Darryl Willie: A Visionary Leader in Education and Community Empowerment

Inspiring Change Through Leadership, Innovation, and Service

Throughout our lives, we encounter thousands of people, but only a precious few truly transform us—those rare individuals who light up a room with their energy, push us beyond our comfort zones, and inspire us to dream bigger. In my years of business, youth work, and service—as both a school board member and President of the Florida School Boards Association (FSBA)—I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with some brilliant minds. Among these exceptional leaders, entrepreneurs, and dedicated educators is Darryl Willie.

His story isn’t just about educational leadership—it’s about the ripple effect one passionate individual can create, touching countless lives and transforming entire communities. Through his work, Darryl hasn’t just inspired me; he has redefined what’s possible when unwavering commitment meets visionary leadership in education.

A Mentee Who Became the Teacher

I first met Darryl in 2018 at the FSBA Conference and Training. At the time, he was a newly elected member of the Duval County School Board, participating in new board training. Like many first-time board members, he joined the FSBA Peer 2 Peer Program, which pairs seasoned board members with newcomers. I was honored to be paired with Darryl. While FSBA may have seen me as the experienced mentor, I quickly realized it was the other way around—over the years, Darryl has been the one imparting wisdom to me.

A Passion for Education Forged Through Experience

Darryl’s journey in education is deeply personal, shaped by his upbringing as a proud military child. Moving between both low- and high-performing public schools, he witnessed firsthand the power of education to uplift—or limit—a student’s potential. These experiences ignited a passion within him, driving a lifelong mission to ensure every child, regardless of background, has access to quality learning opportunities.

That mission has only grown stronger over the past 15 years, culminating in his leadership within the Duval County School District—one of the largest in Florida. With over 125,000 students and staff and a staggering $1.7 billion budget, Duval’s scale dwarfs that of many districts, including my own Citrus County School District. Yet, Darryl tackles its challenges with a combination of strategic vision and hands-on leadership.

Long before joining the school board, Darryl was already shaping the future of education. As Executive Director of Teach For America (TFA) Jacksonville, he spearheaded multimillion-dollar fundraising campaigns, and led transformative strategic initiatives. Through his leadership, he not only empowered teachers but also built a thriving network of advocates committed to leveling the playing field for all students.

Turning Conversations into Action: The ampED National Fellowship

One powerful example of Darryl’s ability to turn ideas into impact is the creation of an influential initiative—the ampED National Fellowship, which he co-founded with Duval education leader Dykisha Potter.

As Darryl tells it, the idea was born from a meeting at a coffee shop with Ms. Potter. She shared her concerns about education challenges, the struggles within her schools, and her deep desire to be part of the solution. In classic Darryl fashion, he seized the moment—fully embracing the philosophy of carpe diem—and together they turned their conversation into action.

The ampED National Fellowship empowers young Black educators to drive systemic change through community-based leadership and innovative programming. A standout feature of the fellowship is its “Shark Tank”-style presentation format, where fellows pitch their “surge projects”— recommendations aimed at tackling pressing education challenges—to a distinguished panel of education influencers and policymakers. This model creates a direct pipeline for emerging Black education leaders to influence decision-makers, turning real classroom experiences into actionable policy solutions with the potential for nationwide implementation.

A Career of Impact and Leadership

Darryl’s educational journey began in the classroom, where he taught 2nd, 5th, and 6th grades with Teach For America in Helena, Arkansas. It was here that his passion for fostering student success first took root. His career quickly expanded beyond the classroom, leading him into higher education administration. As a Graduate Resident Director at the University of Georgia, and later as an ACUHO-I Fellow at the University of Miami, Darryl gained invaluable experience in leadership and student development.

Darryl holds a Bachelor’s degree in Textile Management with a Business Minor from North Carolina State University and a Master’s in Education with a focus on Higher Education Administration from the University of Georgia. His professional expertise spans across partnership management, policy development, team leadership, government relations, community engagement, and strategic planning, reflecting his deep commitment to advancing education at every level.

Recognitions, Leadership, and Community Impact

Darryl Willie’s career has been a testament to his unwavering dedication to both education and community leadership. His impact has earned him multiple prestigious accolades, including recognition by the Jacksonville Business Journal as one of its “40 Under 40” honorees, a celebration of his influence as an emerging leader. His passion for nonprofit work and community development was further highlighted when he was named the Jacksonville Non-Profit Emerging Leader by Leadership Jacksonville.

But Darryl’s contributions extend far beyond personal recognitions. He has been an active force in shaping local communities through his involvement with several advisory and nonprofit boards. His leadership has been instrumental in organizations like the Northwest Jacksonville Community Development Corporation, the Jacksonville Arts and Music School, and the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. He has also provided invaluable strategic insights on university presidential advisory boards at two institutions, where his work continues to drive positive change in higher education.

A proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and 100 Black Men of Jacksonville, Darryl is committed to mentoring the next generation of leaders. His work remains rooted in his lifelong dedication to fostering equity and opportunity, ensuring that future generations have the support they need to succeed.

A Legacy of Transformative Impact

Darryl’s influence transcends his formal roles as a school board member, educator, and community leader. He is a catalyst for change, a developer of talent, a strategic thinker, and a master at forging powerful partnerships. Darryl’s leadership isn’t just about positions or accolades—it’s about the lives he’s touched, the opportunities he’s created, and the lasting change he continues to inspire. He is more than a visionary; he is a force driving progress, opening doors, and shaping a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Through his actions, Darryl Willie is not just leaving a legacy; he is laying the foundation for a brighter tomorrow—one where the next generation of leaders can stand on the shoulders of those who came before them. I am confident that his work will echo through the halls of schools, communities, and hearts for years to come, ensuring that his impact endures far beyond his time.

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