Men To Watch Awards 2026 honors Keaun Barrett

Keaun Barrett is an award-winning educator, entrepreneur, author, and mental health advocate who has dedicated his life to breaking barriers and creating pathways to purpose for others. With over 15 years of experience in education, leadership, and community empowerment, he is widely recognized for his commitment to educational equity, second chances, and small business development across Virginia and beyond.

Keaun is the Founder and CEO of Higher Purpose Learning Tutoring Service LLC, a nationally and globally recognized educational company named the #1 Best Tutoring Service in Portsmouth, Virginia. The company has received numerous honors, including recognition from the Quality Business Awards, Corporate Vision, Corporate LiveWire, and the Global Recognition Awards, celebrating its excellence in tutoring, innovation, and community impact. Under his leadership, Higher Purpose Learning has become a trusted partner in student success, workforce development, and AI-driven education across the Commonwealth.

He also serves as President and Board Chair of Purpose Driven Learners, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing free and low-cost tutoring, workforce training, and AI-based learning programs for underserved families. Through this organization, Keaun has helped bridge academic and economic gaps by offering equitable access to high-quality instruction and mentorship.

In addition to his work in education, Keaun is the visionary behind Barrett Breaks Barriers, a personal development brand and platform centered on faith, resilience, and mental health awareness. Through this initiative, he shares his inspiring story of overcoming adversity as a justice-impacted individual to encourage others to heal, grow, and live with purpose. He is also the author of Invisible Scars: The Unseen Battle for My Mind, a powerful memoir exploring faith, trauma, and redemption in the Black male experience.

A strong advocate for economic empowerment, Keaun serves as Chairman of the Regional Hampton Roads Small Business Council for the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce. In this leadership role, he champions entrepreneurship, fosters small business growth, and strengthens access to resources and opportunities for Black-owned businesses throughout the Hampton Roads region.

Keaun’s leadership and influence have earned him numerous accolades, including being named a Top Forty Under 40 Honoree by Inside Business and receiving honors from the Black Men Rock Image Awards for excellence, resilience, and community service.

He also serves on the Advisory Board for the Hulon Willis Association, William & Mary’s African American alumni network, where he advances alumni engagement, mentorship, and opportunities for underrepresented students.

A certified equity advocate, former public school teacher, and department chair, Keaun continues to mentor justice-impacted individuals, students, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Guided by his faith and fueled by purpose, Keaun Barrett remains a transformational leader, proving that no matter the obstacle, every story can become a testimony.