In a nation where 1 in 3 young Black men will be incarcerated at some point in their lives, the work of Gary Davis and his Next Level Boys Academy and Empowerment Center stands as a beacon of hope. As the Founder and Executive Director of this groundbreaking mentorship organization, Davis has dedicated his career to providing an alternative pathway for youth and young adult males who too often find themselves ensnared by the criminal justice system.

Through intensive programming that blends academic support, leadership development, and social-emotional learning, Next Level Boys Academy and Empowerment Center has achieved remarkable results. Longitudinal studies show that participants are 47% less likely to reoffend or incarcerated compared to their peers, a testament to the life-changing impact of Davis' innovative model. But the true measure of the organization’s success lies in the transformative stories of the young men it serves. With many participants coming from single-parent households, Davis self-published his first book in 2015, "Raising Him Without Him" - a raw and redemptive exploration of fatherlessness that has resonated with readers nationwide.

As the United States grapples with mass incarcerations of black and brown youth and young adult males, visionaries like Gary Davis stand at the forefront of the fight for true justice and generational change. Davis started this grassroots organization in 2009 and has mentored more than 3,000 young men and families through various programs within the organization. What began as a summer camp and after school program for elementary age males, has evolved into one of the most innovative mentoring organizations in the nation.

In addition to mentoring and running his non-profit fulltime, Davis is also a philanthropist and motivational speaker. He has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. His most noted were on TMZ and The Stephen Colbert Show, all as mentioned by guest longtime supporter activist/rapper ‘Killer Mike’. He has also appeared as a special guest on the ExpediTIously Podcast with rapper/actor/entrepreneur ‘T.I.’. Mr. Davis has also been featured in Ebony Magazine, received Two Proclamations, Male Influencer of The Year Award and Next Level Boys Academy and Empowerment Center has also received Non-Profit of the Year Award in 2018. Davis is a husband and father who enjoys spending time with family. His hobbies are vacationing and watching sports. Davis is a graduate of Troy State University where he also became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.