Home: Victorville, CA. Age: 41. Birthplace: Redlands, CA. Profession: Housing counseling. Organization: Inland Empire Resource Center. Title: Operations Director. Alma mater: Cal Baptist University.
Recent professional development: Pursuing my degree in Christian ministries at Cal Baptist University. Latest contribution to others: Mentored a young musician who was struggling to find direction. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Launching original music and stepping into the public eye as an artist and producer. Hobbies: Preaching, writing/producing music, traveling. Recent travel or adventure: San Francisco. Last book read: Take Your Seat at the Table, by Anthony O’Neal. Recent unique acquisition: A vintage keyboard I had been searching for.
Personality profile: Driven, creative, authentic, dependable. How do you define a perfect friendship? Trust, honesty and presence; it feels safe, real, and mutual. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Clear communication, mutual respect and shared goals. What is your greatest joy? Seeing lives changed through something I helped create or lead. What is your greatest fear? Wasting the gifts and opportunities I have been given. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? School teachers. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? On conferences, trainings and workshops. How do you relieve stress? I usually turn to music. I also take time to unplug, go for a drive, or have a good conversation with someone I trust.
What was your first paying job? Drummer at Temple Missionary Baptist Church. What movie have you repeatedly watched? The Notebook. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My pastor, Raymond Turner. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Use your head for more than a hat rack. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Zoom. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? Going through a difficult season in my early adulthood.
What is your big idea?
Launch a national gospel music and worship festival that blends faith, culture, and creativity.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Bridge the gap between traditional ministry and modern creative expression. What change would you like to see in the world? People truly listen to each other with empathy and respect. What message do you want to send out into the world? Walk in your purpose and stay true to who you are; you do not have to be perfect to make an impact. What mega-trend most concerns you? How connected we are online but how disconnected people feel in real life.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Still Standing. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Michael B. Jordan. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My mother. She recently passed and I miss her so much. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A bus driver. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Family photos. What advice would you give your younger self? You do not have to prove everything all at once. Trust your growth, stay focused and do not let fear or comparison rush your journey. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? My early twenties.
Personal mission: To lead with purpose, serve with integrity, and use my gifts to inspire growth, healing, and faith in others. Personal motto: Stay grounded, stay ready, show up with purpose. Favorite quote: "Your gift will make room for you and bring you before great men" (Proverbs 18:16). Desired epitaph: He gave it all with heart, faith, and purpose.
