Our Board

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He is the founder of Dare To Be Different (DTBD), a mentoring initiative focused on academic tutoring, mental wellness, leadership development, and life skills training. Inspired by the mentorship he once received at the Cosmopolitan Community Center, DTBD provides young people—especially young Black men—with the tools to break generational cycles and lead with confidence.As a young man navigating poverty and systemic barriers, Michael turned to the streets—not out of rebellion, but necessity. His involvement in the drug trade brought consequences that forced deep reflection and a turning point. Refusing to be defined by past mistakes, he made a decision to change committing himself to personal growth, accountability, and purpose-driven work.

Since 2016, T. Michael has been a leader in youth development across New York and Georgia. For over 14 years, he’s served in Atlanta Public Schools, supporting at-risk students and helping them build strong academic, emotional, and social foundations. He also contracts with DFCS as a Behavioral Aide, offering hands-on support to youth and families facing complex challenges.

In 2023, T. Michael was granted inactive parole status after just one year—recognizing his consistent service, mentorship, and lasting impact on others.

He is the founder of Dare To Be Different (DTBD), a mentoring initiative focused on academic tutoring, mental wellness, leadership development, and life skills training. Inspired by the mentorship he once received at the Cosmopolitan Community Center, DTBD provides young people—especially young Black men—with the tools to break generational cycles and lead with confidence.

Michael has been recognized with awards such as Firecode’s Youth Leader of the Year (2018) and COGIC’s Most Influential Under 40 (2020). He also owns an Organization and He continues to expand his work through partnerships, entrepreneurship, and advocacy.

T. Michael Watson’s mission is clear: to remove barriers, build future leaders, and give every young person the belief that they are more than their environment. DTBD is "Where Change Begins".

Tedra S. Carter was born and raised right here in Atlanta, Georgia. She spent most of her childhood in the middle of Atlanta and one of its many impoverished neighborhoods. Being surrounded by tons of influential people, both good and bad, she always felt conflicted and dealt with emotional management issues. Anger, a huge obstacle, led to her having momentary lapses of judgment when making decisions about her future. Through a church community, she was signed up for courses which included a summer long course of anger management. It was there that she learned the importance of being present and accountable for one's own decisions. She learned to shift the focus of her anger and put it into more productive activities. 

Although attending a low-income school did not allow many opportunities for her to explore and branch out from the norm, she made do with what she had and persevered through non- ideal circumstances. She joined several clubs and sports teams to decrease the amount of time she spent around those pushing her to do wrong. In a science club, she met a woman, later to become her mentor, that provided her with the will power and strength to strive to be different. She was able to believe in her worth, and with hard work, graduated both high school and college, a task uncommon for her environment. It was then she made the decision to become a mentor. 

She wants to be a voice a student going through the same struggles she faced can rely on. She strives to push her mentees who feel stuck and powerless to overcome societal adversity and believe that they are in complete control of their futures once they put a foot forward in making the effort. From personal experience, she knows that effort is the first step towards a better future and a strong support system is the next. Her mantra is “Do good, be great, and keep moving forward,” and it is through DTBD that she plans to execute a mentorship that will change lives. 

Runeshia Parker was born in Birmingham, AL. Most of her Alabama life was spent in the middle of poverty. She was the oldest of three girls and felt the added pressure of responsibility at such a young age. Known as one of the most troubled students, her reputation preceded her as she moved from grade to grade, and because of this, she was put out of several classes. Her home life became constantly plagued with phone calls.

 At the age of 13, she moved to Georgia with her family. The change in environment prompted her to want to change her behavior. She wanted the chance to be viewed in a different light by her peers. It was in that environment she met several positive role models who she viewed as mentors unbeknownst to them. They made a powerful impact on her life that pushed her to want to make positive decisions. She became motivated to work hard toward goals she started setting for herself. Though it was tough, scary, and challenging, graduating high school and college became two of her greatest accomplishments. 

Today, she aspires to give her mentees a voice and encourage them to overcome economic hardship and their biggest foe: themselves. She knows from personal experience that having someone in your corner rooting for you, giving you an encouraging hug, and the strength to look toward the future is incomparable. DTBD will help her shape lives through mentoring.