Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Haynes.
Hi Justin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Justin Haynes, and I was born and raised in Port Arthur, Texas on October 2, 1981. I come from a large family, with five siblings on my mother’s side and six on my father’s. I was raised in a single-parent household and didn’t meet my father until I was 35 years old.
Like many in my community, my family experienced significant challenges. We relied on public assistance programs such as food stamps and government aid. Unfortunately, drugs had a devastating impact on our family, with several close relatives either falling victim to addiction or becoming involved in distribution, which led to incarceration.
In tenth grade, I made a life-changing decision that shifted the trajectory of my future. I chose to attend our cross-town rival high school, breaking a long-standing family tradition that spanned 50 to 60 years. I knew I needed a fresh start and a new environment to grow.
By my senior year, I became the starting quarterback of my high school football team. Unbeknownst to me at the time, that same school is where I would also meet my future wife.
After graduating, I didn’t have a concrete plan. Although I had made the honor roll and was a solid athlete, I hadn’t applied to college or explored job opportunities. I ultimately enlisted in the United States Navy, where I rose from the rank of E1 to E5 in just one and a half years. As an IT Specialist, I gained hands-on experience with software, hardware, and leadership—skills that continue to shape my professional journey.
After my military service, I relocated from San Diego, California to Dallas, Texas, where I used my GI Bill to pursue higher education. I earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in IT from the University of North Texas, all while working in the tech industry for companies like Sprint, AT&T, Verizon, and Spectrum.
During this time, I was also married and became the proud father of two wonderful daughters. However, life took a difficult turn. I went through a painful divorce, lost my job, home, and car, and was separated from my daughters for over two years. I even had to file for bankruptcy.
Despite those challenges, I remained determined. I fought through the legal system and was able to regain joint custody of my daughters, who are now 15 and 13. For the past 11 years, we’ve shared equal time—week on, week off—and I consider that one of my greatest victories.
Through resilience and faith, I completed my Master’s degree and secured an incredible opportunity at American Airlines as a Software Developer, and now serve as a Data Engineer.
My personal trials inspired me to become more involved in the community. I recognized how the justice system, societal structures, and media often portray men—especially Black men—in a negative light. I wanted to change that narrative.
That calling led me to The Dock Bookstore in Fort Worth, where I found a cultural awakening. I engaged in poetry nights, Kwanzaa celebrations, men’s book club meetings, and community events. Over the past 4–5 years, I’ve led the Men’s Book Club, performed spoken word poetry, and facilitated weekly IT training sessions to help community members gain the skills necessary for higher-paying careers.
At American Airlines, I became deeply involved with the Black Professional Network (BPN). I started as a volunteer, eventually serving as Events Chair, then Vice President, and currently as the President of the DFW Chapter, which includes over 1,700 members.
As an Executive Board Member, I’ve helped connect American Airlines with community leaders and organizations like The Dock Bookstore, Jim Austin, Sisterhood Foundation, Community Frontline, Boys & Girls Clubs, For Oak Cliff, and MBK-MSK. Through this work, we’ve introduced 30–35 high school students (a month) from Fort Worth ISD to various operations at AA, including tours of our headquarters, flight academy, hangars, and other departments.
Motivated by the connections I was building with these young people, I wanted to do even more. I realized that once students graduated high school, our engagement often ended. So, alongside trusted colleagues and friends, we launched 4DaBrothers, a nonprofit organization focused on supporting young men ages 17–24.
