Speakers 2019 | Young Men's Leadership Conference

Michael Love

Conference Organizer

Michael Love was born in Brooklyn New York and moved to San Diego at the age of 15. He has taught mathematics at Mount Miguel High School since 1993. He also taught advanced mathematics and statistics in the San Diego State Upward Bound Math/Science Program from 1994 to 2007. During his tenure at Mount Miguel, he served as the AVID coordinator for three years, as advisor of the African-American Student Union for three years, as chair of the math department for ten years and has served as co-advisor of the Student African-American Brotherhood since its founding at Mount Miguel in January 2005. In 2003 he was honored by Mount Miguel students with a Golden Apple Award. The UCSD Teacher Recognition program, the National Society of High School Scholars, the National Honor Society and Who’s Who in America also have recognized him as an outstanding teacher. In 2008, the San Diego State University Student African American Brotherhood chapter presented him with its Distinguished Leader Award. For the school year 2009-2010, he was selected as Teacher of the Year for Mount Miguel High School and the Grossmont Union High School District. He was further recognized for teaching excellence when chosen as a San Diego County Teacher of the Year for 2010. In 2017 he was recognized as a finalist for the 10 News Community Leadership award for his planning and organization of this conference over many years.

Mr. Love holds a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science, a master’s degree in Education, a Certification in Diverse and Cross-Cultural Teaching.

KEYNOTE – Lavar J. Watkins

Co-Founder & Co-President LKW STEM FOUNDATION A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

Lavar J. Watkins expertise and passion is in the field of Workforce Development, Counseling and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Education. He has provided educational guidance, social/emotional counseling, academic advancement, career development, college/university planning and vocational assistance to individuals on a daily basis. He also assists individuals towards the goal of successful pathways and placement for sustainable employment in various STEM fields. Mr. Watkins has also worked with numerous groups charged with stimulating local economic growth, creating educational programs and furthering participation in career technical education in STEM disciplines through coordination with local high schools, colleges, universities, military installations and corporations.

Mr. Watkins’ educational background consists of extensive undergraduate course work in the discipline of Chemical Engineering, a B.S. in Workforce Education and Development, a M.A. in Teaching with a specialization in Educational Technology, a M.S. in Educational Counseling, a Pupil Personnel Services Credential with a School Counseling Authorization, Workforce Development Career Counseling Certification, STEM Education Certification and his active pursuit of the CA Professional Clinical Counseling License (LPCC) and Ph.D. in Cognition and Instruction. Mr. Watkins serves as a Governing Board Member and President on several local boards of trustees; serves as an at large member for the San Diego County Urban League Education Youth and Advisory Board; active member of the League of Extraordinary Scientists and Engineers; has served as a San Diego Employment Advisory Council (SDEAC) member at large; a BIOCOM Education Subcommittee member at large; and is currently an active member on several Educational, STEM and Veteran Council’s as well as local Chambers of Commerce. Mr. Watkins volunteers his time to the community by coaching Forensics: Speech and Debate and Track and Field. Mr. Watkins is an active member of New Seasons Church and is involved in its Children’s and Youth Ministry. Mr. Watkins is also a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and is an Honorably Discharged Veteran of the United States Navy.

KEYNOTE – Armand King

Armand King, Program Director, Paving Great Futures: Armand King, 37, is the co founder of the aptly named non-profit ‘Paving Great Futures’. Fueled by his experience in the streets King serves as a shepherd to guide others out of the prison pipeline he knows all too well. He feels his mission in life is a path set out for him by God with his only goal being saving lives from the many pitfalls that he has witnessed himself growing up in underserved communities in San Diego. For many years he was misguided by the streets and helped to misguide others, not realizing the detriment of his actions. Life for him is now filled with rewriting his past but helping others pave a greater future.

Armand’s experience includes creating and implementing new programs serving former gang members, parolees, former felons and high-risk youth. Programs include a culinary, hospitality and management program and positive life reinforcement activities. Armand serves on boards and task forces on law enforcement relations, human trafficking and victim advocacy issues and conducts community outreach for at-risk individuals. He also serves as a Credible Messenger and Mentor to young adults and juveniles on probation or in custody. Armand draws upon his direct experience with the criminal justice system, including incarceration and the challenges of re-entry, to guide others.

