Motivational Speakers

 I was born and raised in Chicago, IL, and the memories of where I lived have served as the compass of my life. Growing up in a city like Chicago, surrounded by activity, chaos, and a reputation often misunderstood, I found myself drawn to the energy and the lifestyle that seemed to define the streets. Chicago, with all its grit and the stigma it carries, may never be seen as a welcoming place, but that doesn’t define the individuals who come from there.

I’ll admit, I was headed down a rough path. The foundation my life was being built on was destined for disaster. But things began to shift when I was about 16 years old—that’s when I met Maurice. He was serious about keeping the youth in our community safe, and his dedication to the cause made a lasting impression. The youth he served became someone to look up to, and in turn, he became someone we could rely on—a true leader. It was because of him that I decided to get my priorities in order.

Our community has always needed a program like Time To Evolve Coalition (T-TEC), and I’m proud to be part of the change. I almost lost my life by glorifying the streets, but through that experience, I realized I had to make a choice. I had to be selfless and put my energy into being the best father I could be to my kids, Kylan and Keaton. Anything else would have been uncivilized.

My mom has always been my greatest inspiration, and I’m honored to now be able to return the investment she made in me. My journey has taught me the value of growth, leadership, and making a difference, and I’m passionate about impacting our community with urgency.

And before I go, I challenge everyone reading this to a 3-Point Shooting Contest—winner gets a gentleman’s reward: a can of soda. Let’s come together and help us impact our community for the better.

 I was born in Chicago, IL, and raised in the "Wild Wild 100's," which is the South Side of Chicago. Growing up in the projects felt like living on an island, cut off from the rest of the world. If you weren’t a relative of someone in my area, you weren’t getting in. And honestly, those of us who lived there weren’t exactly eager to leave. Life in the projects was a constant battle, just as intense as being out in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm—though I wasn’t military, it felt just as terrifying. I had a relative serving on a ship during that time, and his stories weren’t pretty. But while I didn’t experience war in the literal sense, I did grow up in the daily war of gang violence in my neighborhood.

I never intended to get caught up in that lifestyle. I wasn’t looking for trouble, but trouble found me anyway. Some might say it was "wrong place, wrong time," but the reality is I had choices, and the choice I made cost me 8 years of my life. I spent that time behind bars, and the hardest part was that I was still just a teenager.

That experience changed my life. Now, through Time To Evolve Coalition (T-TEC), I have the opportunity to share my story and help disrupt the cycle of bad choices that many youth in our community are at risk of making. It’s not easy work, and it takes real courage and commitment to make a difference.

If you’re down with T-TEC, don’t hesitate to lock hands with us. Together, we can make a lasting impact and create positive change that lasts for generations.

 Born and raised in Chicago, IL, I grew up in one of the toughest neighborhoods the city had to offer. The area I called home felt like being on the front lines of a war, where it wasn’t safe to go to school, the store, or even the library. As a child, I remember the confusion I felt when my mom would urge me to go outside to play, only to call me back in as quickly as I was sent out. I used to ask her why, whenever I heard a loud pop, she would rush me inside. She never answered, but as I got older, I realized that what I thought were firecrackers were actually gunshots. That sound had become the norm in my daily existence, which i feel guided my choices and shaped my understanding of what my life supposed to look like. My life, in many ways, had become a product of the circumstances I grew up in.  Before that chapter in my life, I was an athlete—spending countless hours playing football and basketball, with basketball being my passion and dream. I had hopes of playing professionally, but I let my own mistakes and self-imposed barriers stop me from reaching that goal. 

Unfortunately, my path took me down a road of bad choices, some of which I wish I could undo. But life doesn’t offer “do-overs,” and I found myself facing the doors of a Federal Correctional Facility at a young age. My time away was a wake-up call, and I returned home with a new understanding of life and a drive for change.

What I found when I came home was a welcoming embrace from Time To Evolve Coalition (T-TEC). This organization, dedicated to helping men—both young and old—tap into their strength and evolve their lives, provided me with the support and guidance I needed to begin rebuilding. Through T-TEC, my self-worth has been restored, and my mindset has shifted toward positive, constructive change.

I am beyond grateful to be a part of T-TEC, where the mission to rescue and empower individuals is relentless. I encourage others to find ways to help us in our mission to evolve lives and create lasting change in our communities.

Together, we can all make a difference.

