Larry Irvin is the Executive Director of Brothers Empowered to Teach, and Arianne Craig Jolla is the organization’s Chief Operating Officer. Together, they’re leading the charge to increase the number of Black male educators in classrooms through initiatives like Pipeline 360. With Black men making up only 1.3% of public school teachers nationwide, Larry and Arianne break down why this matters, how early exposure and mentorship can shift entire communities, and what it takes to reimagine education for the next generation.

We sat down with Larry and Arianne to explore how Brothers Empowered to Teach is building more than just teachers—they're developing whole leaders. From soft skills and classroom experience to policy exposure and long-term career growth, this conversation shows how education can be both impactful and empowering. Whether you're a potential fellow, school partner, or funder, this episode shows there's a role for everyone in building a better future.

Mission Bayou is presented by Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video production agency that helps organizations amplify their impact through mission-driven storytelling. From fundraising videos and social media content to full-scale podcast production, Comfy Stone makes it easy for organizations to share their stories in a way that resonates.

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