 Mayor Racquel Vasquez

Mayor Lemon Grove

Mayor Vasquez proudly serves the City of Lemon Grove as a historic mayor. She is the first African American Female Mayor to be elected in both the City of Lemon Grove and County of San Diego.

Public service has long been important to Mayor Vasquez. Prior to serving on the Lemon Grove City Council, she was an active Lemon Grove community member, serving in various community groups, associations and City task forces.

Mayor Vasquez’s passion to serve the public grew. She served for five years on the City’s Planning Commission, was elected Councilmember for the Lemon Grove City Council in 2012, and Mayor in 2016 for the City.

 Mayor Vasquez prides herself on putting people and community first. She has pinpointed three key priorities to focus on: public safety, economic development and neighborhood improvements.

 Mayor Racquel Vasquez is originally from Los Angeles and attended Cal State Northridge where she graduated in 1993 with a BA in Radio, TV & Film Management.

Mayor Vasquez moved to Lemon Grove in 2001 and she has been a Lemon Grove resident and homeowner for the past 18 years. A Navy wife for 24 years, she has two beautiful daughters.

Vincent E. Green

Founder & CEO G-SQUARE CONSULTING SERVICES LLC

Mr. Vincent E. Green has been an integral part of worldwide efforts to combat corruption for more than 40 years. He began his crime-fighting career in 1977. In 1981, he joined the New York City Department of Investigation (DOI) as a Confidential Investigator. Green has also served as Assistant Supervisor, Deputy Inspector General and First Deputy Inspector General in his goal to combat corruption and fraud. At a 1991 City Hall awards ceremony he was slated to receive recognition for his uncompromising anti-corruption efforts. In addition, the Mayor of New York and DOI announced his promotion to the position of Inspector General. Green progressed to the position of Deputy Commissioner. He was the first entry-level investigator as well as the first person of color to progress through the ranks to such a high position in DOI’s 140-year history.

His numerous accomplishments include leading an investigation uncovering the largest tax fraud scheme in New York City history, leading to the recovery of 20 million dollars. Green managed a joint investigation with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office that uncovered a multi-million dollar tax fraud scheme that had been in play for thirty-five years. He also led a probe of home heating oil companies that uncovered 14 million dollars in fraudulent billings that victimized thousands of families leaving them without heat and hot water.

Green was the founder of the DOI Peace Officer Academy. He is a New York and NRA Firearms Instructor as well as an instructor in the use of tactical batons. Green is trained to respond to “Active Shooter” incidents. Mr. Green was a “First Responder” during the attack on the World Trade Center; he was overseeing an undercover operation in the North Tower when the attack took place. Green participated in the rescue and recovery effort where he contracted respiratory and muscular illnesses due to his time spent at Ground Zero.

After a successful thirty-year career at DOI, Green was asked to take on the challenge of forming a department at the City University of New York with a mission of ensuring the integrity and a corruption-free environment in the five billion dollar construction program that was being implemented. Green himself is a graduate of the City University of New York where he earned both his Bachelors of Science and Master’s degrees. He is also an Adjunct Professor lecturing on global corruption and related topics. Green’s global impact includes lecturing to United Nations Ambassadors and dignitaries as well as meeting with representatives from more than 75 countries to help in establishing anti-corruption programs.

Green has been the recipient of awards for promoting integrity in government and recognition from four Mayors of the City of New York for Outstanding Achievements in Major investigations. Upon his departure from the Department Of Investigations, the Commissioner of DOI established the “Vincent Green Award for Outstanding Strategic Initiatives” to be given out each year to a deserving investigator.

Green is a contributor to the book, Government Ethics and Law Enforcement. He is the author of Corruption in the Twenty-First Century; Who Rigged the Bids?; Respond, Don’t React; and “A View from My Bay.”

Green is Chief Executive Officer of G-Square Consulting LLC, providing corruption awareness and fraud recognition training to government and private concerns. He takes the unwavering position that he will go anywhere in the world to speak against corruption. He takes a firm stand for the implementation of integrity and ethics in all organizations. Mr. Green can be reached at GSCTraining@optimum.net or 917-681-2810.

