MY
STORY
Hi, I'm Michael!
I am a Cleveland, OH native, born to Terence and Margot James Copeland. Raised with a deep appreciation for education by my father, a retired council member and attorney, and my mother, a corporate executive, my passion for helping children in need was sparked early in life. Inspired by my paternal grandparents’ selfless actions in fostering numerous children, I was driven to make a meaningful impact in education.
I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Central State University in 2011 with a degree in Education and began my career in Nashville, TN. Teaching in charter and public schools, I eventually focused on organizing and implementing wraparound resources for students and families in need. My dedication earned me recognition, including the Martin Amacher Employee of the Year award and the National Community Schools Award.
In 2016, I married Dr. Joi Stallworth Copeland, and together we are proud parents to our daughter, Michell Joi Copeland. Returning to Cleveland in 2017, I assumed the role of Wraparound Resource Site Coordinator at Mound STEM K-8 school within CMSD, where I provided crucial resources and support to students and families facing barriers to learning.
Driven by my dedication to social services, I became a Regional Director in Lake County, overseeing multiple childcare facilities. I currently serve as the Chief of Staff at MyCom Cleveland, a youth development initiative, where I manage company-wide partnerships and program implementation for underserved populations.
I remain active in community engagement, serving as a board member for Family Connections, a reading and literacy company, and as a dedicated member of the 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland. I also host the Michael Copeland Education Hour, a radio show addressing various educational and community-wide topics.
As a decade-long member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, I emphasize the importance of education through initiatives like Go to High School Go to College. I also help lead a men’s prayer group and contribute to the youth crossroads ministry at South Euclid United Church of Christ.
As a decade-long member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, I emphasize the importance of education through initiatives like Go to High School Go to College. I also help lead a men’s prayer group and contribute to the youth crossroads ministry at South Euclid United Church of Christ.
In 2023, I was honored as one of the recipients of Who’s Who in Black Cleveland. I also earned an Honorary Ph.D. in Humanities and a Business and Entrepreneurship coaching certification from Trinity International University of Ambassadors. In 2024, I launched my consulting business, Copeland Consults LLC, and was further honored to receive the Marquis Who’s Who in America award. That same year, I became a first-time author, releasing my debut book, The Journey of One Determined Educator. Within only two months of its release, my book received the prestigious International Impact Book Award by Go All In Media. Since then, I have been humbled to receive five additional awards for my book: the Regal Summit Award, the Person of the Year Longlist Award, the Storytrade Award, and the BookFest Award. Most recently, I was deeply honored to receive the Joe Biden Lifetime Presidential Achievement Award for my years of community service.
I remain committed to God, family, education, community service, and making a positive impact on the lives of those around me.
