We’re looking forward to introducing you to Da’Shawn Catron. Check out our conversation below.
Da’Shawn, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Have you stood up for someone when it cost you something?
Yes, I have stood up for others even when it required sacrifice. One of the most meaningful moments was when I was invited to speak at the Georgia State Capitol after the act to freeze afterschool funding was passed. I knew that by speaking out I would miss work and lose money that day, but I also understood the importance of being a voice for youth who couldn’t be in that room. For me, the temporary cost was worth it to stand up for young people and advocate for the resources they need to thrive.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Da’Shawn Catron, and my journey has always been rooted in creativity, youth development, and the power of using my voice to inspire others. From an early age, I recognized the importance of mentorship and storytelling in shaping the lives of young people, which led me to write my book. The book was born from my passion for youth development and serves as both a reflection of my creativity and a tool to uplift and encourage young people to see their potential. Through this work, I realized that my purpose is bigger than just writing, it’s about building a brand that stands on inspiration, leadership, and empowerment. My brand represents who I am and the values I stand for: creativity, resilience, and advocacy for the next generation. Whether through my writing, public speaking, or community involvement, I strive to motivate others to embrace their dreams, step into their greatness, and understand that purpose comes when passion meets service.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest moment where I truly felt powerful was when I delivered my first Jr. Youth of the Year speech for the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta. Standing in front of an audience, sharing my story and representing not only myself but also my peers, gave me a sense of confidence and purpose I had never felt before. In that moment, I realized that my voice had the power to inspire and that I could use it to make a difference for others.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
In Genesis 2:25 through 3:7, we see that before Adam and Eve ate from the tree, their nakedness was good—they lived in innocence and trust. After eating and gaining the knowledge of good and evil, that same state became a source of shame, showing how our perspective changes when we encounter challenges or consequences. This story illustrates that suffering often feels negative in the moment, but it is usually meant to teach us, refine us, and ultimately guide us toward growth. Just as Adam and Eve’s experience led to greater awareness and responsibility, the difficulties we face can help us develop wisdom, resilience, and a deeper understanding of life’s purpose.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
A wise man once told me to “live doing the dream rather than dying wishing you lived the dream,” and I would carry that advice forward in everything I do. I would take action, embrace opportunities, and pursue what truly matters rather than waiting for the “perfect” moment. Moving forward, I would approach my writing, my work with youth, and my personal goals with intention, choosing to actively create, inspire, and make an impact every day instead of letting fear or hesitation hold me back.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dashawncatron.com
- Instagram: dashawncatron_cb
- Facebook: Da’Shawn Catron
- Youtube: Talks With Da’Shawn
- Other: Tiktok: dashawn.catron