Student African American Brotherhood of San Diego State University

Of the events that SAAB puts on every year, 5 major events include the Powderpuff game put on for the sisters, helping at the YMCA for the annual Halloween event, the SAAB Talent show, and the SAAB Signature Program, in which the brothers hold a dinner for members/students, faculty/staff, and other organizations that have supported them. They take this time to reflect on the events of the year, recognized outstanding students/faculty, and officially announce the new executive board for the upcoming year. The last major event is the annual Young Men’s Leadership Conference at Mount Miguel high School, which SAAB has been supporting since the first conference in 2006. Other events also include leadership conferences, retreats, luncheons with faculty and staff, and intramural athletic teams. As well as the weekly meetings and discussions, they facilitate business professional meetings, social activities, and community service with various organizations in the community. The weekly meetings will range from topics including hip-hop culture and black identity to faculty/guest speaker led discussions. They also include some lighthearted topics such as dating advice and general tips and tricks that everyone could benefit from knowing.

TEAM WATKINS: Lavar J. Watkins & Kristina H. Watkins

Co-Founders and Presidents: LKW STEM FOUNDATION A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

Kristina H. Watkins innovatively provides engaging and exciting experiences with STEM content (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) in and outside of the classroom, up and down the California coast for over the past decade! Mrs. Watkins has taught in a plethora of environments: in classrooms at private, public, charter schools; weekend workshops; summer camps and conferences. She has traveled the world, taught at International Schools, and understands the value of a “global mindset” constantly reminding her students to perform with academic excellence because their competition is NOT in the seat next to them. Mrs. Watkins’ educational philosophy is that “Learning and Laughter are NOT Mutually Exclusive!” Her covert objective is helping students to fall in love with the learning process so that they can pursue whatever content they find the most fulfilling!

A life long learner herself, Mrs. Watkins’ educational background consists of a B.A. in Biology; a M.A. in Teaching with a specialization in Global Education; a M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in STEM Education and a California Single Subject Teaching Credential in Biology. She is finalizing additional Credentials in Mathematics and a Supplementary Authorization in Computer Science Education. She is also in active pursuit of an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership with emphasis in K-12 Leadership. Mrs. Watkins is an active member of New Seasons Church and is involved as the Children’s Ministry Curriculum Director.

Mrs. Watkins has served as a content specialist in various capacities for several organizations including: the San Diego County Urban League Education Youth and Advisory Board; San Diego Chapter, The Links Inc. – Links to STEM Program; League of Extraordinary Scientists and Engineers; San Diego’s Women’s Hackathon; San Diego STEAM Maker Fest; Maker Faire San Diego; San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering; and Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair.

TEAM WATKINS: Lavar J. Watkins & Kristina H. Watkins

Mr. and Mrs. Watkins are Co-Founders and Presidents of Learning Knowledge Worldwide STEM Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which exists to provide opportunities through “STEM Education” that will inspire “Future STEMologists” at a critical juncture along their K-16 STEM educational and career pathway development to “sySTEMicly” impact our world as the next generation of innovative thinkers, creators and developers! TEAM WATKINS travels the city, state, and nation inspiring students, staff, businesses and various community stakeholders of the importance of learning and applying STEM concepts and content to everyday life. Their company motto is: Let’s Change the World…One STEMtastic Experience at a Time!

Jataun Gilbert

Jataun Gilbert is a twenty years young aspiring artist residing in San Diego. Raised around old school funk, jazz and soul, he found a way to infuse today’s music with each of those. Currently in school studying for a degree in sociology, Gilbert spent most of his high school days at Mount Miguel either in Brother 2 Brother meetings, theatre, or battle rapping at lunch. He has come very far from talent shows to music videos, poetry to spoken word and mainly from a boy to a man.

Dr. Mark Jeffers

Dr. Mark Jeffers was born in Brooklyn, New York, and was the first person in his family to earn a college degree. A twelve-year English teacher at Mount Miguel High School, he currently serves as Intervention and Literacy Coordinator of Mount Miguel’s Matador Early College Academy (MEC).