Through 4DaBrothers, we provide programming centered on:
• Professional development
• Financial literacy
• Mental health and wellness
• Brotherhood and mentorship, including powerful Men’s Retreats
In all, I wear many hats—as a father, mentor, community advocate, IT professional, and proud grandfather. But more than anything, I understand the disparities that exist in our community. I am committed to paving the way for a brighter future—not just for my daughters and grandson, but for every young person who reminds me of where I once stood.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No the road has not been smooth. I’ve experienced the following struggles:
Grew up in a single-parent household
Did not meet your father until the age of 35
Lived in poverty, relying on food stamps and government assistance
Multiple family members affected by drug addiction or incarceration
Went through a painful divorce
Lost your job, car, and home during a low point in life
Temporarily homeless (Lived in car for 2 days)
Separated from your daughters for over two years
Faced the emotional and financial toll of filing for bankruptcy
Car repossession
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a Data Engineer and Community Advocate, with a background in Information Technology and a passion for mentoring and empowering young men. Professionally, I specialize in data architecture, pipeline development, and software solutions that support enterprise-scale systems—currently at American Airlines. My technical expertise includes experience in both front-line IT support and back-end development, giving me a well-rounded approach to solving complex tech challenges.
What I’m most known for—and what I’m most proud of—is my ability to connect technology with people. I’ve used my skills and experience not only to grow in the corporate space, but also to uplift my community. As the President of the Black Professional Network (BPN) – DFW Chapter, I lead efforts to create professional development opportunities for over 1,700 members, while building bridges between American Airlines and underserved communities across the DFW metroplex.
Additionally, within the Black Professional Network (BPN), we operate through five core pillars that guide our mission and initiatives:
Professional Development
We equip our members with tools for career advancement through resume workshops, interview preparation, and immersive experiences like “Walk-a-Mile” job shadowing opportunities.
Events & Planning
We organize a wide range of employee engagement and cultural events—including monthly game nights at local Black-owned restaurants, Kwanzaa celebrations, Black History Month programs, Juneteenth observances, book club meetings, and historical and cultural trips to places like Black Wall Street, Motown, the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, and South Carolina’s historic sites.
Communications
We maintain strong internal and external communication by sharing upcoming events, maintaining an active social media presence, and providing timely updates through email newsletters.
Community Engagement
We foster meaningful relationships with local leaders, nonprofits, and organizations to ensure our members remain connected to the communities we live in and serve.
Social Justice & Advocacy
We champion equity in the workplace by advocating for equal pay, anti-discrimination practices, and policies like the CROWN Act—protecting the right to wear natural Black hairstyles. We also raise awareness around issues such as name-based bias on resumes and other systemic barriers affecting Black professionals.
Outside of corporate life, I’m the co-founder of 4DaBrothers, a nonprofit focused on supporting young men ages 17 to 24. Through this work, I lead programming in professional development, financial literacy, mental health, and mentorship—creating safe, empowering spaces for young men navigating life after high school.
What sets me apart is the journey that led me here. I’ve faced and overcome challenges that many young men are currently going through—poverty, lack of guidance, family trauma, job loss, divorce, even temporary separation from my children. But those experiences shaped me into someone who understands not just how to succeed, but how to bring others along the way.
I take pride in blending my technical skillset with a deep sense of purpose and service. Whether it’s writing code, mentoring young men, or organizing retreats and trainings, everything I do is rooted in the belief that transformation is possible—because I’ve lived it.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love most about our city is the sense of community and culture that lives beneath the surface. Whether it’s through local bookstores like The Dock, grassroots organizations, or community leaders committed to change, there’s a real energy here—a hunger to uplift and support one another. I also appreciate how diverse and resilient the people are. Despite the challenges, there’s a strong spirit of creativity, faith, and innovation that drives our neighborhoods, especially when it comes to youth engagement and grassroots impact.
What I like least is the lack of consistent investment in underserved communities, especially when it comes to youth development, economic mobility, and mental health support. Too often, talented young people fall through the cracks because of limited access to mentorship, opportunity, or exposure. There’s also a disconnect between major institutions and the communities they serve—a gap I’ve tried to help bridge through my work. I believe we could do more to create equitable access to education, employment, and representation, especially for young men of color.
Pricing:
- https://www.4dabrothers.com/donate-1
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.4dabrothers.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4dabrothers/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100052568362509&mibextid=ZbWKwL
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-haynes-1100b11a/
- Twitter: https://x.com/4dabrothers
