IYT Mississippi Executive Briefing: December 2025
- Kevin Akins
- Dec 22, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 23, 2025
State of the Region
December has been a month of foundational growth for IYT Mississippi. This briefing covers three critical milestones: the official Kick-Off Event at Reimagine Prep, the seating of our inaugural Board of Advisors, and the implementation of resilience-based programming in Jackson Public Schools. Together, these pillars—community engagement, strategic governance, and direct student impact—signal that the region is fully operational and poised for growth in 2026.
IYT-Mississippi Kick-Off Event Recap
On December 11, 2025, IYT-Mississippi celebrated a major milestone with our official Kick-Off event at Reimagine Prep Charter School in Jackson, MS. This gathering was more than an introduction—it was a moment to unite students, families, educators, and community leaders around a shared vision: creating pathways for young men of color to thrive.
With 35 guests in attendance—including school leadership, parents, students, and our Board of Advisors—the energy in the room was inspiring. The event featured heartfelt stories that reminded us why this work matters. One of the most powerful moments came when a student and his mother shared their journey with IYT, closing the program by leading the IYT Creed—a powerful affirmation of commitment and hope.
The presence of 99.1 Radio Station, which covered the event, amplified our message beyond the room and signaled that the community is ready to rally behind this mission.
"This Kick-Off was a powerful reminder that when we come together as a community, we can change lives. IYT-Mississippi is here to ensure that every young man of color has the support, mentorship, and opportunities they deserve." — Dr. Kimberly Smith-Russ
What’s Next? We are continuing student enrollment and hosting parent engagement meetings at both partner schools to deepen family involvement.
Leadership Spotlight: Welcoming the Board of Advisors
Improve Your Tomorrow is proud to announce the formation of the Mississippi Board of Advisors (BOA), a dynamic group of 11 passionate leaders dedicated to guiding our mission and expanding our impact across the region.
The BOA is led by Chair Dedria Wheaten and Co-Chair Jasmine Thornton, whose leadership and vision have already set the tone for this exciting new chapter. Since their first meeting in October, the Board has been instrumental in driving strategy. Chair Wheaten notably served as a featured speaker at the recent Kick-Off event, inspiring students and families as we launched the program.
Strategic Focus: Looking ahead to early 2026, the BOA is spearheading a Parent Engagement Initiative designed to deepen connections between families and the resources IYT provides.
"Our Board of Advisors represents the best of what community leadership can achieve. Their wisdom and dedication will help us expand opportunities for young men of color and ensure that every Brother has the support to thrive." — Dr. Kimberly Smith-Russ
Program Spotlight: Jackson Public Schools
Growth in Action: The "Fail Forward" Workshop
At Jackson Public Schools (JPS), our Mentors recently led a high-energy workshop focused on Growth Mindset and Resilience. The theme was "Fail Forward"—teaching Brothers that failure is not a dead end, but a necessary step toward success.
The Activity: Brothers played the "Fail Forward" game, where they were challenged to design and build the ultimate paper airplane. They set their own vision for the design, selected a target, and competed for accuracy and distance.
The Lesson: The activity wasn't just about aerodynamics; it was about how we react when the plane doesn't fly. Mentors guided the Brothers through the five pillars of failing forward:
Teacher: Failure teaches us what doesn't work.
Strength: Getting back up shows us our own power.
Growth: We learn when to pivot and how to improve.
Confidence: There is pride in simply trying ("I tried").
Character: Our reaction to failure defines our leadership.
Get Involved
The future is bright in Mississippi—and we’re just getting started. Whether you volunteer, donate, or spread the word, your support helps us empower young men of color to reach their full potential.
Leadership Update: Mississippi Board of Advisors
We're thrilled to announce our new Board of Advisors for IYT Mississippi! These dedicated individuals are deeply committed to moving the needle forward for young men of color.
Featured Advisor
Dr. Jasmine Thornton
Chief Scholar and Family Experience Officer, RePublic Schools
"The work of IYT aligns with the very foundation of my “why”—to ensure that Black and Brown scholars not only have access to high-quality educational opportunities, but that they feel seen, valued, and protected in those spaces."