Willie Brown Middle School Impact Update: November 2025

Kevin Akins
Dec 26, 2025
2 min read

November in Review: Presence & Support

This month at Willie Brown Middle School, we focused on the power of showing up—whether it's a mentor showing up at a basketball game or a student showing up for his peers with a smile. From exploring the De Young Museum to defining what leadership looks like in our daily lives, our community demonstrated that true impact happens when we support one another consistently and authentically.

Mentor Appreciation & Field Trips

Going Above and Beyond

Jude, Austin, Terrill, Kayky, and Fabian stop for a photo in front of the De Young Museum

We want to take a moment to appreciate our incredible mentor, Kayky Barbosa!

Mentors play a vital role in supporting Brothers—not just academically, but by building strong connections and fostering a sense of belonging. Over the past few weeks, Kayky has gone above and beyond, attending Willie Brown basketball games to cheer on our students and joining our Brothers on a cultural field trip to the De Young Museum.

His dedication, energy, and care make a real difference every day. Thank you, Kayky, for modeling what it means to be a consistent, supportive adult in our Brothers' lives.

Defining Leadership

Traits of a True Leader

Brothers gathered in the room, proudly reciting the Brotherhood Creed.

Last month, our Brothers explored what it truly means to be a leader. Rather than just looking at famous figures, they reflected on how they can show up as leaders in their everyday lives.

As part of the activity, they identified figures they admire and highlighted key characteristics of effective leadership:

Accountability
Trustworthiness
Consistency

This workshop encouraged our Brothers to not only recognize these traits in others but to take intentional steps to embody them.

Brother of the Month

Brother Nigel

7th Grade

Brother Nigel is our Brother of the Month! He consistently shows up with positive energy and a big smile that brightens every programming day.

Nigel goes above and beyond to support his Brothers when they’re feeling down and actively encourages his peers to engage. This past month, we have seen him embody our "We" statement: We will uplift our brothers and not tear them down.

Thank you, Brother Nigel, for representing teamwork so well and setting a positive example for everyone around you!

Leadership Update: Bay Area Board of Advisors

We're thrilled to announce our new Board of Advisors for IYT Bay Area! These dedicated individuals are deeply committed to moving the needle forward for young men of color.

Featured Advisor

A professional portrait of Board of Advisor, David Hood.

Robert Marcus

Chief Strategy & Impact Officer, Positive Coaching Alliance

"IYT is building the kind of sustained support system that breaks down barriers and opens doors, and I'm honored to be part of that work."

Learn More

Program Directory & Schedules

Program Manager: Kayla Wynne

Email: kayla@improveyourtomorrow.org