In this episode of 21, we talk with Marvin Pierre, Co-Founder and Executive
Director of Eight Million Stories (8MS). The mission of 8MS is to transform the
lives of vulnerable youth (12–21-year-old) through education, skills training,
employment, and authentic relationships. Marvin and his team work to bring hope,
vision, and practical work/life skills to young people who feel disenfranchised,
disconnected, and/or in despair. The work of 8MS is aimed at eradicating the
school-to-prison pipeline by creating alternate success pathways for students who
are not succeeding in traditional learning settings...breathing new life into the
concept of ‘no child left behind.’
Marvin attended Trinity College in Connecticut, and later, the University of Houston.
He started his career in investment banking, but later heeded his life’s calling to
work with young people in a way that is truly meaningful. Listen as Marvin
describes his path towards fulfilling his purpose, the role that his mentors and
sponsors played along the way, and how a song from a famous hip hop group
impacted the name of his nonprofit. (Reminders of the power of networking, betting
on yourself, and grasping moments of inspiration!)
And while work is a priority for Marvin (he refers to his students as ‘his kids’), he
also has other neat things going for him outside of work. After hearing this episode,
we will hope that you will be inspired to learn more about 8MS at
www.eightmillionstories.org, and endeavor to make a difference in young person’s
life, that may very well hang in the balance. Enjoy this episode of 21!