We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Andre St.george a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Andre, appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
My mission is one I like to say I modeled after the old adage “Pay It Forward”. At an early age I was mentored by someone that played a very integral role in my life. I found myself in the midst of a situation where the wrong choice could have altered my life dramatically. Being a victim of bullying lead me to take things into my hands and figured bringing a knife to school was my only option.
Fortunately, I never used that knife but mentally I was damaged by the thought of just taking things there. The person that stepped in to “Pay It Forward” was my principal. He instilled a level of confidence in me and empowered me to face life’s challenges with thoughts of growth. He taught me how to think and how to use logic and reasoning and most importantly he taught me leadership.
These are also pillars that we pride ourselves at “Speak 2 Educate”. Our true mission is to not only pay it forward but to equip the next generation with the tools, strategies, and mindset needed to help them bridge the gap between “potential” and “performance”.
Andre, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Andre St. George
Outreach Specialist | Youth Program Builder | Speaker | Author | Investor
I am a dedicated Outreach Specialist and Youth Program Builder, deeply committed to empowering the next generation. As an author, investor, father, and grandfather, my journey has been shaped by a passion for leadership, mentorship, and social impact. And yes—I’m also a sneaker enthusiast and a devoted fan of Law & Order (I’ve probably seen every episode!).
My journey into public speaking began with a simple desire to share my voice, which led me to Toastmasters. It was there that I discovered the power of storytelling—not just as a means of self-expression, but as a tool for transformation. A pivotal moment in my speaking career came during a competition where I shared a deeply personal story about being bullied and the difficult choices I once faced. After my speech, a young girl in the audience approached me and handed me a drawing of her family, including me, holding hands. Her words still resonate with me:
“Because of you, I’m not scared anymore.”
That moment was the spark that ignited Speak 2 Educate—a movement dedicated to leading, innovating, and inspiring young minds to become strong, effective leaders.
About Speak 2 Educate
At Speak 2 Educate, we believe that education starts with a voice. Our mission is to create impact-driven programs that equip youth with the confidence, skills, and mindset they need to overcome obstacles and thrive.
As a recognized vendor for social services in Virginia, we provide critical educational and mentorship services, including:
✅ Career and self-esteem counseling
✅ Mentoring programs
✅ Fatherhood training
✅ Behavioral intervention
What sets us apart? Our ability to connect. We don’t just educate—we engage, inspire, and empower. We bridge the gap between knowledge and action, ensuring that every young person we work with feels heard, valued, and equipped to succeed.
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
Speak 2 Educate didn’t start as a side hustle—it began as a mission to give back and strengthen my community. From the very beginning, I invested my own resources to fund programs, host events, and create opportunities for the youth. While we applied for grants and even turned to crowdfunding at times, it was our growing reputation and impact that ultimately attracted partnerships with organizations that became key supporters.
By the third year of operating as a small business, I began to see financial returns, but Speak 2 Educate has always been about something much greater—the lives we’ve transformed. Through this work, I’ve had the honor of:
✅ Speaking to hundreds of students in schools and detention centers
✅ Earning recognition from elected officials for community impact
✅ Being nominated for prestigious awards for leadership and youth empowerment
Today, this is my full-time career. As a vendor for social services, I continue to lead programs that equip young people with the confidence, skills, and guidance they need to succeed. But this is just the beginning.
I am committed to expanding Speak 2 Educate—ensuring our message reaches schools, detention centers, and underserved communities worldwide. The work doesn’t stop here. This is a movement, and I will continue to push forward, ensuring that every young person we touch knows that their voice matters, their story has power, and their future is limitless.
The mission is clear: Lead. Innovate. Inspire.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Our greatest source of new clients has come directly from our commitment to giving back. The impact we create has fueled a steady stream of referrals and recommendations, making word-of-mouth our most powerful marketing tool.
While we maintain a moderate social media presence, we recognize the need to expand our digital reach and are actively working to enhance our online visibility. Beyond that, our strong network and business relationships continue to open doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and collaborations.
We also believe in the power of community engagement. By hosting school drives, workshops, and other local events, we not only serve those in need but also attract new supporters and clients who align with our mission.
As we grow, our focus remains the same: making a lasting impact, strengthening communities, and ensuring that Speak 2 Educate continues to be a force for change.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_speak2educate_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andre.stgeorge
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/andre-st-george
