Mark Sanders: Leading by Example

At just 23 years old, Mark Sanders has already moved countries, mentored youth, and sparked confidence in others simply by showing up as himself.

“I want to lead by example,” he says, “to show people that they can take their life into their own hands and live the experience they want to live.”

Born and raised in Chicago, Mark grew up watching his mother—an English teacher and single parent—climb her way through graduate school and into a career in education.

One of his earliest memories is seeing her walk the stage at her master’s graduation.

“She had me at 22, working retail,” he says. “She needed something more stable, so she went back to school. And she taught me to read early—that made all the difference.”

That early access to books, poetry, and ideas became a superpower. In a middle school where no Black male students read at grade level, Mark stood out—thanks to his mom’s daily investments. Later, he helped his younger brother transfer to a more rigorous private school, where the work was so demanding, college felt easier by comparison. “I’ve been blessed educationally, for sure,” he reflects.

But his story doesn’t stop at personal success. Today, Mark lives in Paris, producing music and giving back—especially to young Black boys who remind him of himself. In Chicago, he mentors students through after-school programs and even launched a mini beat-making course during the pandemic to help middle schoolers find creative purpose. “One of those kids is now studying piano in school and making beats. I’m really happy he’s doing this.”

The real impact, though, comes from the message he brings: You are not oppressed.

“If you operate fearlessly and with integrity, the world is your oyster,” he tells students. “Nobody else is telling these young men that they don’t have to live in fear.”

Still, there are moments of doubt. Mark recalls mediating a fight between two students and wondering whether his intervention actually helped. “I remembered—I was suspended for the exact same thing when I was their age.” But he made them shake hands and walk away together. “I might’ve made things worse,” he says honestly. “But I did something.”

What he wants for education is simple, yet bold: teachers who combine deep compassion with high expectations. “You need both. Too much compassion without standards lets kids coast. High standards without understanding just kicks them out. We need both.”

Mark’s wisdom is grounded in self-awareness. When setbacks hit—like delays in his visa or tough seasons in music—he leans into basic care. “I’ll take a nap. Drink water. Go to the gym. Do 20 small tasks to get momentum back. The goal is to get back to baseline positive,” he says. “Because no matter how you feel, you still have to exist.”

Asked what keeps him humble, Mark pauses.

“It could’ve gone left at any moment,” he says. “Why was I born to an educator? Why was I the one? I don’t know. But my grandmother used to say, ‘To whom much is given, much is required.’ That’s humbling. I’ve been given a lot. That means I’ve got to give a lot.”