Rising Stars: Meet Gene Fashaw

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gene Fashaw.

Hi Gene, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am a Denver native and DPS graduate. I graduated from Morehouse College with a BA in business administration. It was on this campus where servant leadership became my passion. It is necessary for people to give back to the communities that they came from. This is important because it is through service that we can uplift our communities. I strive every day to always learn and grow.
I have earned an MA in Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education and currently working towards an MS in Biotechnology from Morehouse School of Medicine. My wife, Kenya Fashaw, gives me motivation to be great because she is great as a poet, writer, performer, and all-around beautiful and amazing woman. We created two amazing kids Kylia and Gene Jr. It is through them that I want to pass on service and leadership by being an example of those ideals.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I come from humble beginnings. My mom is a retired clinical research nurse, and my dad is retired from trucking. My parents instilled in me hard work and dedication. My eclectic experience in the public and private sector have prepared me for the challenging task of being an educator, community leader, and entrepreneur.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am currently a middle school math teacher at Strive Prep Montbello, where we believe deeply in restorative practices, social, emotional learning, anti-racism, and supporting all students to show a growth mindset while being held to high expectations. I am a leader within the school that takes on additional responsibilities such as coaching, mentoring, event planning and community outreach. It is with great pride that I am able to teach and lead in the same neighborhoods that I grew up in.

Teaching is just part of my dedication. Actively bringing awareness and support to our community is extremely important. That is why I am the secretary and treasurer for Shop Talk Live and work closely with the newly formed National Action Network Colorado chapter. In these roles, we have held forums, festivals, programs, and outreach initiatives that impact my community. I look forward to a continued dedication to everyone around me. It is this desire to see those within my community succeed that has pushed me to run for District 4 seat on the DPS school board. Being present in the lives of our children is important for me and I call on all of our black men to do the same. I have recently been accepted into Moonshot edVentures fellowship, where I will be developing STEAM programming that will open doors for students that look like me and come from neighborhoods like mine. I hope to provide this programming to the schools where STEAM is underrepresented, hopefully opening doors of opportunity that our students may not know exist.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I enjoy working with my hands building things. I have built furniture for my children, and constructed theatrical stages for my wife.

Contact Info:

• Email: fashaw@gene4dps.org
• Website: www.gene4dps.org
• Instagram: @gene4dps, @mrgrfashaw
• Facebook: @gene4dps
• Twitter: @gene4dps