A native New Yorker, Marvin Pierre began developing 8 Million Stories during his year as a TNTP Bridge Fellow. Before that, he served as the Assistant Principal at KIPP Polaris Academy for Boys in Houston, Texas. Prior to joining KIPP Polaris, he served as the Dean of Students at Excellence Boys Charter School in Brooklyn, NY. He was an Assistant Dean of Students at Summit Academy Charter School, and has also served as Director of Student Life at Achievement First Endeavor Middle School (Brooklyn, NY). Marvin also worked in the Investment Banking (Municipal Finance Group) at Goldman, Sachs & Co. Marvin holds a bachelor's in Economics from Trinity College (Hartford, CT) and a Masters in Education Administration and Supervision from the University of Houston. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and desires to pursue opportunities in community development and co-found a K-8 school for young boys of color in Houston, TX.

In this episode we discuss:

• The intricacies of the school to prison pipeline that affects black and brown children.
• The success Eight Million Stories has received over the past five years.
• Partnering with Holly Charles from Houston Play on Purpose.

Contact Marvin:

• Eight Million Stories Website
• Eight Million Stories Facebook

Check out the play:

• Houston Play on Purpose: Black, White & Sunshine

Contact Michelle:

• Patreon 
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Website

Tanida Mullen is the founder of The Savvy Young Professional an online hub that provides leadership and life tips for young professionals. 

In this episode we discuss:

• The importance of having a signature event.
• The qualities of a good speaker.
• The best ways to start and grow your speaking career.

Upcoming Event:

360 Speaking Accelerator Workshop

• Date: Saturday, August 3, 2019
• Time: 9am - 1pm
• Location: Killeen Civic & Conference Center

Click here to purchase tickets to event.

Contact Tanida:

• Facebook
• LinkedIn

Contact Michelle:

• Patreon 
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Website

“Black, White & Sunshine” is a groundbreaking play exposing the disproportionate number of Black children lost in both the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. Our distinguished partners this year are 8 Million Stories, a uniquely necessary school which disrupts the pipeline to prison for at-risk youth, and Child Advocates of Fort Bend, which provides resources to reunite children with their families.

In this episode we discuss:

• HPOP creative process to create Black, White & Sunshine.
• The power of storytelling through plays.
• The correlation from foster care and the school to prison pipeline.

Houston Play on Purpose is offering six (6) showings, August 1st - August 4th, three of which will feature expert panels and/or a reception. Purchase your tickets for Houston Play On Purpose's, “Black, White & Sunshine”  at Houston Play on Purpose. Showing at Midtown Arts & Theater Center (MATCH – 3400 Main) August 1^st- 4^th, 2019.