Being a Man of Consequence

When Sebastian White ’07, known as Nigel during his years at St. Mark’s, walked across the graduation stage nearly two decades ago, he carried with him the lessons of perseverance, leadership, and service that define a St. Mark’s education. Today, those lessons are transforming lives far beyond Dallas.

In Chicago, Sebastian has founded The Evolved Network, an organization dedicated to nurturing marginalized and underserved youth through culinary experiences. For him, this work is more than a program, it is deeply personal.

“Before The Evolved Network existed, my work was as a psychotherapist walking alongside gang-involved youth,” he explained. “I had no formal culinary training, but I found myself called into this space through the lives of my father, William White, and my aunt, Gwen Barjon. Both have since passed, and carrying their spirit forward became my way of turning grief into energy — keeping them alive through the work I now do.”

From its beginning, The Evolved Network has taken a distinctive approach. By using culinary and gardening experiences as hands-on tools for mentorship and empowerment, the organization teaches youth not only practical skills but also resilience, creativity, and a sense of community. This holistic model has led to powerful breakthroughs.

“In the middle of what appeared to be a simple cooking class, a young woman suddenly disclosed that she had been sexually abused,” Sebastian shared. “There was no prompt, no direct invitation — only the trust and safety that had been cultivated in the room. Her courage in that moment revealed to me the deeper truth of our approach — that food is not the end, but the vessel.”

Through moments like these, The Evolved Network has become not just a nonprofit, but a movement of trust, patience, and healing. At its heart is a refusal to see young people through the lens of being damaged.

“Broken is a word often used as a stigma — a label that reduces young people to their wounds,” Sebastian explained. “Broken is not an end state but an invitation to evolve: toward resilience, empathy, and liberation.”

Sebastian credits St. Mark’s with shaping the way he approaches young people with dignity and care.

“I often think of my former math teacher, Joe Milliet. What stood out about him was not only what he taught, but how he taught. He met us where we were, made difficult concepts relatable, and carried a belief in our ability to learn without ever needing to lean on authority for respect. His approach was deeply human — connection before correction, relationship before hierarchy.”

Faculty models like this—connection before correction—are the foundation of St. Mark’s Character & Leadership Education. They are also what Sebastian has carried forward into his work.

“The Head, Heart, Hands framework for Character and Leadership at St. Mark’s is more than an abstract concept,” said David Brown, Director of Character & Leadership Education. “Application in real life is something you can see and touch. Graduates who apply this idea into the worlds they encounter after St. Mark’s change those worlds. The Evolved Network fuses philosophy (Head), passion (Heart), and practice (Hands) to dignify and heal troubled young people. As Sebastian says, they are ‘witnessed, nurtured, and celebrated.’ As such, a concept becomes lived experience.”

Every Marksman is taught that the opportunities and advantages he enjoys, whether in education, resources, or community, carry with them an obligation to give back and serve others. Sebastian White ’07 is living proof of that timeless lesson, showing what it means to be a Marksman, a leader, and a man of consequence.