Don't Be the Exception, Change the Rule: Best Practices for Mentoring Young Men of Color

Despite being diagnosed with a learning disability at the age of five. Walter accomplished his lifelong dream of making it to the NFL, playing for the Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts, Buffalo Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals, Mendehalls desire to educate young minority males prompted him to walk away from football to pursue his passion for teaching the next generation of leaders. Mendenhall founded the Male Mogul Initiative which is a social enterprise that seeks to positively transform the way young men live and lead in their communities through leadership, entrepreneurship, & workforce development. The Male Mogul has produced over 1200 participants and provided 200 plus jobs to young men in Chicago. In 2022, the Male Mogul Initiative received the coveted Chicago Innovation Award. Born in Chicago, IL. Walter graduated from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana with a Bachelors in Sociology and African American Studies. Mendenhall then pursued his Master's degree in Education and Social Sciences. Walter is currently a Ph.D. Candidate in Organizational Leadership at Concordia University Chicago. Walter's previous work experience includes being a Lead Consultant and Assistant Fund manager for Kyrie Irving's (NBA Player) Kai-11 fund, Business Coach & Access to Capital Manager for Sunshine Enterprises, Co-Fund Manager of the Chicago Community Micro Equity Fund and a Member of the of the National Small Business Association Leadership council. To broaden his reach, Walter began touring the country speaking at national conferences and various universities and has worked with organizations and institutions such as; Obama Foundation, Nike, NFL, Young Entrepreneur Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, University of Illinois, and others.