells you there’s more for you than your past or present circumstances would suggest.

I am also the author of The Promise, an inspiring true story that chronicles my journey from abandonment and abuse to hope and healing. The book offers a blueprint for overcoming the seemingly insurmountable and highlights the importance of nurturing, faith, and love in a young person’s development. It is a testament to what can happen when someone believes in you, but most importantly, when you begin to believe in yourself.

At Mentoring Mentors Inc. (MMI), we are more than a nonprofit organization—we are a movement dedicated to reshaping young people’s futures through positive peer influence, mentorship, and empathy-driven education. What excites me the most about this work is its deeply personal and transformative nature. Over the years, we’ve significantly impacted countless young people’s lives, but I’m most proud of the intimate work we do that allows youth to see beyond their perceived limits and unlock their fullest potential.

Our mission since our founding in 2014 has been to develop future leaders by providing access to educational and career opportunities, preparing them for college and beyond. This journey officially began when we became a nonprofit in 2015, and it has been deeply rooted in creating grade-A, high-quality programs that meet young people where they are and inspire them to dream bigger than their circumstances.

One of our most impactful innovations came in 2018 when we introduced the Intergenerational Near-to-Peer Mentoring Model. This model connects youth with mentors close to their age, building relationships that not only enhance academic success but foster personal growth through shared experiences. The strength of this approach lies in its ability to forge meaningful peer relationships that shape everyday decision-making, guiding young people toward a brighter future.

Since our inception, MMI has touched the lives of over 500 youth through various initiatives such as school presentations, classroom engagements, and partnerships with other mentoring organizations. While we started by focusing on African American high school males, we expanded in 2016 to include 4th graders, with high school students taking leadership roles in after-school programs. By 2018, we shifted our focus to a cohort-based model, mentoring students from 6th through 12th grade for seven years. This long-term commitment allows us to build deep, lasting relationships, ensuring that every young person we serve is given the tools to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

However, the heart of our work is deeply personalized. We serve small cohorts to ensure each student receives the tailored guidance and support they need to see themselves beyond their present challenges. This work isn’t just about academic success; it’s about helping young people grow into confident, resilient individuals who believe in their potential. Our limitation in capacity is driven by available funding, but my ultimate vision is to expand this model into something larger—a Residential Leadership School that embraces a two-generational approach. This would mean not just mentoring the youth but also partnering with their parents, equipping families with the resources they need to support one another’s growth.

This Two-Generational Program would focus on improving the economic, educational, mental, physical, and emotional stability of families who are ready to invest in themselves and their children. By offering a Therapeutic Residential Program that creates a nurturing, family-like setting, we can provide youth with the guidance they need while helping parents pursue their own goals—whether that means returning to school, obtaining certifications, securing employment, or engaging in counseling that supports the family unit as a whole.

Additionally, my passion for early childhood education drives another important part of my vision: opening a chain of early childhood education centers where men are central to nurturing and educating our youngest children. Representation matters, and I believe it’s crucial that children see both men and women in roles that promote care, learning, and growth. Our children deserve to be surrounded by educators who reflect the diversity and strength of their communities, and I am committed to ensuring that men have a valued place in this field.

At the end of the day, the work we do at MMI is about more than mentorship or academic support—it’s about creating environments where young people feel seen, heard, and believed in. It’s about inspiring them to break through barriers, chase their dreams, and transform their futures. That’s the legacy I’m most proud of.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Reflecting on my journey, there are several pivotal moments that have profoundly shaped who I am today. The three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have had the greatest impact on my growth are: discerning the voice of God, the humility to learn from others, and the practice of persistence and consistency.

1. Discerning God’s Voice from My Own
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is learning to discern the difference between my voice and God’s voice. Often, they can sound the same in my head, but over time, I’ve learned that when God is speaking, there is always a sense of pull, a feeling that goes beyond mere thought. It’s deeper, more compelling, and rooted in a purpose that’s bigger than me. My advice to anyone beginning their journey is to develop the ability to quiet the noise and tune into that pull. It takes faith, self-awareness, and practice, but learning to trust that voice will guide you in ways you can’t yet imagine.

2. The Value of Learning from Others—Especially the Younger Ones
There’s a common misconception that wisdom only comes from those older or more experienced, but I’ve learned that we can gain so much from those younger than us. As a tutor to first and second graders, I realized that children have a unique wisdom—an innocence and lack of judgment that adults often lose. They’re brilliant in ways that remind us it’s okay to not have it all figured out. It’s okay to ask for help, to be vulnerable, and to challenge what holds you back. If you truly value people and the God within them, you’ll always find opportunities to learn, no matter who it’s from.

3. The Power of Persistence and Consistency
If there are two factors that have helped me push beyond my potential, it’s persistence and consistency. It’s not about the short bursts of effort when things are easy. It’s about showing up when it’s hard, when no one is watching, and when you feel like giving up. Consistency is the slow, steady brick-by-brick approach that builds dreams. As Will Smith once said, “You don’t set out to build a wall. You say, I’m going to lay this brick as perfectly as a brick can be laid. You do that every single day, and soon you have a wall.” It’s this daily, disciplined action that shapes our future.

