Today we’d like to introduce you to Sunny Brown
Hi Sunny, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. I often think of my journey as a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of second chances. My path has taken many turns, each one building upon the last in unexpected ways.
My career began with a passion for serving young people. After leaving an abusive marriage, I spent over a decade as a single mother, working tirelessly to provide for my family. During those years, I left college but built a strong reputation as a youth programmatic trainer in a major nonprofit. That role allowed me to influence young lives on a large scale, and it ignited a calling to go even deeper. After 15 years in youth work, I felt led to transition to ministry, serving full-time as a pastor for four years. However, my calling began to shift as I recognized God was guiding me toward a different kind of impact. I felt I was “fishing where the fish were already caught.” My heart grew increasingly drawn to the classroom, where I could reach young people on a more personal, transformative level.
In a leap of faith, I returned to college, balancing my studies with my family and ministry, eventually completing both my undergraduate and graduate degrees within three years. I joined Teach For America, which opened the door to work with incredible students and communities. My work in the classroom has been fueled by a commitment to nurturing students’ potential as future changemakers and activists. It’s also inspired The Genius Incubator, a consulting initiative I founded to help teachers create spaces where every student’s unique talents are valued and uplifted.
Each role—from podcaster to pastor to teacher—has taught me the importance of purpose and persistence. These experiences, combined with my own personal journey, have equipped me to be a voice for students who often feel overlooked and to create a legacy that empowers both young people and educators.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been anything but a smooth road, but each struggle has shaped who I am today and deepened my commitment to the work I do. Navigating life as a single mother after leaving an abusive marriage was one of the most challenging times in my life. I had to make difficult sacrifices, including dropping out of college to focus on providing stability for my child and myself. There were countless moments when I questioned whether I’d ever have the chance to finish my education, let alone pursue the dreams I held for myself.
During those years, I poured myself into my role as a youth programmatic trainer. I was passionate about reaching young people, but it was a constant balancing act between work, parenting, and survival. Eventually, when I returned to school and committed to earning my degrees, it meant stretching myself further than I thought possible. Balancing full-time ministry, parenthood, and academics often felt overwhelming, but I was determined to prove to myself and my child that it was possible.
Once I transitioned into teaching, I faced new challenges. Working in Title I schools with students who faced their own significant struggles meant meeting trauma with patience, and academic gaps with innovation. As a Teach For America educator, I learned that being an advocate in the classroom goes far beyond academics. I had to become a listener, an encourager, and a steady presence for students who may not have had that elsewhere.
These experiences have taught me resilience, empathy, and an unshakable belief in the potential within each person. Starting The Genius Incubator has been my way of channeling those lessons to empower other educators. My road has been far from smooth, but I see every challenge as a building block for something greater—both in myself and in the lives of those I hope to impact.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work centers around empowering individuals and creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and capable of greatness. I wear many hats—as a podcaster, teacher, pastor, and advocate—all of which feed into my mission of nurturing growth and resilience in others. My career is rooted in education, both formal and informal, and my heart is dedicated to supporting youth, educators, and underserved communities.
In the classroom, I’m known as “Professor B,” and my students know me for my deep commitment to their success beyond just academics. I refer to them as “geniuses,” emphasizing that they are here to contribute to the world in powerful, positive ways. My teaching philosophy goes beyond traditional instruction; I specialize in culturally relevant pedagogy, restorative justice, and radical praxis, aiming to help students become critical thinkers and engaged activists.
One of my proudest achievements is founding The Genius Incubator, Inc. Through The Genius Incubator, I offer consulting on college acceptance, academic planning, restorative justice practices, culturally relevant methodologies, and innovative teaching approaches that challenge and uplift students in underserved communities. The Genius Incubator is a transformational initiative designed to identify and nurture the innate genius within every individual. At its core, the mission is to guide people in discovering their unique talents, unlocking their potential, and setting them on a path to success—whatever that looks like for them. Here’s how the Genius Incubator operates across different stages of life and learning:
For Middle School Students:
The Genius Incubator empowers young minds by helping them recognize their strengths, set meaningful goals, and create actionable plans for high school success. Through mentorship, personalized academic and extracurricular strategies, and a focus on cultivating confidence, students are equipped to transition into high school with clarity and purpose.
For High School Students:
High schoolers are guided to envision and prepare for their future careers or college aspirations. The Genius Incubator assists them in creating strategic paths, including identifying scholarships, internships, and programs tailored to their goals. Whether they’re pursuing Esports, STEM, or liberal arts, the Genius Incubator ensures students have the tools and resources to succeed.
For College Seekers:
The Genius Incubator extends its services to traditional and non-traditional college applicants, such as first-generation students, adult learners, and single parents. From navigating the application process to securing funding and balancing life responsibilities, the Genius Incubator provides support at every step. It equips individuals with skills and confidence, ensuring they don’t just get into college but thrive once there.
The Motto:
“I am a Genius” embodies the belief that every person has untapped brilliance. The Genius Incubator doesn’t just teach or guide—it activates the genius within, empowering individuals to realize their worth and achieve their dreams. By fostering creativity, discipline, and innovation, the Genius Incubator builds a bridge to success for all who dare to dream. Whether it’s a middle schooler imagining their future, a high schooler solidifying their path, or a single parent returning to school, the Genius Incubator lights the way.
I’m also incredibly proud of my journey with Teach For America, where I’ve had the privilege of working with students in Title I schools and advocating for equity in education. My students know me for my relentless support and the intentional relationships I build with them and their families. From helping a struggling student raise his grades so he could join the baseball team to empowering young leaders to see themselves as changemakers, these connections are what I’m most proud of.
What sets me apart is the blend of my personal journey and professional dedication. I’ve walked through difficult paths, and I know firsthand the power of resilience and faith. My experiences have taught me the importance of purpose-driven teaching, where every lesson is a tool for growth and every student is seen as a whole person. This purpose guides me daily, whether in the classroom, behind a podcast mic, or consulting with educators. I see each role as part of a larger mission to create communities of empowerment, resilience, and hope.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Absolutely. I’d like readers to know that the journey to fulfilling your purpose is often nonlinear, and that’s okay. My path has been filled with unexpected turns, detours, and even setbacks, but each step was necessary for my growth. Whether you’re pursuing a new career, stepping out of a difficult situation, or just trying to make it through the day, know that your story matters and that every experience is shaping you for something greater.
If there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s that resilience, faith, and community can carry you through the hardest times. I’m here because of people who believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself, and I try to bring that same belief to every student, teacher, and listener I work with. My story is proof that it’s never too late to start again, to find your calling, or to make a difference in someone’s life. So, if you’re feeling uncertain or discouraged, keep going. Your best chapters may be right around the corner. You ARE UnBreakaBle!
Pricing:
- $25-$50 Initial Academic and Post Secondary Consult
- $50-$100 Developed Academic and/or Collegiate Plan
- $250 3 month Academic/Collegiate and Post Secondary Coaching & Plan Development
Contact Info:
- Website: https://open.spotify.com/show/372pvgpHefFwt9wsEhZcyG?si=VilmDtRqQ96SrykYnnRvdA
- Instagram: @geniusincubator
- Other: https://linktr.ee/sunnysideview?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=43853c7d-4313-447a-9d3b-e1bb840ff7b2
Image Credits
Photos in white in my classroom are credited to Metro Atlanta Teach For America
Sunny Brown
