THE OFFICIAL
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A RATING
Daynon Kirby, CCIM
Daynon Kirby, CCIM has always understood that success, when left unshared, is incomplete. After more than a decade rising through the ranks of commercial real estate, earning his CCIM designation, achieving multiple promotions, and establishing himself as a respected leader, he reached a turning point. The question was no longer how far he could go, but how far he could bring others with him.
For Daynon, the answer became The Black Foundation, a mission-driven organization born from both personal conviction and professional insight. His journey, spanning more than 14 years across commercial real estate, marketing, and business development, revealed something powerful: access changes everything. With the right exposure, guidance, and opportunity, individuals can transform not only their own lives but entire communities.
His early career reflects a steady climb built on discipline and adaptability. From senior leasing agent to district and general manager, Daynon developed a deep understanding of how systems, relationships, and strategy intersect. Yet even as his professional profile grew, so did his awareness of a larger gap, one that talent alone could not close. That gap was not ability, but opportunity.
Commercial real estate, he realized, is one of the most powerful wealth-building vehicles available, yet it remains largely inaccessible to many, particularly minorities and veterans. The disconnect wasn’t ability, but exposure, mentorship, and opportunity. Daynon saw firsthand how transformative the industry could be, and he knew that if more people were given a pathway in, the ripple effects could be profound.
The Black Foundation, established in 2025, reflects that vision. Operating across Tennessee, Arizona, and expanding markets, the foundation is designed as both an educational and investment-focused 501(c)(3) Private Foundation. Its mission is ambitious: to break cycles of poverty by creating pathways into commercial real estate while also supporting affordable and attainable housing initiatives.
What sets the foundation apart is its dual approach. On one side, it offers grants, scholarships, mentorship, and tailored programming designed to meet individuals at every stage of their journey, from early exposure in school to career acceleration for those already in the field. On the other, it operates with an investment mindset, engaging in commercial real estate and other ventures to create a self-sustaining model that fuels long-term impact.
Daynon doesn’t see philanthropy as a one-way exchange. Instead, he emphasizes accountability and community-building. Those who receive support are encouraged, and expected, to give back, creating a multiplier effect that extends far beyond a single opportunity. The philosophy is rooted in his upbringing, where giving was a constant, and refined through his professional experiences, where he saw the lasting impact of mentorship and leadership.
At its core, The Black Foundation is built on a simple but powerful framework: motivation, guidance, and launch. First, individuals are inspired to see what’s possible. Then, they are equipped with the tools and direction needed to move forward. Finally, they are connected to real opportunities that allow them to build sustainable careers and, ultimately, generational wealth.
Q&A with Daynon
What inspired you to start The Black Foundation?
All my life I’ve wanted to give back to my community. My family has always been very giving, whether that’s time or money, and that’s always been important to me. I just never really had a platform to do it. Once I got into commercial real estate and went through my leadership journey, I started to see the power of it, how it can break the cycle of poverty, build wealth, and leave a legacy. As I had some success and got more involved in philanthropy, especially through CCIM, it really became clear that this is my ultimate purpose.
What is The Black Foundation and what does it stand for?
We are here to create, enhance, and connect. We are here to bring everyone together for the betterment of society. We focus on providing a hand up, not a handout. At the end of the day, it’s about providing access, knowledge, and opportunity.
What makes The Black Foundation unique?
We’re commercial real estate and investment focused. We use it as a vehicle to create opportunities and build wealth. We tailor education to each individual, provide real guidance, and focus on accountability. Our model is motivation, guidance, then launch.
Daynon, let’s shift gears a bit to reveal more about the man behind the mission. What are your three favorite movies?
Victory, Wolf of Wall Street, Scarface.
What are your favorite foods?
Bacon and ice cream. Not together.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I’m a big soccer enthusiast. I love to travel, especially to a beach, stay active, spend time with my family, and philanthropy.
What are your favorite teams?
Michigan Wolverines—GO BLUE. I’m also a big Nashville SC fan. Pro sports: Arizona Cardinals, Suns, Diamondbacks.
What is your favorite mantra?
Attitude is everything. Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. You can’t control everything, but you can control your attitude. That shapes your reality.
If you could talk to anyone in history, who would it be and what would you say?
Martin Luther King Jr.: I’d tell him his work is not lost, and ask what drove him and what he would do differently. Nikola Tesla: I’d ask about vibrations, frequency, mindset, manifestation, and what the future looks like.
You’re stuck on an island with 1 cuisine and 1 book?
Barbecue; ribs, brisket, burnt ends. Book: Manifest Anything You Can Imagine by P.J. "Papi" DiNuzzo
What is your least favorite food?
That’s an easy one—peas.
Would you rather have 1,000 baby spiders crawl over you for 5 minutes or eat 2 cans of peas?
Eat the peas. Definitely eat the peas.
Daynon Kirby, CCIM
CEO/Founder
The Black Foundation
Website: www.theblackfoundationinc.com