Men To Watch Awards 2026 honors Dr. Rory T. Edwards

Dr. Rory T. Edwards is a globally respected leadership development coach, educator, and author whose life’s work spans more than four decades of transformational impact. He has dedicated his career to uplifting communities, mentoring young men, and creating pathways for holistic success that extend from classrooms to boardrooms and from playing fields to global stages.

As the founder and Chief Transformation Officer of The Rory T. Edwards Group, Dr. Edwards helps individuals, families, and organizations reclaim balance, ignite purpose, and unlock their highest potential. His signature Empower9 Wellness Method—built on nine pillars of wellness (Physical, Emotional, Relationships, Environmental, Occupational, Spiritual, Social, Financial, and Intellectual) has guided athletes, executives, and everyday leaders toward personal and professional breakthroughs.

Dr. Edwards’ leadership journey includes transformative roles in education, athletics, and community development. He shaped the nationally acclaimed Amistad Academy in New Haven, where his school culture methodology was recognized by U.S. Secretary of Education Roderick Paige as a “national model for education”; and served as President of the New Britain NAACP for 12 years. Three times invited to the White House under Presidents Bill Clinton, George Bush Jr. and Barack Obama, he contributed to national conversations on urban education and the My Brother’s Keeper initiative.

A Fulbright Scholar, Dr. Edwards carried his humanitarian and educational mission to Ghana, Africa, and several other countries in the middle passage and has since delivered keynotes, workshops, and training on four continents and in 48 U.S. states. He is also the creative force behind House Calls with Dr. Rory T. Edwards, a dynamic broadcast series blending insight, storytelling, and practical strategies for personal growth.

An accomplished author of nine books, including So you want to be a Professional Athlete, The 13 Commandments of Rory T. Edwards, The Power to the “P”, The Man That’s Missing in Me and The H.E.A.R.T. Leader, Dr. Edwards explores themes of identity, resilience, and legacy. His forthcoming works—such as If America Loved Me the Way I Loved It. The Mis-Education of the Student Athlete, You Can’t Withdraw what you did not Deposit, and “What If”. He continues to challenge readers to embrace wholeness and purpose.

From mentoring professional athletes and guiding student-athletes through NCAA eligibility and life-after-sport planning, to advising C-suite executives and faith-based leaders, Dr. Edwards blends wisdom, strategy, and an unwavering belief in human potential. Above all, he considers his greatest accomplishment to be the father of three children: Rick, Sharde, and Aja. Whether in a lecture hall, locker room, or global summit, Dr. Rory T. Edwards remains a visionary builder of people and communities, committed to transforming lives and shaping a legacy of brilliance for generations to come.