The Impact of Baltimore's Native Son...

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Rashad D. Staton is a distinguished public servant, youth advocate, and social change leader, whose work has had a profound impact on Baltimore and beyond. A graduate of Baltimore City Public Schools, Rashad excelled as a student leader and athlete at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Morgan State University, where he was a full academic scholarship recipient and held leadership roles in the Student Government Association (SGA) and National Pan-Hellenic Council.

 

Rashad's passion for youth empowerment and social justice was shaped during his time as a Congressional Intern for U.S. Congressman Elijah Cummings in Washington, D.C. This experience deepened his commitment to enhancing student voice and leadership, which he carried into his work upon returning to Morgan State University. There, Rashad became a catalyst for change, advocating for college students at Maryland's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and working to amplify student decision-making power.

 

Upon graduation, Rashad's leadership journey continued as Co-Chair of the Baltimore City Youth Commission (BCYC) for his councilmanic district and as a candidate for Baltimore City Council in 2016, standing against the negative stereotypes of youth in Baltimore. His professional career has included impactful roles such as Program Assistant at Family League of Baltimore, where he worked to reduce youth involvement in the juvenile justice system, and Youth Engagement Specialist for Baltimore City Public Schools. In this role, Rashad developed and led the district-wide youth engagement strategy, “YOU(th) Up Next,” which focused on student leadership, literacy, and wholeness. He also played a significant part in establishing and overseeing programs such as the CEO’s Youth Leadership Advisory Council and the Youth Ambassador Program.

 

Rashad’s ongoing dedication to youth leadership, community empowerment, and social justice has earned him numerous fellowships, including those with the Campaign for Black Male Achievement, the Johns Hopkins Bunting Neighborhood Leadership Program, and the Center for Urban Families' Practitioner Leadership Institute. He has been recognized as a transformative leader, with roles as a board member for organizations such as My Brother’s Keeper Baltimore and the Public Justice Center, and his work continues to influence positive change both locally and nationally.

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As a self-proclaimed "Catalyst of Change," Rashad’s mission is to inspire others to understand their stories, protect their narratives, and spark social transformation. His powerful public speaking and motivational engagements, coupled with his strategic thought leadership, have positioned him as a recognized expert in youth development, civic engagement, and social justice.

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Services and Accolades Include:

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• Clinton Global Initiative Speaker (2024)

• JP Morgan Chase for Business Coaching for Impact (2024)

• Keynote Speaker, 9th Annual #MoneyPurposeSuccessSummit (2024)

• The Leadership - Baltimore (Class 2023)

• Baltimore Homecoming Hero Finalist (2023)

• Visionary Founder, Kids Of Drugs Baltimore (K.O.D.), 2022

• Strategic Thought Partner/Moderator - Equity Kickback and Summit (2022)

• Fearless Sport Hero, Fearless Baltimore (2021)

• Moderator, The Movement Team, Youth Wellness & Cultural Diversity Summit (National Prevention Week (2021)

• Speaker, EducateME HBCU Teachers Fair (2021)

• Moderator, Maryland’s Millennial Conversation with U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (2020)

• Cohort Member, CEO Entrepreneurship Thrive Leadership Program (2021)

• Fellow, Center For Urban Families, Practitioner Leadership Institute (2019)

• Board Member, Public Justice Center (2023-2024)

• Board Member, Restoring Inner City Hope Inc. (2020-2024)

• Board Member, Play on Purpose Inc. (2019-2021)

• Board Member, My Brother Keeper Baltimore (2019-2021)

• Board Member, Our Maryland (2018-2019)

• Fellow, Johns Hopkins University’s Bunting Neighborhood Leadership Fellowship Program (2018-2019)

• Fellow, Campaign for Black Male Achievement, BCLF Fellowship (2017–2018)

• Appointed to Mayor’s Office of Baltimore’s Taskforce on Dirt Bikes (2018)

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Rashad continues to be a key figure in the effort to create a more inclusive, equitable, and just society. His leadership and service across Baltimore, coupled with his national impact, reflect his dedication to advancing the causes of youth, community development, and social change.