Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Vincent Garrett. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Vincent thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
The mission behind Mentor Leaders Produce Mentor Leaders is deeply personal to me because it stems from my own life journey. Growing up in West Philadelphia without my father’s presence, I experienced firsthand the emotional weight of that absence. I know what it feels like to navigate life with unanswered questions, the longing for guidance, and the struggle to find my identity. My experiences led me to write Missing Dad and its accompanying workbook, which are now core tools in my mentorship program.
For years, I mentored young men in similar situations, many of whom lacked strong male role models. I saw their struggles, their frustration, and their untapped potential. That’s when I knew this mission wasn’t just about me—it was about creating a cycle of mentorship where young men, once empowered, could go on to uplift others.
What started as a personal calling grew into a nonprofit organization, and despite the challenges, I self-funded the program for five years before securing official support in 2021. Now, with a growing budget and a broader reach, we’re not just changing lives—we’re creating legacy leaders.
The work is meaningful because it’s about more than mentorship—it’s about healing, confidence, and transformation. I’ve witnessed young men move from silence to self-expression, from doubt to leadership. That’s why I do this. Because when one young man finds his voice, he has the power to change a generation.
Vincent, 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?
About Vincent Garrett & Mentor Leaders Produce Mentor Leaders
I’m Vincent Garrett—an educator, father, entrepreneur, community activist, youth leader, mentor, and author. I was born and raised in West Philadelphia, and my journey has been shaped by both personal challenges and the determination to create opportunities for others.
My work is deeply mission-driven, stemming from my own experiences growing up without my father. That absence shaped my perspective, but rather than allowing it to define me negatively, I turned it into a source of empowerment for others. I started my career as an educator, but I quickly realized that for young people—especially young men—to thrive, they needed more than academics; they needed guidance, mentorship, and emotional support. That’s when I decided to take mentorship beyond the classroom.
How I Got Into This Work
In 2017, I founded Mentor Leaders Produce Mentor Leaders, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping young men build confidence, express themselves, and overcome personal challenges. For five years, I personally funded the program, working tirelessly to ensure young men had positive role models and the tools to navigate life successfully.
In 2021, we secured our first official funding, and by 2025, our budget had grown to $300,000, allowing us to expand our reach and impact even more young lives. Today, our programs are making a difference in schools, communities, and families, empowering the next generation of leaders.
What We Offer
Through Mentor Leaders Produce Mentor Leaders, we provide:
✅ Mentorship Programs: Weekly mentorship sessions at schools, community centers, and events, where young men learn emotional literacy, leadership skills, and personal development strategies.
✅ Books & Educational Resources: I’ve authored four books:
Missing Dad (a powerful story based on my own experiences)
Missing Dad Workbook (an emotional literacy tool for young men)
Caleb’s Alphabet Adventure (a children’s book promoting literacy)
The Missing Dad Coloring Book (a creative tool for expression)
✅ Workshops & Speaking Engagements: I lead workshops and speak at schools, conferences, and community events, sharing my story and empowering young men to rewrite theirs.
✅ Community Engagement & Advocacy: We work with families, educators, and organizations to ensure young people receive the support and guidance they need to succeed.
What Sets Me Apart
What makes our organization different is that I’ve lived this journey. I know what it’s like to feel lost, unheard, and uncertain about the future. This isn’t just a job or business for me—it’s my life’s work.
We don’t just mentor young men for a season—we give them lifelong tools for success. Our approach is holistic, focusing on emotional well-being, leadership development, and breaking cycles of silence and shame.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I am most proud of the transformations I’ve witnessed—young men who once struggled with confidence and identity now standing as leaders in their own communities. Seeing mentees go on to mentor others is proof that our “Mentor Leaders Produce Mentor Leaders” model works.
I’m also proud of the legacy we are building. My goal is to expand this work through:
✅ The Legacy Leader University (a future program designed to train and equip young leaders)
✅ The Missing Dad Tour (taking our message worldwide)
✅ Three Consecutive Years of All Mentees Achieving Honor Status (a testament to the success and impact of our mentorship program)
This achievement reinforces that when young men receive the right guidance, structure, and support, they rise to their fullest potential.
Final Message to Potential Clients, Followers & Supporters
If you’re a young man in need of mentorship, an educator looking to bring our program to your school, or a supporter who wants to invest in the next generation of leaders, I’d love for you to connect with us.
This work is bigger than me—it’s about building a legacy where young men can heal, grow, and lead with confidence. Let’s make an impact together.
📍 Connect with me:
🔗 Website: www.mlpml.org
📷 Instagram: @mlpml3701
📚 Book Resources: www.missingdadbook.com
📩 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: 302-696-9009
I appreciate the opportunity to share this story, and I look forward to continuing this journey with all of you!
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
One story that truly illustrates my resilience is the journey of launching Missing Dad and its mentorship program.
For years, I personally funded my mentorship initiatives, often stretching my own resources to ensure young men had access to guidance, structure, and emotional support. There were times when I questioned whether the vision would ever gain traction beyond my own efforts. But I refused to let financial barriers stop me.
In 2021, after five years of self-funding, I secured my first official funding for the program. That was a breakthrough moment—not just because of the financial support, but because it proved that what I had built was valuable beyond my own belief in it. By 2025, the program’s budget had grown to $300,000, allowing me to reach more young men and create an even greater impact.
This experience reinforced that resilience isn’t just about pushing through obstacles; it’s about maintaining faith in your vision even when the resources aren’t there yet. It’s about showing up, doing the work, and trusting that the right opportunities will come as long as you remain committed.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
One of the biggest pivots in my journey happened when I transitioned from being an educator in the classroom to running my nonprofit and business full-time.
For years, I was balancing teaching, mentoring, and growing Mentor Leaders Produce Mentor Leaders on the side. I was passionate about both, but I reached a point where I realized my true calling was in mentorship and leadership development on a larger scale. However, leaving the security of a traditional career wasn’t easy. It meant taking a leap of faith—trusting that the work I had been building outside of the classroom could sustain me full-time.
The real pivot happened when I doubled down on my books, Missing Dad and its workbook, using them not just as stories but as tools to drive my mentorship program. I began structuring my mentorship into a more formalized program, securing partnerships with schools, and turning my passion into a sustainable business model.
It wasn’t always smooth. There were moments of uncertainty, but that pivot allowed me to expand my impact beyond a single classroom, reaching hundreds of young men through mentorship, coaching, and public speaking. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I made because it aligned my purpose with my profession.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mlpml.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlpml3701/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlpml3701/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@mentorleadersproducementor9018?si=GDu4TiHt46GhS-Rg
Image Credits
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