Tawan overcame incredible odds to become the person he is today. During his final months of high school, his best friend was murdered. After barely completing high school, he had to learn the reality of life without an education: Choices are made for you. The turning point came when he grew sick and tired of doing nothing with his life. He enrolled into a local community college and began taking classes. Although he was enrolled, he failed both the English and math placement tests. He spent the next two years struggling to get out of remedial courses. With hard work and persistence, he was awarded a full academic scholarship. He was also appointed to the position of student commissioner (the highest ranking student position in the state) by the Maryland state governor. He would never look back.

Tawan’s inspirational message is “it's not about the  smartest or most gifted; it is about who can persist. Persistence always wins the marathon of life." Today, Tawan draws on the life lessons learned to help people, especially the youth, transform their own lives.

Tawan earned his bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Morgan State University and his master's degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.  

Tawan's programs cover topics from student leadership, overcoming adversity and diversity.