In 1980, two years after dropping out of high school, Jeffers enlisted in the United States Marines, where he was honorably discharged after fourteen years. After being discharged he immediately opened a fitness center (Total Fitness) in Fresno, CA, which he owned until 2001. In 1996, while still a fitness center owner, Jeffers was hired by California Kings County Probation Department where he worked with troubled juveniles. It was this work that spawned his desired to help young people excel and fulfill their dreams. He believed and still believes that education gives our youth the best opportunity to live happy productive lives; therefore, during the summer of 1997, he enrolled in West Hills Junior College with the goal of becoming a teacher.

Jeffers has a Bachelor’s degree in American Literature, a Master’s of Education, a Master’s of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Curriculum.

Nadia Susana Contreras

Currently serving as a board member and Lead Case manager for Paving Great Futures, Nadia Susana Contreras started her career in the non-profit / humanitarian sector in 2009 when she founded Team Green Warming Machinez, a group located in San Diego catering to our homeless population. In late 2011 Nadia co-founded the non-profit IM MY OWN BLESSING where she is currently the president. IM MY OWN BLESSING focuses on empowering empathy everywhere through school curriculums, bi-monthly humanitarian family & youth outings and much more. Nadia has served as an independent community outreach specialist within the communities of Lemon Grove, Southeastern San Diego and Barrio Logan. Between 2012-2014 Nadia worked for La Maestra Community Health Centers, where they started & ran a Legal Advocacy department representing victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. By the end of 2014 Nadia decided to change client services to recovering homeless veterans through a company named Volunteers of America. In 2016 Nadia Co-founded People Over Profits-SD where they focus to bring true and authentic reentry programs to our community members coming out of prison but also working toward the ending of current legal slavery through our prison systems. Humanizing is her main focus to all her works outcome.

In the same year she became a legal minister and graduated from the Pomegranate facilitator Trainings where she is able to share these skills with other team members. She is currently working on a local policy for SDPD as well as social justice awareness education and plans to run for City Council in Lemon Grove Nov 2018. Some of her

Safe Space building projects includes the gathering space on 50th and Imperial, The Peoples Lot, 4 Corners Of Life and various community events throughout the year.

Social experiments surrounding economical development, Mental wellness and Community empowerment include The Mile Of Art, Emotional Intelligence Literacy Training, Art Is Therapy and through the ACEs ; Self-Healing Communities Initiative.

Nadia is a firm believer that all human pain, happiness and trauma is intersectional and it should all be addressed with humanistic-based goals. Care for the mind & anything is possible.

Rashid Hill

Rashid Hill is a US Air Force veteran and graduate of Saint Leo University with a BA in Sociology and minor in Human Resource Administration. A certified Strategic Intervention and Relationship Coach and certified Master Project Manager by American Academy of Project Management. Rashid has worked with the Department of Defense for over 28 years in the Transportation and Logistics field. He is also the founder of L3 Coaching Solutions and the Veteran Entrepreneur Startup Solution Group. He’s an author, trainer, investor and personal development consultant.

Rashid specializes in uncovering human potential and guiding individuals and teams to achieve high performance using his H.E.R.O. coaching methodology. As a committed advocate of self-improvement, he is focused on developing relevant courses to educate more people on the value of financial education, human needs psychology and emotional intelligence. As an author and speaker, Rashid has had the privilege of sharing his dynamic message since 2009. Rashid is also internationally known for his Personal and Professional Development book titled “8 Ways to be 10x Better” as well as a thought provoking paper titled “What is the Seed of High Achievement in Peak Performers”.

Angel Valadez

Angel Valadez is a young man of 22 who plans to major in Computer Science. He is an alum of Mount Miguel High School and, despite undergoing severe financial hardships at the time, graduated near the top of his class. He joined the Brother 2 Brother club in his early years of High School and attended and spoke at numerous events throughout Southern California. He constantly strives to learn what it means to be a fellow brother. He is currently taking classes at Cuyamaca College and plans to transfer to UCLA to finish his degree.

Curtis M1 McNiel

Mr. McNiel is a motivational speaker entrepreneur that has been in the music business for twenty years. He is an independent artist and event coordinator. The is a photographer and personal barber. Mr. McNiel is the one behind Today’s Rapper Magazine and a few other publications. He is the founder of H.Code; a movement that focuses on the evolving state of people. Educating about everyday growth. The three main components are human code; the character development/relationships, the hustle; the accumulation of education and work ethics, The holiness; ownership and accountability of one’s actions. Mr. McNiel’s business is Life and Music.

