Men To Watch 2025 honoree Dr. Rory T. Edwards

Dr. Rory T. Edwards, founder of the Rory T. Edwards Group, has worked relentlessly for over 40 years in leadership positions across education, community development, corporate business, and non-profit organizations. Committed to uplifting marginalized communities, Rory’s experience spans K-12 education, private, public, technical, and charter schools, as well as teaching at the college level. Born and raised in New Britain, Connecticut, he served as President of the New Britain N.A.A.C.P. for 11 years and was a member of the National NAACP Education Committee. His work was instrumental in shaping the success of the nationally acclaimed Amistad Academy in New Haven, CT, where his school culture methodology, as Dean of Students, was recognized by former U.S. Secretary of Education, Roderick Paige, as “a national model for education.”

Rory co-founded the Cross-Cultural Academy of Arts and Technology Charter School in Hartford, CT, and played a vital role in the development of charter schools across six states. As the founder of the “Once a Man, Twice a Child” Rites of Passage Academy in New Britain, CT, and former Chief Operations Officer of the Georgia Training Alliance, Rory continues to expand his influence, particularly in emotional intelligence reform, educational equity, and mental health advocacy.

Rory was invited to the White House under Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama to discuss the future of American urban education and contribute to the development of the My Brother's Keeper initiative, based on his work with the "Once a Man, Twice a Child" academy. He was also selected by former Congresswoman Nancy Johnson as one of Connecticut’s most influential African American leaders and represented the state at the U.S. Congress Summit on Policy-Based Dialogue for African American

Leaders.

As a Fulbright Scholar, Rory led a 10-week humanitarian and educational mission to Ghana, West Africa. His work extends into the media as host of the House Calls show on Facebook and YouTube, where he’s known for his high-energy and creative approach to addressing pressing issues, including educational equity and student mental health. Rory integrates these concerns into his leadership programs, coaching initiatives, and athlete mentorship, ensuring that emotional resilience and equal access to education are central to his work.

In addition to his educational reform efforts, Rory is the founder of Raising HOPE, a transformative program aimed at supporting mothers in raising resilient sons. Through workshops and seminars, the program addresses the unique challenges mothers face and provides practical tools for nurturing emotional intelligence, leadership, and success in young men. Raising HOPE is particularly impactful for single mothers and mothers from underserved communities, helping them guide their sons toward becoming valuable, viable, and valued men.

A published author of several books, including The Man That’s Missing in Me, So You Want to Be a Professional Athlete?, and Raising HOPE: A Blueprint to Help Mothers Raise Resilient Kings, Rory’s influence as a mentor and advisor has helped high school, college, and professional athletes navigate their personal and professional journeys. Through programs like Raising HOPE and his leadership development initiatives, he focuses on bridging the educational achievement gap and addressing mental health concerns, particularly for young Black males and other underserved populations.

Dr. Edwards’ dedication to fostering the development of young men, athletes, and future leaders is unparalleled. His global humanitarian work, advocacy for educational equity, and commitment to mental health reform continue to inspire communities worldwide, as he helps others build a blueprint for reaching their full potential.