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Adjusting to our new normal, the team at Speak Out World had to regroup and refocus how we produce our podcast. We are excited to bring you Part One of our interview with "Thug Life to Triumphant Life" author, Reggie Beaty. Reggie tells his powerful story of growing up in one of the roughest neighbors in South West Atlanta and his journey out of poverty and a life of crime into a life of success.

Reggie's Bio:

Reggie was a “difficult to reach youth” growing up in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. Beaty found out early on the critical role that mentors play in a youth’s life. He was expelled from school at 14, ran with gang-oriented crowds, carried weapons and was ultimately incarcerated. Beaty found a mentor in Bobby Garrett, director of West End Academy, a non-traditional school in the Communities In Schools of Georgia system.  As a result of Garrett’s intervention, Beaty graduated from West End Academy, earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Stillman College and a Master’s in Aerospace Education from Middle Tennessee State University.  Next, Beaty built a stellar 20-year career in the United States Army, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Along the way, Beaty earned the Leo A. Codd national “Instructor of the Year” for all colleges and universities, presented by President George W Bush, and “Civic Man of the Year” for his work with youth in Oklahoma. For 10 years Beaty served as Chief Operating Officer with Communities In Schools of Georgia, where he helped to build the non-traditional schools Performance Learning Centers and Georgia’s “Graduation Coaches” initiative.

For more information on Reggie Beaty, his organization or his book you may send him an email at [email protected] or visit https://foundationforeducationalsuccess.com/ .