In addition to this, he runs a small farm in Spring Valley, California. He provides the experience of nature for those who want to visit and interact with his animals.

For booking or inquiries feel free to contact him at:
curtismcniel1@yahoo.com
(619) 646-4619
Music on All major platforms
Google: Curtis M1 McNiel
For Today’s Rapper Magazine google: Hcodepresents

Timothy Duane Shaw

Timothy Duane Shaw was born in Los Angeles, California, but was raised in the home of his grandparents in Alexandria, Louisiana for most of his elementary school years. Tim completed his education and graduated from Garey High School in Pomona, California. After graduation from high school Tim attended Chaffey Community College and Mount San Antonio Community Colleges before transferring to San Diego State University in 1981. Tim has served as a member of the public education system for 30 years.

Bachelors of Arts Degree from San Diego State University (Elementary Education)
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential – San Diego State University
Master of Arts Degree – San Diego State University (Middle School Instruction and Curriculum)
Pupil Personal Services Credential (School Counseling Credential)- University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
Teacher: Madison Elementary – 2 years – Pomona Unified School District
Teacher: Horace Mann Middle School 11 years – San Diego Unified School District
Counselor: Wangehiem Middle School (Mira Mesa) 2 years
Counselor: Crawford High School (15 years)

In May of 2002, Timothy Shaw was selected through an interview process to serve out the remaining term of a school board member for the Lemon Grove School District and was elected by the voters of Lemon Grove in November of 2002 to serve as a member of the Lemon Grove School Board; making him the first person of color to be elected to a public office in the city of Lemon Grove. Timothy Shaw has been re-elected three times and continue to serve as a member of the Lemon Grove School Board.

Timothy Shaw is a member of the Bayview Baptist Church in San Diego where he is the Director of Christian Enrichment and is an instructor and servant for The Usher Ministry.

Timothy has been married for 28 years to his wife, Toni, and they have 3 daughters: Lisha, a 2013 graduate of California State University, Sacramento (Sac State) and is in her second year of teaching Physical Education for the San Diego Unified School District. Daughter, Micah, a 2014 graduate of University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and is a grad student studying to become a dentist. Kayla a 2014 graduate of Helix Charter High School is in her second year attending University of California, Irvine (UCI).

Anthony Haile Jr.

Raised in Oakland, CA in a no excuses household, Anthony Haile Jr. is the son of a bus driver and bus mechanic and a first generation college graduate of Morehouse College, located in Atlanta, GA. He has gone on to complete a Master’s degree at UCSD and currently serves as a Certified Engineering Project Manager at SPAWAR Systems Center, Pacific, managing $10 million projects that develop and deliver technologies for our Nation’s military. By night, Anthony serves as a community advocate supporting a variety of education related community initiatives.

Anthony has been acknowledged for leadership in different forums and was most recently honored as a BEYA: Modern Day Technology Leader and received the SPAWAR Lightning Bolt Award for exemplary team performance. His greatest passion and interest is in helping others, especially the youth, reach their own potential.

Michael D. Love

Michael D. Love is a graduate of Mount Miguel High School, as well as an alumnus of
San Diego State University gaining his Bachelor’s in Political Science in 2009 and his
Masters in Educational Counseling in 2011.

The majority of his professional experience
has come in education, holding previous positions in the EOP office at San Diego State
and working in San Diego area high schools with Cal-SOAP. As an assistant professor of
counseling at Riverside City College he is currently working to expand his network and
continue his professional and educational endeavors.

Along with his best friend and
business partner, he co-founded We Will Rise, an organization created for the education
and empowerment of black men through community dialogue and community building in
San Diego. Looking forward he would like to become a publisher author, a professional
motivational speaker and to return to college for his doctorate.

