A Visionary Leader with a Passion for Change
Tom Brown
our founderFor two decades, Tom Brown has been at the forefront of community transformation, economic mobility, and workforce development. As the founder of Training Grounds, Inc. (TGI), Tom has dedicated his life to bridging the gap between underserved communities and economic opportunities. His passion for empowering individuals, coupled with his strategic leadership, has created lasting change across Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina.
The Birth of Training Grounds, Inc.
In 2005, Tom founded Training Grounds, Inc. (TGI) on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, an intentional choice that reflected his deep commitment to service, leadership, and empowerment. Over the past 20 years, TGI has been a beacon of hope, transforming the lives of more than 9,500 individuals and producing over $18 million in economic impact by equipping job seekers with the skills and opportunities necessary for living-wage employment.
Through Training Grounds to Work, a flagship workforce development program, TGI has helped more than 1,800 individuals secure stable employment, providing comprehensive training that prepares them for long-term success. Tom’s expertise in workforce development has enabled countless individuals—including the unemployed, formerly incarcerated, and veterans—to regain financial independence and stability.
A Lifetime of Leadership and Service
Tom’s leadership extends beyond TGI. He has played a pivotal role in numerous high-profile community development initiatives, working with government agencies, developers, and businesses to ensure that economic growth benefits those who need it most. Through his consulting firm, TNB Solutions, Tom has spearheaded community engagement efforts, designed strategic solutions for public-private partnerships, and ensured that redevelopment projects prioritize both economic opportunity and community well-being.
Ordained as a minister in 1997, Tom has always integrated faith into his leadership. As a former Youth Pastor and Outreach Director and the co-founder of His Church Global, he continues to uplift individuals and communities through faith-driven service and his demonstration of God’s love through our daily actions.
His commitment to service is further reflected in his tenure as Co-Chair of the Ward 8 Workforce Development Council (2007-2014), where he collaborated with over 100 organizations to address unemployment in Washington, D.C. His advocacy efforts have forged critical partnerships with Potomac Job Corps, Community College of D.C., Department of Employment Services, and Clark Construction, among others.
Empowering Youth and Strengthening Communities
Recognizing that true transformation begins with youth, Tom has led several initiatives that provide safe spaces for young people to learn, grow, and thrive:
- L.O.V.E. After School and Summer Drop-In Programs – Foster nurturing environments for youth development in some of Washington DC’s most challenged communities.
- Biz-N-Hoops – A leadership and late-night basketball league for youth that Wards 5, 7, and 8 for nine seasons.
- Career Exploration Programs – Introducing hundreds of youth to both traditional and nontraditional career pathways.
Beyond workforce development, Tom’s impact extends to community empowerment:
- Transformational Thursdays – Weekly empowerment sessions offering resources and inspiration.
- Violence Prevention and Intervention Initiatives – Including Violence Interruption Services and Operation Safe Weekends, aimed at reducing gun violence.
- Trauma Recovery and Community Engagement Program – Providing mental health and wellness support to survivors of violence.
- Live In Peace Forums & Peace Jams – Community conversations and cultural experiences promoting unity and empowerment.
- His Live In Peace, Not Rest In Peace initiative has reached over 10,000 community members, promoting peace and nonviolence worldwide.
