Rashad Norris

Rashad Norris was born in Tampa, Florida.  His father was in the US Military, so he had the opportunity to live in the Netherlands, and from there his family became stationed in Tacoma, Washington in 1983.  He received his education through the Bethel School District, where he attended Spanaway Lake High School, 1992.  He acquired his BA in Communication and a minor in English while being a student athlete from the University of Puget Sound in 1999.  Upon completion, he worked in the Banking/Mortgage industry for 3 years before starting the journey to become involved with youth at the Boys and Girls Club of South Puget Sound as an Athletic Director.  He then pursued a Masters in Public Administration at the Evergreen State College, which he finished in 2006.

Rashad resides in Fredrickson, WA where he is happily married and has three children.  Rashad currently devotes the majority of his time as the Director of Outreach Services at Highline Community College.  He travels to elementary, middle and high schools, community centers, libraries and youth educational conferences to speak with youth and young adults about the importance of education and two-year community college options, requirements and benefits that are available.  Rashad extends himself by mentoring young men in the local high schools and middle schools.  He is also a mentor for the Heritage Leadership Camp, which mentors 60 young men of color from various middle schools in the Federal Way School District.  In addition, Rashad has found his passion in public speaking, as he travels locally as a Motivational/Educational speaker.   Rashad contends that, “our young students of color are at a pivotal stage in our society that requires other men of color to learn and act upon the obligations that has been bestowed upon them”.

Rashad is currently enrolled into the Doctoral Program at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in South Africa, in the Developmental Studies program.   Rashad considers working with all youth especially young men of color a critical role in building strong communities.   In regards to our youth regaining or establishing confidence in themselves and their abilities in making intelligent decisions,  Rashad considers that a priority.  As one of the founders of Positive Prescription Consultant s and the HERO (Honoring Education & Respecting Others) Life Preparation Academy & Golf Learning Center, Rashad seeks to provide essential life preparation tools and resources to youth through seminars, workshops, conferences, and golf.  Rashad has extensive experience in working with young adults and young men or color, which has enabled him to build strong relationships with parents, guardians, and local community leaders.   Rashad thanks his parents for instilling his yearning for information and education, and thanks sports for instilling his desire to finish any task given to him.

“Your Philosophy determines your thought pattern;

Your thought pattern determines your attitude;

Your attitude determines your behavior pattern; and

Your pattern determines your actions.”

Anthony T. Browder