"Your potential is God's gift to you. What you do with that potential is your gift back to Him." -John Maxwell

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I was determined since I was little. Look at that face!

I grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah to a young couple who surrounded me with a positive influence. They understood and applied the saying 'it takes a village to raise a child.' Even though my parents were young, they worked hard to keep my sister and I in a safe and stable environment. Throughout my childhood, I was shy and introverted. I just stuck to books and out of trouble, and went on to graduate college with degrees in marketing and finance.

I have spent almost 20 years in the financial industry, beginning with financial services, then on to mortgage lending, commercial lending, consumer lending, and all encompassing banking. From my experience in the industry, I instructed Personal Finance as an adjunct at the local community college and teach financial literacy classes across the community. My passion has always been developing the community. Just recently, I was named as the new Supplier Diversity Program Manager for Zions Bancorporation, which further allows me to help elevate and provide opportunities for Utah’s minority-owned businesses.

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Like many R&B and Soul artists, I started in the church. . . . except I speak, not sing!

I have been public speaking since I was 13 years old, when my grandfather began taking around the country to Baptist conventions and representing the youth. My first public speaking gig was in front of several hundred old men! However, what I discovered from that was even though I was shy, I enjoyed public speaking and inspiring people. From that point, I took every opportunity I could to give a talk.

In 2009, I founded the Utah Black Chamber. My vision was to not only help in the economic development of my community, but to continue to lift and inspire those around me, and become the premier organization of the African-American and minority communities in connecting, engaging, and educating. The chamber now has a foundation, over 200 members and growing exponentially,  two new chapters representing several hundred Black businesses, and is working to expand through all of Utah. From the efforts of the Black Chamber, more programs and organizations have developed; the Utah Diversity Career Fair, Living Color Utah, the Black Success Center, and I became the co-founder of the Inclusion Experience Project. With these groups, we’re striving to change Utah’s diversity landscape, by elevating not only the visibility, but also the leadership within Utah’s diverse communities.

My love for the community taught me and grew my leadership skills. Imagine leading a volunteer army; people who follow you and are not getting paid to do so. It has been an amazing journey seeing the community grow and see the organization respond t…

My love for the community taught me and grew my leadership skills. Imagine leading a volunteer army; people who follow you and are not getting paid to do so. It has been an amazing journey seeing the community grow and see the organization respond to the growth, adapting and working to satisfy the evolving needs. The chamber started as no one really understanding why we are here, and now to engaging with not only community and government leaders, but our reach is beginning to expand the western region.

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I'm Living My Dream!

In 2016, I became a certified coach, teacher, speaker, and trainer for the John Maxwell Team. John Maxwell has been one of my mentors for over a dozen years, and I have based my leadership on the principles I learned from him. With the growing success of the chamber and the mentoring of the John Maxwell Team, I have built a foundation to elevate the leadership, communication, and sales abilities of those who have the desire.

Personal growth has played a monumental role in my life and has propelled this shy, introverted young boy in to one of the most influential community leaders. 

I say that not to boast, but to testify, that it's possible. You can become whatever you desire to become through knowledge, and applying this knowledge with simple disciplines repeated every day. It takes passion, heart, strength, but most of all, purpose. We should all live with a purpose. 

I'm excited to help you discover your purpose. Once we find your purpose, we will work together to create the life you've always imagined. Trust the process. Let's maximize your potential, and begin your journey.

“Success is the ongoing process of striving to become more. It is the opportunity to continually grow emotionally, socially, spiritually, and financially while contributing in some positive way to others.”
— Anthony Robbins

Recognition

2023: Rising Star Award, University of Utah David Eccles School of Business

2023: Dr. Ronald G. Coleman Award, University of Utah

2020: Who’s Who of Black Utah, IMPACT Magazine

2020: 40 Under Forty, Utah Business Magazine

2018: Citizen of the Year, Omega Psi Phi Iota Iota Iota Chapter

2018: Unsung Hero Award, Westminster College

a community builder

past community engagement