Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My father, a retired pastor, is my greatest inspiration. He built a community center and drug rehabilitation program to serve those in need—offering tutoring, food, and support. He showed me that entrepreneurship isn’t just about profit, but purpose. His example shaped my belief that business can be a powerful tool to uplift underserved communities, which drives my work today.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by legacy and impact. My father showed me that entrepreneurship can be a vehicle to serve others, and I carry that mindset into everything I build. Every day I walk into Dreams Academy and see our young men learning, or witness a student in Kings and Queens Academy have an “aha” moment, I’m reminded this work is bigger than me—it’s about shaping future generations and creating lasting change.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would invest the $25,000 into expanding Dreams Academy’s reach by increasing student enrollment, strengthening staff capacity, and enhancing our Kings and Queens Academy programming. This includes classroom resources, technology, and program development that directly support student growth. This investment would help us scale our impact and serve more young people with excellence.