Empowering the Next Generation: Community Engagement Beyond the School Building
June 1, 2026 - Willie Seals, III
I recently had the inspiring opportunity to sit down with Jim Brown, the visionary Executive Director of Build 2 Lead, whose life story is as compelling as the organization he leads. Brown’s journey is a profound narrative of resilience and transformation; once a high school student struggling with a 2.3 GPA, he has evolved into a systems change leader with nearly two decades of experience in education and community advocacy. His own path to higher education did not truly begin until age 25, a delay that fueled his passion for ensuring no other student feels lost in the system. In 2016, after listening to the voices of over 2,000 students, Jim Brown founded Build 2 Lead to provide the guidance he once lacked.
What is Build 2 Lead?
Build 2 Lead is on a mission to provide experiential learning in civic engagement, workforce development, and social-emotional learning. Operating primarily in the Federal Way and Tacoma Public School Districts, the organization focuses on workforce development and wraparound support to help youth thrive beyond the classroom. Build 2 Lead is more than just a program, it is a lifeline that leans into its three core values: Empower, Engage, and Educate.
During our conversation, several pillars of their impactful work stood out:
Operationalizing Excellence: Through rigorous strategic planning and consistent enrichment, Build 2 Lead ensures youth voices aren't just heard, but are leading. Their Youth Executive Committee provides paid internships for eight members who actively shape community initiatives.
Holistic Success: Brown believes success is measured by more than grades. By tracking progress every 45 days and providing targeted tutoring, the program addresses the root causes of academic struggles, prioritizing self-determination and community contribution.
Breaking Barriers for Young Black Men: While the program has seen incredible participation from young women, Brown is laser-focused on creating a dedicated "drop-in" hub for young Black men, a space built on relationship-building and long-term mentorship.
Strengthening the Village: From summer programming to family orientations, the organization bridges the gap between school and home, offering professional development resources to parents to create a unified support system.
Real-World Pathways: By connecting youth to careers in healthcare and green energy, students are reaching heights once thought impossible, with alumni attending Georgia Tech University and starting careers at Swedish Hospital.
The Path Ahead
The horizon looks bright for Build 2 Lead. Brown shared several upcoming milestones that continue this momentum:
Dynamic Youth Executive Committee pop-up events designed to engage the community.
The "Creating Generational Greatness" workforce conference and a community-wide fall town hall.
The highly anticipated "Melanin in Medicine" networking event introducing Black and Brown youth to health careers..
Brown’s final call to action for his fellow community educators is as urgent as it is clear: we must prioritize restorative classroom cultures and build intentional, lasting relationships with our community particularly when supporting our Black youth.
To follow this transformative journey or get involved, connect with them on all social media platforms @Build2Lead or their website https://www.build2lead.org