From Ida B. Wells to Impact: The Legacy-Driven Leadership of Dr. Vondale E. Singleton Sr.
Dr. Vondale E. Singleton Sr.’s life is not just a testimony of perseverance—it is a blueprint for purpose-driven leadership. Raised in the Ida B. Wells Housing Projects on the South Side of Chicago, his childhood was shaped by both adversity and ambition. The devastating loss of his mother at age 14 and his father’s incarceration could have derailed his future. Instead, they forged in him a resilience that would define his path forward.
Dr. Singleton credits mentors like Steven Ray Robertson, who guided him spiritually and academically, as the catalyst for his transformation. Their influence, combined with his deep-rooted faith, set the foundation for his commitment to uplift boys and young men of color. As the Founder and CEO of CHAMPS Mentoring, Dr. Singleton created more than a program—he built a movement. “Leadership,” he says, “isn’t about titles, but transformation.”
Through CHAMPS, Dr. Singleton has mentored over 8,000 youth, offering a safe space for identity affirmation, emotional wellness, and leadership development. His mentees are not just surviving—they are thriving, attending college, starting careers, and returning to mentor others. The impact is cyclical and generational. This transformative vision has earned him the Colour Me Social Community Cultivator Award, the Joseph Kellman Visionary Award, the Chicago Defender Men of Excellence honor, and two Emmy nominations for his work in advocacy and storytelling.
Dr. Singleton’s leadership principles are anchored in faith, service, integrity, and excellence. He is known for modeling love and accountability in equal measure, believing that “you don’t have to be perfect to make a difference—you just have to be present, prepared, and purpose-driven.” He leads not to build followers, but to raise more leaders.
Balancing leadership and life, Dr. Singleton is intentional about his rhythm. Early morning prayer, strength training, quality time with his wife and children, and consistent boundary-setting allow him to remain grounded while pursuing visionary goals. His personal mission is to create ecosystems of opportunity where mentorship is standard, mental health is prioritized, and leadership flourishes in every underserved community.
To aspiring leaders, Dr. Singleton offers this: “Start with why. Don’t chase titles—chase impact. Serve before you lead. Stay consistent. Your story has power, and someone is waiting on your yes.”
Dr. Singleton is not waiting to leave a legacy. He’s living it—one life, one community, one act of service at a time.
About Dr. Vondale E. Singleton Sr.
Dr. Vondale E. Singleton Sr. is the Founder and CEO of CHAMPS Male Mentoring Program and a nationally recognized advocate for equity and excellence in education. A Chicago native, Dr. Singleton overcame profound personal adversity to become a first-generation college graduate, earning a B.S. in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Marital and Family Therapy. For more than 23 years, he has served as an educator, administrator, and national leader, impacting over 8,000 young men of color through mentorship and empowerment. His work has garnered national recognition, including a visit to the White House, two Emmy nominations, and numerous awards for service and leadership. He is also a speaker, husband, and father, dedicated to creating transformative ecosystems that build identity, opportunity, and legacy for underserved youth. Dr. Singleton resides in Chicago with his wife, Dr. Patrina Singleton, and their two children.
