WACA 2025

“The purpose of The Underdog Mentality (TUM) is to help people tap into the power of their potential so they can lean into their greatness.”
– Tyler Monk, The Underdog Mentality

Tyler Monk is a first-generation college graduate as well as a first-generation entrepreneur and working professional. He grew up in the inner-city of Portland, OR where he struggled academically throughout high school. It wasn’t until he was 16 that Tyler realized his potential to be a high-level athlete. This caused him to catch a glimpse of the motivating fire that purpose provides. His first passion was basketball and he used the sport to earn a full-ride scholarship to play in college. He began his college journey in Bakersfield, CA then later graduated from Central Washington University earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation Management.

Following college Tyler pursued music. He produced three studio Hip-Hop/Soul albums. Tyler has 10 years of direct experience serving young emerging leaders in the Pacific Northwest. From 2011 – 2016, Tyler served as the Site Director for the GEAR UP Initiative in Vancouver, WA. Leadership development and the power of potential are tremendous passions of Tyler’s and he utilizes these strengths to encourage, develop and equip young leaders to become change agents of the future.