Inspiring Conversations with Carlton Boleyjack of EXCELLENCE IN MOTION INC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlton Boleyjack

Hi Carlton, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Carlton Boleyjack: A Journey of Excellence and Empowerment

In the vibrant heart of Nashville, Tennessee, Carlton Boleyjack’s story unfolds as a testament to perseverance, innovation, and a relentless commitment to community empowerment. Born and raised in the culturally rich 37208 area near Historic Jefferson Street, Carlton’s early environment nurtured his creativity, resilience, and vision. From these roots, he blossomed into a multifaceted leader, polymath, educator, and change-maker whose life’s work has touched countless lives.

The Foundations of Success

Carlton’s academic journey began at West Meade Elementary, continued through Meigs Magnet Middle School, and culminated in his graduation from Hume-Fogg Academic High School. These institutions laid a strong foundation for his intellectual curiosity and drive. His path led him to Tennessee State University, where he earned a degree in chemistry with a concentration in education, followed by a master’s degree in business management from Trevecca University in 2023. Additionally, he completed the Leadership Essentials program at Belmont University, equipping him with the tools to excel as a leader and mentor.

A Career Spanning Diverse Frontiers

Carlton’s professional journey is as diverse as it is impactful. From managing Nashville’s water and sewage systems as an Assistant Treatment Plant Manager to teaching chemistry at Whites Creek and Hillsboro High School, his roles have always reflected a commitment to excellence and service. With a Grade 4 license in water and wastewater treatment, Carlton’s technical expertise complemented his leadership skills. As a math coach, after-school director, and registered daycare owner, he combined his passion for education with his entrepreneurial spirit.

His career also includes creative endeavors in art, tailoring, music production, and event planning. These experiences shaped his holistic approach to problem-solving and innovation. Today, as a Quality Control Laboratory Technician at Labtronx, Carlton continues to demonstrate his scientific acumen and dedication to precision.

Excellence in Motion: A Vision Realized

In 2016, Carlton founded Excellence in Motion Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping youth achieve personal and professional excellence. Under his leadership, the organization has developed transformative programs in arts, science, and career exploration. Excellence in Motion has provided paid learning opportunities for high school students and recent graduates, hosted community education programs, and partnered with prestigious organizations such as NASA and Fortune 50 companies.

One of the flagship initiatives is the STEM Explorer Program, aimed at equipping young adults with the skills and knowledge needed to secure high-paying jobs in STEM fields. Carlton’s ability to bridge the gap between education and real-world applications has inspired a generation of students to dream bigger and achieve more.

As of 2025, Excellence in Motion will transition to operating as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), further expanding its impact and scope to support youth and community development on a global scale.

A Commitment to Community

Carlton’s deep connection to North Nashville is reflected in his advocacy for its historical and cultural preservation. He is currently spearheading efforts to develop a hotel with a museum dedicated to the history of North Nashville, highlighting contributions from local HBCUs, artists, and community leaders. This project, which includes a modern art gallery and rotating exhibits, underscores his belief in the power of storytelling to inspire and educate.

In addition to his work with Excellence in Motion, Carlton is involved in initiatives addressing affordable housing, transitional housing, and daycare services. His vision is to create spaces that nurture growth, foster community, and provide opportunities for underserved populations.

A Legacy of Leadership

Carlton’s journey is defined by his unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and empowerment. Whether mentoring students, managing complex systems, or building bridges between communities, he exemplifies the qualities of a visionary leader. His story is a powerful reminder that with determination and a heart for service, one person can indeed make a profound difference.

Carlton is also the proud father to Alyse Boleyjack, an accomplished author and honor student graduating a year early. Her achievements reflect the values of dedication and excellence that Carlton embodies and inspires in others.

As Carlton continues to inspire and uplift others, his legacy grows—a beacon of hope and a testament to what is possible when passion meets purpose.

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?
Over-policing and Operation Safer Streets
Carlton has observed the long-lasting impacts of over-policing in his community, particularly through initiatives like Operation Safer Streets. These programs, while aiming to reduce crime, have disproportionately affected communities of color, contributing to heightened tensions, mistrust of law enforcement, and barriers to social mobility.

