Today, we’d like to introduce you to Tavaghn Monts.
Hi Tavaghn, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
In 2001, I was honored with an athletic scholarship to play football at Clemson University, where I studied from 2001 to 2006. I faced academic challenges during this time and spent much of my college career on academic probation. Despite my struggles, Clemson never gave up on me. I regret not applying myself fully and not earning my degree, a missed opportunity that weighed heavily on me.
Nevertheless, I built successful careers that typically required a degree, proving my capability and determination. Seeing my potential and desire, my wife encouraged me to return to Clemson. She said, “Babe, have you ever considered returning and finishing your degree? You’re more than capable. I know you want this, and I know you can do this.” Inspired by her faith in me, I explored what returning to complete my degree would look like.
When I returned to Clemson in 2019, my GPA was 1.63, and I needed a 2.0 to graduate. This meant I had to earn the best grades I’d ever earned for a year to reach the minimum GPA possible. I commuted from Atlanta to Clemson for weekly classes until COVID-19 forced a switch to online courses.
Undeterred, I made the President’s List in Fall 2019, the Dean’s List in Spring 2020, and the President’s List again in Summer 2020. On August 7th, 2020, I proudly graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management!
After graduation, I became passionate about working in nonprofit youth development, particularly cycling. That’s when Momentum Bike Clubs came into my life. My wife and I relocated to Greenville during the pandemic, and I began my fulfilling career as the Associate Director of Momentum Bike Clubs. I currently serve as the Executive Director.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Life’s journey has its smooth paths and bumpy roads, with obstacles at every turn. My mindset is that everything happens for a reason and for our growth. One common challenge is mission creep, especially in the nonprofit world.
This occurs when an organization loses sight of its mission. The challenge lies in identifying additional needs that should be addressed but falls outside the organization’s mission. The beauty is it presents opportunities to build relationships with other organizations that are better equipped to address those needs that we can’t.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I proudly serve as the Executive Director of Momentum Bike Clubs (MBC). MBC is a transformative group mentoring initiative targeting under-resourced middle and high school students in Greenville and Pickens Counties, South Carolina.
With a passionate commitment to changing lives, MBC leverages the power of cycling to create lasting mentoring & peer relationships through a comprehensive youth development program.
My service extends further as the Assistant Director of Community Collaboration for the REYSE Collaboratory at Clemson University. The Race, Ethnicity, Youth, and Social Equity (REYSE) Collaboratory is a vibrant interdisciplinary team of researchers and community scholars dedicated to enhancing the lives of racial and ethnic youth in diverse communities through cutting-edge research and impactful programming.
I was born in Jacksonville, Florida, and raised on a farm in Fort White, Florida, in a family of first-generation black farm owners. My upbringing is rooted in people, dedication, and hard work. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management from Clemson University, where my professional journey of empowering youth and fostering community bonds began.
My unwavering commitment to social equity and youth development constantly reminds our youth that they do not need permission to be great. Honestly, nothing sets me apart from others. I am extremely blessed and honored to join a community of like-minded, passionate people who serve in many ways to see our youth thrive.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I believe that risk-taking is essential for growth and innovation. It pushes me out of my comfort zone and encourages me to explore new possibilities. Applying this philosophy to Momentum Bike Clubs translates into empowering youth to take calculated risks, fostering resilience, and building confidence.
As an organization our goal is to create an environment where young people feel safe to take risks, learn from failures, and celebrate their successes. Risk-taking has nurtured my potential and has been a guiding beacon toward my greater self.
Pricing:
- $25 (funds 1 student water bottle + healthy snacks)
- $50 (funds 1 student cycling helmet)
- $100 (funds 1 student MBC sportswear set)
- $250 (funds 1 mentor semester stipend)
- $500 (funds 5 students MBC sportswear sets)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.momentumbikeclubs.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momentumbikeclubs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momentumbikeclub/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/tmonts
Image Credits
Bonfire Visuals
