Mario Jovan

Storyteller / Educator / Founder of Profound Gentlemen

Mario Jovan Shaw is a storyteller, leader in the education community and Plant Coach. He believes that his life work is to continue to share his stories and provide avenues for others to share their own. Storytelling is a tool passed down from generations to serve as a form of love, joy, and activism.

Mario uses the tool of storytelling to support people in improving their lives. He began his work as a 7th grade teacher in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools through Teach for America. During this time in the classroom, Mario created the BrotherHood, a program to address the needs of young black males in his classroom. After hearing stories about the lack of male educators of color from the boys in the BrotherHood, Mario co-founded Profound Gentlemen to address the issue. Today, Mario still serves as the co-founder and Chief Impact Storyteller for Profound Gentlemen. He has been recognized by ‘Forbes 30 Under 30’ as one of the world’s brightest social innovators who seeks to bring about change and equitable opportunities for boys and men of color.

Mario is the author of the Inside Out Journal.