Legacy of Mass Incarceration
Nashville, located in a state with one of the highest incarceration rates in the country, has faced the repercussions of systemic challenges in the justice system. These include family disruptions, reduced economic opportunities, and limited access to rehabilitation or reintegration programs. Carlton’s community has been directly impacted by these issues, making economic and educational empowerment even more critical.

Economic Disparities
Carlton recognizes that STEM education can be a powerful tool to combat these challenges. However, systemic barriers—such as underfunded schools and limited access to technology—hinder many young people in marginalized communities from pursuing STEM careers, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limited economic opportunity.

City Improvements but Persistent Inequities
While Nashville has made strides in addressing some of these issues, disparities remain. The city’s focus on growth and development hasn’t always translated into equitable opportunities for all residents. Carlton sees STEM as a means to bridge these gaps and bring economic prosperity to underserved communities.

Community Trust and Rebuilding
Beyond economic opportunity, Carlton emphasizes the importance of restoring trust within his community. Over-policing has left emotional scars, and the path to healing requires ongoing dialogue, community investment, and equitable opportunities for growth.

1. Using STEM as a Pathway to Economic Prosperity
Empowerment through Education: Carlton believes STEM education is a vehicle for breaking cycles of poverty and incarceration. Excellence in Motion offers STEM Explorer Programs for youth aged 16 to 23, providing them with the skills and knowledge to pursue high-paying STEM careers.
Equitable Access: By integrating STEM training into the community, the organization ensures that underserved youth have access to resources often out of reach, such as mentorship from professionals, hands-on projects, and exposure to Fortune 50 companies and government agencies like NASA and NIST.

2. Creating Opportunities for At-Risk Youth
Alternatives to Incarceration: Excellence in Motion provides programs designed to engage youth constructively, from summer STEM exploration to job training. These initiatives aim to keep young people engaged, motivated, and on a path toward success.
Paid Learning Opportunities: By offering financial incentives for participation, Carlton removes a significant barrier for low-income families and demonstrates that education can be both practical and rewarding.

3. Building Community Trust and Resilience
Safe Spaces: Excellence in Motion’s initiatives are designed to rebuild trust within the community by offering safe, inclusive environments where youth can learn and thrive without fear of judgment or systemic oppression.
Cultural and Historical Awareness: Carlton integrates local history and the arts into his programs, such as the proposed museum showcasing the history of North Nashville. By fostering a sense of pride in the community’s contributions, he aims to inspire and unite its members.

4. Tackling the Legacy of Over-Policing
Policy and Advocacy: Carlton uses his platform to shed light on the lasting impact of over-policing and mass incarceration, engaging in conversations with local leaders and community members to advocate for more equitable policies.
Restorative Solutions: Through mentorship programs and partnerships, such as those with local HBCUs and businesses, he focuses on healing the scars left by over-policing by building relationships and investing in community-driven solutions.

5. Leveraging Nashville’s Growth for Equity
Strategic Partnerships: Carlton aligns with organizations that share his vision, such as other STEM based organizations, government entities, private companies and local universities, to create collaborative solutions for education, affordable housing, and economic development.

Mixed-Use Projects: Excellence in Motion’s proposal to build affordable transitional housing, a daycare, and community-centered spaces directly addresses systemic inequities by providing resources that strengthen families and communities.

Vision for the Future
Carlton envisions a community where education and opportunity are accessible to all, regardless of their background. By addressing systemic challenges head-on and providing real, tangible opportunities for growth, Excellence in Motion stands as a beacon of hope for a brighter, more equitable future.

What does success mean to you?
“Success, as John Wooden defines it, is the peace of mind that comes from knowing you gave your best effort to become the best you are capable of being. This philosophy resonates deeply with me, both personally and professionally. Whether guiding students toward their potential or driving community initiatives, I believe true success lies in the relentless pursuit of excellence, rooted in integrity and perseverance.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.excellenceinmotion.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecarltonb/?fbclid=IwY2xjawG0rYxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHWI_m-IFf0jYrT2_nhe6_DDazMSy-qTBMYvo2bM_w7scOp_Wu3btzOvPUA_aem_8I90R9Nwnml6j3xUtKOseQ
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cboleyjack/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlton-boleyjack-72766b17/
• Other: https://www.carltonb.com