Avrell Stokes

"If you make a commitment, stick to it. This builds character and resilience in the long run."

Avrell stokes

Q. Thanks for interviewing with us. Tell everyone who you are and what you do?

A. My name is Avrell Stokes. I am the Co-founder of Assemble and

President of BeGreat Together.

We work to uplift Black and

Latino community stories and provide funding to Black and

Latino community change- makers and innovative K-12 public school programs.

Q. Tell us about “Assemble” and the motivation behind it?

A. Assemble brings the best and brightest BIPOC experts and influencers to an online educational platform that provides culturally representative delivery and framework. People will have the opportunity to learn how to attain success in industries and trades in a way that is relatable to BIPOC experiences.

Q. How do you balance work and life responsibilities?

A. I just had a son a couple of months ago so spending time with him has actually brought a lot of balance to my life.

Q. What advice can you give to the next generation of male leaders?

A. If you make a commitment, stick to it. This builds character and resilience in the long run.

Q. Tell us a time in your career you felt like you wanted to give up?

A. I was a consultant for a few years and during that time I had a tremendous workload. For a while, I was unable to volunteer in the community, specifically at a group home for children that I would volunteer with on the weekend. My workload eventually lightened up and I was able to return to volunteering, but when I pulled up to the front of the group home, everything was boarding shut. I found out that they had lost funding. Knowing that the hours I was putting in at work had kept me away from the group home I felt like an ultimate low.

Q. Let’s talk about your non- profit and how it helps others?

A. Begreat Together exists with the belief that just as we have the most prominent influencers often found in celebrity spotlight and inspiring

BIPOC people, the same influence and inspiration can be found every day in our own neighborhoods and schools.

Q. What is your number one goal you want to accomplish in the next five years?

A. I would like to create pipelines of entry for BIPOC individuals, into various industries and trades that we have historically been excluded from or underrepresented in.

Q. How would you describe your future in 3 words?

A. Striving for more.

Q. Are you working on any new events or upcoming projects?

A. Check back in about a month and I might actually have a big announcement for everyone!

Q. Where can the readers follow you?

A. bgtogether.org,

Instagram: @BeGreatTogether_

Facebook: @BeGreatTogether