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Dwayne A. Gordon Jr. is an educator, youth development leader, mentor, and community advocate dedicated to empowering the next generation through education, mental wellness, leadership development, and community engagement. Born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, Dwayne has spent most of his life on the city’s North End, growing up in communities along Bedford Street, Garden Street, and Albany Avenue. His deep roots within Hartford and firsthand experiences and understanding of the challenges and strengths within the community continue to shape his passion for mentorship, advocacy, and youth empowerment.

 

As the Founder and Program Coordinator of the Leaders of Tomorrow: Black Mental Health & Career Empowerment Program, Dwayne combines years of experience in education, youth programming, coaching, healthcare support, and community leadership to create impactful opportunities for Black youth and young adults as a whole. His mission is centered on creating safe, empowering spaces where individuals can openly discuss mental health, gain career and financial literacy skills, connect with mentors and professionals, and build the confidence needed to succeed personally and professionally.

 

Dwayne currently serves as a middle school science teacher in Hartford, Connecticut, where he develops engaging and inclusive learning environments that support both academic achievement and personal growth. His professional background also includes experience as a health and physical education teacher, track and field coach, inpatient rehabilitation aide, and youth program leader—roles that have strengthened his ability to mentor, educate, and advocate for individuals from diverse backgrounds.

 

As a lifelong member of the Wilson-Gray YMCA community, Dwayne has participated in and contributed to numerous youth development initiatives, including the Youth Teen Incentive Program (Y-TIP) and the Healthy Living Initiative Program. In 2016, he was honored with the prestigious Y-TIP Youth of the Year Award in recognition of his leadership, growth, and commitment to his community. Dwayne later progressed through multiple leadership roles within YMCA’s Camp Dakota, serving as a Counselor, Assistant Director, and eventually Camp Director. In these positions, he supervised staff, coordinated programming and field trips, implemented behavioral intervention plans, managed daily operations, and worked closely with youth and families—including children with developmental and behavioral needs. His dedication to youth development earned him the Wilson-Gray YMCA Youth and Child Development Award in 2022.

 

Dwayne also contributed to the work of the Brother Carl Hardrick Institute as a Data Intern, supporting initiatives connected to community empowerment and development. Brother Carl Hardrick, a respected Hartford community activist and leader since the 1970s, has served as one of Dwayne’s many mentors throughout his journey. Dwayne has also been guided and inspired by influential community leaders including JoAnn Price, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Fairview Capital Partners, Inc. and board member of many prestigious community organizations, and Pastor James A. Lane Jr., Senior Kingian Nonviolence Educator and Pastor of the Northend Church of Christ. Their mentorship and continuous guidance has helped shape his commitment to leadership, service, education, and community advancement.

 

Dwayne earned a Bachelor of Science in Sport and Leisure Management with a concentration in Sport Science and Performance, as well as a Bachelor of General Studies in Sciences and Professional Studies from Eastern Connecticut State University. He is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Secondary Education from Grand Canyon University while maintaining a 3.9 GPA.

 

Through the Leaders of Tomorrow initiative, Dwayne remains committed to uplifting his community by building pathways toward mental wellness, educational achievement, leadership development, economic empowerment, and generational success for the city’s future leaders.