About Dr. White
Dr. Sylvester White is an educator, speaker, and leadership coach dedicated to helping young Black men rise into their full potential. With more than two decades of experience in education and mentoring, Dr. White has made it his life’s mission to help the next generation overcome barriers, embrace their identity, and lead with confidence and purpose.
He is the founder of Ascend to Rise — a leadership and empowerment initiative that equips students and emerging professionals with practical tools for academic success, personal growth, and character development.
Dr. White’s approach blends education, mindset, and mentorship — creating transformative spaces where young men learn to lead themselves before they lead others. His work has inspired countless students to believe in their value, strengthen their voice, and chart a path toward excellence.
Dr. White believes that when young men rise, families rise, schools rise, and communities rise. His message is more than motivation — it’s a movement of empowerment, responsibility, and legacy.
Dr. White and Candace White
Dr. White lives in ..... with his wife Candace.
Dr. White's philosophy is that education is both a right and a powerful catalyst for transformation, and that every student, regardless of background, deserves equitable opportunities to access, persist, and thrive.
His work is grounded in the conviction that culturally responsive practices are essential to fostering inclusion, belonging, and academic success, particularly for historically marginalized populations such as Black male students.
In his own words...
I value integrity, collaboration, and innovation, and I am committed to challenging systemic barriers that perpetuate inequities. I believe in meeting students where they are, amplifying their voices, and creating pathways that turn access into achievement.
At the heart of my mission is the belief that retention is not just about keeping students enrolled — it is about cultivating environments where they are supported, celebrated, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.