Alumni Spotlight: Michael Berry, Class of 2019

Michael Berry, a proud Dallas native who serves as executive director for Youth Guidance Dallas, was recently highlighted by WFAA for his work within the community helping leaders think about violence reduction strategies. Watch the story here.

As a Dallas ISD alum, Michael passionately pursues the work of building programs to positively impact the district that has so richly given to him. He graduated from the University of North Texas where he studied psychology and Spanish.

With more than 15 years of youth development and community-building experience, Michael has worked in a variety of roles supporting youth and communities locally and nationally. Most recently, he served as the National Manager of Talent and Recruitment for the nation's largest site-based after-school program for middle-school-aged youth, After-School All-Stars. 

“I fundamentally believe in the opportunity gap and my aim is to leverage both my personal and professional gifts and networks to build bridges for youth and communities,” said Michael. “I feel the purpose and responsibility to ensure that I create spaces where people can show up as their authentic selves.”

Michael is a 2019 alum of Leadership ISD’s Civic Voices Fellowship. “I was honored to share space with such an incredible group of human beings as we brainstormed strategies and solutions to effectively support students while acknowledging the gaps that currently exist.” 

Michael loves to spend time with his family and is a proud husband and father to his wife Janay and children Jaxon and Harper.