Knowing You Cannot Do It Without God
No one succeeds alone. Even though we may look at celebrities or successful people and think they made it by themselves, that’s never the whole truth. God has been central to my journey. I’ve learned that without God’s guidance, persistence, and grace, none of what I’ve accomplished would have been possible. My advice to anyone is to recognize that God plays a vital role in your journey, even if you don’t consider yourself religious. I don’t go to church often, but I know that prayer and petition are indispensable. You need that divine connection, especially when the road gets tough.

My Advice to Those Just Starting Their Journey
If you are just beginning your journey—whether it’s a career path, healing from trauma, or chasing your dreams—know that it’s extremely difficult to lead others if you’re not leading yourself well. Take care of your mental, physical, and spiritual health, because if you’re not in a good place, it’s nearly impossible to be effective for others. Live out your passion every single day. Read about it, watch videos, find mentors, seek out those who are doing it better than you, and most importantly—pray about it.

As I often tell the youth I mentor: “Don’t let the distractions distract you.” If you find yourself spending more time on things that don’t align with your goals—social media, distractions, or unhealthy habits—then those things are stealing from the life you truly desire. Real desires require real discipline.

Develop a Life Philosophy
One of the keys to a fulfilling life is developing an unshakable, non-negotiable philosophy for how you live. This foundation will guide you through storms and help you stay true to yourself, no matter the circumstances. It is crucial to determine early on what your values are, and hold fast to them.

Healing is a Journey, Not a Destination
If you’re embarking on a healing journey—whether from trauma, toxic relationships, or financial stress—understand that healing takes time. It’s not something you complete in a week or even a year. It’s a daily practice, and you won’t always get it right. But that’s okay. The important thing is to keep showing up for yourself, to be gentle with your growth, and to remember that healing is not a straight line.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

I’ve come to believe that the only way to truly grow is through continuous learning. The beauty of learning is that it doesn’t have to come solely from personal experience—books allow us to explore worlds, ideas, and lessons that our realities may not always present. They offer us the wisdom of those willing to share their journeys, and in doing so, we can find guidance, hope, and inspiration.

Over the years, I’ve read many books, but if I had to point to the most significant one, it would have to be the Bible. While I don’t read it all the time and can’t claim to know every scripture by heart, the Bible contains timeless principles that form the foundation of nearly every leadership or motivational book I’ve encountered. Every biography and self-help book I’ve read seems to echo the core values found in the Bible: perseverance, faith, service, love, and integrity.

Another book that profoundly impacted me is Wholeness by Touré Roberts. I began reading it in 2020, during a time when I felt broken—tired of the life I was living and, more importantly, the lies I was telling myself. Though no one else may have seen it, I could. This book became my guide during the pandemic, helping me confront my inner struggles and understand that healing and growth come from embracing who we truly are.

Then, there’s The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, a classic that is all about self-discovery and finding your personal journey. It taught me the importance of listening to your inner voice and trusting that every step, even the challenging ones, leads you toward your purpose. In a similar vein, Lead from the Outside by Stacey Abrams empowered me to embrace my unique position and lead with authenticity, while The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore inspired me to write my memoir, The Promise. It made me realize that our stories have the power to transform lives, especially for those who come from underrepresented and marginalized backgrounds.

Forgiving What You Can’t Forget by Lysa TerKeurst taught me the power of forgiveness and letting go, something I had to face after years of holding onto pain. The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday taught me to see challenges not as barriers but as opportunities to grow. The Exceptional Leader by Stan Toler offered practical guidance on leading with excellence and humility. And the list goes on—because it’s not just about the books we read; it’s also about what we listen to. Podcasts by people like Lisa Nichols, Eric Thomas, Les Brown, and Jim Rohn have had a profound influence on me as well.

One of my mentors always says we acquire knowledge in four ways: new experiences, new exposure, new conversations, and reading. This is why I make it a point to never stop learning. I believe we learn from the places we go, the people we meet, and the materials we absorb. Growth is a lifelong process, and if you’re not constantly questioning whether what you’re doing is leading you in the direction you want to go, you’re missing an opportunity to evolve.

When people ask me for advice, I often give them a book. And the next time we meet, I’ll ask them about specific chapters. I can usually tell how serious someone is about change based on whether they’ve read the book. If you’re serious about transformation, when someone gives you a book, you’ll read it with intention. But if you’re waiting for someone else to lead your life or give you all the answers, you’ll avoid it—hoping others will solve your problems for you.

Here’s what I’ve learned: Money can’t solve your problems. Yes, it can improve your circumstances, but it can’t make you believe in yourself. A therapist can offer you strategies, but unless you believe in the process, the impact will be limited. You always have to be willing to learn, to push yourself, and to examine whether your actions are taking you closer to or further from your goals. If the answer is “no,” then it’s time to do something different.

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Photos By Naaman Brown

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