Thomas Gomes

Thomas Gomes is a native of San Diego. He received his Bachelor’s of art in Speech/Communication with a theatre minor from San Diego State University and received his Teaching Credential from United States International University. Gomes as been teaching theatre and coaching speech at Mount Miguel for 17 years. A former high school and collegiate speaker himself, he has coached 100 students to the State Championship Speech Tournament and 20 to the National Championships. Gomes was named the 2005 and 2012 San Diego-Imperial Valley speech league’s Coach of the Year and in December of 2015 he was named Speech Coach of the Year at the Fullerton Invitational Speech Tournament. Before becoming a teacher, Gomes spent his time working with Plus Fire Performance Group, singing for the local band Flatten Manhattan and life guarding on the beaches of Camp Pendleton. In 1994 he traveled to Guinea, West Africa, where he was able to study with artists from Guinea’s National Dance Company, Les Ballets Africains. Mr. Gomes has been a surfer for 36 years. He is happily married to his wife Sara and is the proud father of two beautiful children.

Rev. Jared B. Moten

Rev. Jared B. Moten is the proud Pastor of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church. He has served in this capacity for four years. In addition to his serving as Ebenezer’s Pastor, he also serves as the Director of Evangelism for the Southwest District Association of San Diego and the Director of Evangelism for Western Baptist Start Convention of California.

Prior to becoming the Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Rev Moten was a faithful laborer in the Ministry of the Lord. He began preaching in Chicago IL, at Greater Omega Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Ira Wheaton Sr. in 2003. Upon relocation to San Diego, CA Pastor Moten joined Bethel Memorial AME Church. He was active in the Prayer Ministry under the direction of Rev. C. B Johnson, and a member of MOB, Men Of Bethel Men’s Ministry. For nearly 3 years he was under the leadership and direction of Rev. Antony Hughes.

Upon the Lord’s direction, Rev. Moten became the Assistant Pastor at New Assurance Baptist Church under the direction of Pastor Rickey Laster. While at New Assurance, the Lord was preparing Rev. Moten for his future, as he served in many capacities: Assistant Pastor, Leader of the Youth Department and Prayer Warrior.

Pastor Moten heads a Mentoring Program called CIPC (pronounced Sip C), which stands for Connecting, Interacting, Planning and Changing. This program has been adopted by the Grossmount Union School District at Mount Miguel High School in Spring Valley CA. CIPC is designed to make a lasting positive impact on the lives of Black, Brown and Poor Youth. Pastor Moten gives youth a real understanding of the value of education and how it can positively change their lives.

Most recently, Pastor Moten has become the new President of NAN (National Action Network) San Diego, a Social Justice organization founded by Rev. Al Sharpton. The mission of NAN is to address and eradicate social injustice wherever it may exist.

Among Pastor Moten’s greatest accomplishments is being the father of three dynamic children Chenoa Mari, Jared Brandon & Jordyn Reese Moten.

Keith Baham

Keith Baham is a financial advisor for Mass Mutual where he helps people to invest their money in stocks, savings plans and insurance. Keith was raised in San Jose, California as the youngest of three children by his mother who herself was a dedicated community figure. Upon her untimely passing from cancer, Keith put himself through Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia where he earned a business degree. When he is not working with clients, or enjoying family life with his wife and two children; Keith is mentoring young men to learn about the basics of money and finances at Bell Middle School. His life motto is “When your why is strong enough, your how becomes obsolete.”

Thad Hughes

Thad Hughes, B.S. in Criminal Justice, M.A. in Human Behavior.

Worked as a Marshall in CA. Published a book on police & community relations in 2000, & 2018. Total number of books published is five. Most recent book published is, “SLIP Away from Harm — Save At Risk & Disabled Lives via Police Harmony.” SLIP stands for: Stop, Listen to Instructions of Police. He gives presentations to teach youngsters that SLIP saves lives.

Dr. Robert W. Strong

I am a preacher of the Gospel, I earn a living as a Technical Writer, and I am a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated. I grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord at the age of 21. After earning a B.S. in Electronics Engineering Technology at the University of Dayton, I relocated to Inglewood, CA and began working as a Technical Writer at Hughes Aircraft Company in Long Beach. In 1983, I met my bride-to-be, Teri. We were married on July 14, 1984. Teri is a college math instructor. We are proud of our three children: Erin, aka ‘Lil Doc,’ is a surgeon, Jordan is in the Air Force, and Justin is working in the music industry.

From 2000 to 2010, I taught Bible classes at a Christian High School, Arrowhead Christian Academy. In 2002, I earned a Master of Divinity degree. In 2013, I earned a Doctorate of Ministry degree, receiving the Doctoral Research Excellence Award from the faculty of Talbot School of Theology. I currently exercise my passion for process, procedures and the printed text as a technical writer. I also seek to help churches grow through proven church growth principles. I was blessed to teach Bible at a Christian High School for over 10 years. I am thrilled today to help Young Men clarify their direction in life.

