Kelin Mark Sr. has spent more than 20 years shaping education and leadership in Indianapolis. A proud native of Gary, Indiana, and the first in his family to graduate from college, Kelin’s journey is one of breaking barriers and creating opportunities for others to follow.

In 2019, he made history as the first Black male principal in the Wayne Township School District-one of Indiana’s largest districts. Four years later, he did it again, becoming the first Black male principal in Park Tudor School’s history, where he now serves as Middle School Principal.

His voice has been heard at conferences across the country at ASCD Leadership Conference in Nashville, Keep Indiana Learning, Indiana Black Expo Education Conference, and at the Superintendents Commission for the Study of Demographics and Diversity in Chicago.

Kelin’s leadership has been recognized with the MG Raby Award for Equity and the prestigious Jefferson Award for Multiplying Good, honoring his work mentoring young men and building pathways for success. As a contributor to the Indianapolis Recorder, he continues to amplify conversations on equity, education, and the power of strong school- family partnerships.

Most recently, Kelin has been featured on media outlets and podcast across the country for his groundbreaking family engagement work, specifically for fathers- designed to help fathers take a more active role in their children’s education and presence in schools.

His new book, “The Dad Difference Playbook” gives Fathers applicable “plays” and tools to help them support their student in school.

His mission is clear: to lead with vision, uplift communities, and ensure that every student has champions both at home and in the classroom.