We recently had the chance to connect with Armond Dowdell Sr. and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Armond, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
Wandering usually looks like chasing disconnected activities without a clear thread of purpose. What my actions show is consistent, mission-driven engagement:
I’m mobilizing resources.
I’m helping build community partnerships.
I’m creating sustainable opportunities for youth.
And importantly, I am reflecting on my journey.
That reflection itself is part of walking a path—even if the road isn’t always perfectly straight. Every meaningful mission has seasons of clarity and seasons of questioning. Often, those moments of questioning are the proof that I care enough to grow, not signs that I am lost.
If anything, this might be a moment to refine or reaffirm my path.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Armond Dowdell, and I have the privilege of serving as the Founder and Executive Director of Unite for Youth, Inc.. Our organization is dedicated to empowering youth across metro Atlanta through mentorship, academic support, and violence prevention initiatives.
What makes Unite for Youth truly special is our commitment to meeting young people where they are—providing not just programs, but real opportunities to grow, lead, and build confidence in their future. We believe in the power of relationships, community, and consistent support to help youth reach their full potential.
Right now, we’re working on several initiatives that bring this vision to life, including our annual Thanksgiving Basket Drive and expanded mentoring and educational programs for the upcoming year. Every effort is rooted in one goal: to create pathways to success and hope for the youth and families we serve.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One moment that shaped how I see the world was standing face to face with a young person who, against all odds, refused to give up. It reminded me that potential isn’t about circumstance — it’s about having someone who believes in you. That experience showed me that change doesn’t just happen from big systems; it starts with human connection, one life at a time.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would say to my younger self: “Keep going. The weight you feel now isn’t weakness — it’s purpose being shaped inside you. One day, you’ll stand where others once stood for you, and you’ll help them believe in themselves, too.”
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to building spaces where young people — no matter their background or circumstances, feel seen, supported, and empowered to rise. I believe in creating generational impact through mentorship, education, and community, even if it takes years to see the full ripple effect.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say I showed up, not just when it was easy, but when it mattered most. That I believed in young people when they didn’t believe in themselves. That I turned pain into purpose, and purpose into opportunity. I hope they say I built something that kept opening doors long after I was gone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ufyatl.org
Image Credits
Personal- Credit: M. Shawn Dowdell