Born and raised in the Windy City (Chicago)—specifically a neighborhood where survival often overshadows dreams—I’ve lived through experiences that many only hear about in passing. It’s the kind of place where the streetlights come on, but safety doesn't. Where being numb to sirens, gunshots, and grief becomes second nature. But even in the darkest places, there are sparks of hope—and I believe I’m one of them.

I grew up watching the men in my family move through the chaos like they were invincible. My dad, my uncles, my older cousins—they knew the rules of the streets like the back of their hands. I didn’t understand how or why they walked with such fearlessness, but I now know it was survival. Culture. Routine. Trauma dressed up as normal.

At 9 years old, I watched my uncle get shot at point-blank range. I saw him fall, and I thought I saw death. I ran to get help, only to find that by the time we got back, he was on his feet. By the grace of God, he survived with just a graze. But the imprint it left on me was permanent. That moment could’ve easily turned me toward revenge and the streets. But instead, it sparked something different—purpose.

I made a decision then: I wasn’t going to be another statistic. I wasn’t going to let anger guide me. Instead, I was going to be a voice, a storyteller, and a bridge to help others escape the cycle. That’s why I’m proud to be part of Time To Evolve Coalition (T-TEC)—because we’re not just talking about change, we’re walking it out in our communities every day.

Through T-TEC, I share my truth—not because it’s easy, but because it can save lives. My hope is that others will see their own story in mine and realize they, too, can evolve. We’re all one decision away from life or death, freedom or a cell. So I invite you to stand with us. Help us reach people before the streets do.

Let’s make impact happen—together.

Born and raised in Michigan City, Indiana, I come from a neighborhood often described by its struggles — poverty, gang influence, and high crime. But within all that chaos, I found purpose through passion. From a young age, basketball was everything to me. That orange leather wasn’t just a ball — it was my dream, my escape, and my identity. My game developed into something I was proud of, and I became one of the standout athletes in my community, often compared to the likes of Bam Adebayo for my tenacity on the court.

As I grew older, my path shifted. I discovered a different kind of talent — battle rap. I dove into the underground rap scene, pouring my time and energy into writing, crafting lyrics, and sharpening my mind. But along with that world came the streets — and with the streets, gang life. I got caught in a cycle where being hard, being feared, and carrying pain was my norm. I woke up every day with a chip on my shoulder, ready to fight anyone or anything that slowed me down — not realizing I was the biggest obstacle in my own way.

Everything changed when I moved to Minnesota and met Maurice. From the moment we crossed paths, he stepped into my life not as a mentor, but as family. He didn’t just nod along like others had done — he challenged me. He showed me what accountability looks like and what it means to be responsible. For the first time, I felt valued not because of fear or reputation, but because I had earned it.

Now, through T-TEC, I use my story and my voice to reach others who are walking the path I once did. I’m here to be a reflection of what’s possible when you evolve, when you embrace growth, and when someone cares enough to show you your worth. We need more Maurices in this world — and I’m committed to being one for the next generation.

Although I reside in Markham, IL, far from where Time To Evolve Coalition (T-TEC) operates, my experience volunteering with this remarkable nonprofit has been nothing short of transformative. Born in Chicago, I’ve faced my share of mistakes, including poor judgment and decisions that led to severe consequences. These choices impacted my life and required me to pay my dues to society. But through T-TEC, I’ve been given the powerful opportunity to be a "returning citizen."

T-TEC has provided me a platform to share my life story through Zoom, allowing me to connect with others and contribute to their journeys of empowerment and self-growth. It’s an experience that has fueled my personal and professional development in ways I never anticipated. I’ve never felt more dedicated to a cause than I do with T-TEC, and it’s because they’ve given me the space to evolve and grow.

The leadership and staff at T-TEC are incredibly passionate and approachable. They are unwavering in their commitment to fostering change, and it’s clear they genuinely care about the individuals they serve. Their work to empower people, build self-sufficiency, and instill resilience is truly inspiring. What stands out most is their collaborative spirit. Despite volunteering remotely, I’ve felt welcomed, valued, and an integral part of their mission.

If you’re searching for a nonprofit organization that prioritizes community, growth, and meaningful impact, I wholeheartedly recommend T-TEC. The work they’re doing is vital, and I am proud to be part of it, even from afar. I encourage anyone who has the chance to get involved in any way they can—T-TEC is making a difference, and I am excited to continue supporting their mission.