Spring ISD Boys’ Empowerment Summit Inspires Leadership and Growth in Young Men
Nearly 300 young men from across Spring Independent School District came together at Dekaney High School for the district’s 7th Annual Boys’ Empowerment Summit, a transformative event focused on mentorship, personal growth, and leadership development. Organized by Spring ISD’s Family and Community Engagement Department, the summit offered students a full day of powerful conversations, motivational speakers, and life skills workshops designed to equip them with the tools to succeed both academically and personally.
The summit focused on helping middle and high school students navigate real-world challenges by promoting leadership, emotional intelligence, and resilience. The event included interactive workshops, candid conversations about social and emotional development, professionalism, and building positive relationships—critical areas of focus for young men seeking to build a strong foundation for their futures.
Inspiring Stories and Real-Life Lessons
Among the day’s most impactful speakers was Sterling Mark, Chief Empowerment Officer of Sterling Empowerment. Known for his authenticity and powerful story of overcoming adversity, Mark shared a message centered on perseverance and personal responsibility.
“This type of event can truly be transformative for a young man,” Mark said. “It is so imperative that we pour into them because they are our future, and as long as we can teach them basic things like respect, discipline, and to never give up, then I believe we can help provide a better future for everyone.”
Mark’s heartfelt speech resonated deeply with attendees, who saw in him a reflection of what’s possible with determination and self-belief. His focus on values like discipline, respect, and resilience aligned with the summit’s broader mission to cultivate future leaders in Spring ISD.
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Empowerment Through Mentorship and Representation
Executive Director of Family and Community Engagement Tranita Carroll emphasized the critical role of mentorship and positive male representation in shaping young minds.
“This is such a meaningful event because those students get a chance to see an example of what they can become,” Carroll said. “It is not about how you start in life, it's how you finish. And these kids can see that in action.”
The presence of accomplished, community-driven men on stage helped fill a gap for students who may not have regular access to mentorship at home or in their communities.
Skill-Building Workshops and Real-World Preparation
In addition to motivational talks, students took part in a series of hands-on workshops covering essential topics such as professional communication, leadership decision-making, and drug prevention awareness. These sessions provided real-world skills and reinforced the importance of making thoughtful, proactive life choices.
“We’ve learned a lot about leadership and just making sure we know to think before we act,” said Jalen Jones, a sophomore at Westfield High School. “I learned a lot from the workshops, and the speakers were being real and honest about what it takes to be a leader. So that really helped me.”
A Celebration of Culture, Character, and Etiquette
The summit also featured dynamic step and dance performances by local fraternities—offering cultural expression and community energy—as well as a formal lunch designed to teach etiquette and dining manners, giving students an introduction to professional social settings.
To commemorate the experience, all participants received t-shirts and swag bags filled with practical essentials and keepsakes—tangible reminders of the summit’s empowering messages and valuable life lessons.
By the end of the summit, it was evident that mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement play a vital role in helping young men build a stronger future for themselves and their communities. The 2025 Spring ISD Boys’ Empowerment Summit gave students not just inspiration, but actionable skills and confidence to take charge of their personal journeys, no matter where they begin.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