“Your success as a Young Man is our success as a society.”

Jason Crawley

Jason grew up in in Pittsburg, Ca. in a single parent home. Jason had a rough childhood growing up, for a lot of his high school years he was homeless, in a shelter or at a motel. Jason could have chose to go down a path that would’ve led to a life of destruction. Gangs, violence and drugs were all around him. But, he CHOSE to live a life OPPOSITE of what society has made a norm for minorities. Jason has an undergraduate degree in Social Work from Fresno State where he also played football on scholarship (05-09). Jason found a passion for youth while in college, completing an internship at a local group home. Jason is pursuing a masters degree in divinity from Souther California Seminary. In 2011 Jason married his amazing wife Ashley who has birthed 5 of his amazing children. A set of twins, Allanah/ Jeremiah (6), Saniah (5), Eden (3) and Yisrael (9months). In addition to serving the kiddos at Thrive Public Charter School, as a Special Ed Aide, Jason has been serving youth at New Seasons Church for the past 4 years as the Youth Pastor. Lastly, for the past 4years Jason has served Mt. Miguel students by providing counsel to the student leadership team of the FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) club. Jason has spoke to OVER 20,000 middle and high school students this year alone with the iThink Big assemblies team. Encouraging them to push past obstacles that stand in the way of their dreams!

Ronald Preston Clark

Mr. Ronald Preston Clark is a native of San Diego. He spent his youth doing speaking engagements throughout his hometown, volunteering for the late Charles Lewis during Lewis’ 4^th District Council Campaign and serving as the first San Diego 4th District Youth Advisory Board President. YAB produced gang prevention forums, youth job fairs and free SAT workshops, among other activities for neighborhood youth. After spending seven years out of state attending Hampton University, where he graduated with a BA in Print Journalism, and working as a high school sports in Northern New Jersey, he returned to San Diego in 2011 to attend the Professional Program in Screenwriting at UCLA. He never left the community as he volunteered his time performing poetry and discussing writing, education and college with high school students at various schools throughout the city. His love for education grew and he began his teaching journey at the Charter School of San Diego, Mt. Erie Christian Academy and Gompers Preparatory Academy, where he served in numerous roles, including his first full-year teaching his own class – 11^th grade American Literature during the 2016-17 school year. A published author, Clark released his first novel, ‘Vinnie: a love letter’, on September 11, 2018. He started the Young Brother Book Club at GPA where he met bi-weekly with black male students to discuss literature, life and educational pursuits. Clark now is the advisor of the newly-minted YBBC at Morse High School where he is a student-teacher. The YBBC, along with the Get Lit Coalition, hosted its first YBBC Literacy Fair in February 2018 after raising $5000 to purchase 300 books for black male secondary school students. Clark was a member of the 2013 Elevated San Diego Poetry Slam Team that finished fourth in the country and hosted an open mic, Lyrical Exchange, for four years where he was a key contributor in fostering a community and culture among people from all walks of life who just needed an escape through the arts. Clark recently completed his Urban Leadership Fellowship with RISE San Diego, is the Education Committee Chair for the San Diego Urban League Young Professionals, is currently attending the University of San Diego’s M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction/Secondary English Teaching Credential Cohort Program and is a Benbough Diamond Fellow as he continues to pursue his passion for education, our youth and the dismantling of America’s Eurocentric education system.

Jay Bowser

CFO

Jay co-founded Paving Great Futures as a credible messenger guided by his passion to mentor and driven by a focus on social equity. He has a deep and personal understanding of the challenges faced by former gang members and other system-affected individuals. His history, experiences and expertise in these fields have earned him seats on prestigious committees such as the Prop 47 Local Advisory Committee and the Citizens Advisory Board. Jay is a living example of how with wrap around services support and mentoring you can become a productive member of society. He has shown this by obtaining his financial license and working as a financial advisor with Mass Mutual although he came from the same underserved community and faced overwhelming challenges as many of the participants Paving Great Futures he now sets an example that change for the better is possible and necessary.