Today we’d like to introduce you to Tommy Walker.
Hi Tommy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from Gulfport, Mississippi, where my passion for education was born—not just in the classroom, but through witnessing the difference a mentor could make. As a student in the College of Education at Alabama State University, I fell in love with teaching—not because I wanted to stand in front of a board, but because I realized so many students didn’t have someone at home who could help them champion life after high school. I wanted to be that someone—to share what I’d learned, offer what I never had, and help others see what was possible.
Atlanta became a turning point in my journey. As a high schooler, I participated in the Upward Bound Math/Science program at Morehouse College, returning each summer in undergrad to mentor students and eventually serve as a lead director. That experience taught me what purpose-driven education could look like: community, exposure, and belief. After teaching in Mississippi, I moved to Atlanta to pursue my master’s at Clark Atlanta University. There, I worked in TRIO programs, supported students through college access initiatives, and later joined the university’s advisory council—where I still serve today.
For the last five years, I’ve been a school counselor at the historic Frederick Douglass High School —where my role goes far beyond my title. I’ve built a culture of success for students who needed more than grades—they needed a safe space, a consistent advocate, and programming that helped them find their voice, vision, and value. Through student government, the National Honor Society, and LIVE @225, I’ve watched young people step into leadership, rewrite their narratives, and create new possibilities for themselves.
My story is less about checking boxes and more about creating choice—for students, for families, for anyone who thought “success” wasn’t made for them. I’ve simply tried to be the kind of person I once needed, and to leave behind systems that make that support sustainable for others.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been purposeful. As a first-generation college graduate, I’ve had to navigate unfamiliar systems, create opportunities without a blueprint, and learn to lead in spaces where I didn’t always feel seen. Moving from Mississippi to Atlanta meant starting over in many ways—building a new village while balancing grad school, full-time work, and the pressure of being a “first” for my family and community. In education, especially working with underserved students, the emotional weight can be heavy, but it’s also what fuels me. Every challenge—personal or professional—has shaped me into a leader who shows up with empathy, consistency, and the belief that every student deserves a chance to rewrite their story.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a school counselor, cafeteria DJ and a clmate and culture architect working at the intersection of education, mentorship, and equity. My passion lives in helping students—especially those who are first-generation or overlooked—see themselves as worthy of opportunity. I specialize in building systems that create belonging: whether it’s designing student-led programs, facilitating scholarship workshops, or curating culturally relevant events that reflect the brilliance of our school community. Beyond my day-to-day work, I’ve facilitated professional development for educators across the country, served as a mentor for new teachers with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund: Teacher Quality & Retention Institute, and currently sit on Clark Atlanta University’s College of Education Advisory Board.
I’m proud to have been selected by my peers as the 2024–2025 Support Person of the Year and honored as a member of Alabama State University’s 8th class of Top 50 Under 50 Notable Alumni. Most meaningful, though, is knowing I’ve helped send 34 students to HBCUs—three to my alma mater—through grassroots partnerships with families, nonprofits, and local leaders. My students know me as “TWalk,” my colleagues call me “Mr. Do Too Much,” and I take both as a compliment. I lead with heart, humor, and a commitment to giving others the space to write their own story—even when the world tells them otherwise.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I’ve been blessed with incredible mentors and supporters, but everything begins with my parents, Clifton Walker Sr. and Lisa Walker. My father, a devoted family man and entrepreneur, owned and operated the longest-standing Black-owned florist in South Mississippi for over 30 years. Though he stepped away from college to support his family, he built a legacy rooted in consistency, pride, and purpose. My mother began her career in Head Start and rose to become the Educational Specialist for the southern region of Mississippi. She later earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, but more than that, she taught me that grit, integrity, and treating people well can open doors no degree ever could. Together, they poured into me spiritually, emotionally, and mentally—instilling a deep sense of faith, service to others, and pride in where I come from.
Beyond my family, I’ve been guided by a powerful village of mentors and advocates. Mr. Jeremiah Morman challenged me to lead with integrity. He didn’t coddle me—he challenged me to rise or fall, and in doing so, taught me to lead with purpose and resilience. Dr. Terri Hackett taught me to walk into rooms with confidence and always lift as I climb. Dr. Gourjoine Wade taught me diplomacy—to work through conflict, stay focused, and always keep the finished product in mind. Ms. Marleeshia Parkmon, Mrs. Brianna Brown and Ms. Alecia Kenney have consistently elevated my events, adding structure and calm when things go off course, and helping bring each vision to life. And I’m especially grateful to Mrs. Forrestella Taylor, my former principal at Frederick Douglass High School, who trusted me to lead without limitations and gave me the security to dream out loud. My students, colleagues, friends, and community have continued to help me build what I once only imagined—and I carry their lessons with me in everything I do.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrwalkersoffice/?hl=en
- Twitter: https://x.com/mrwalkersoffice
