“Showing youth where they are going rather than limiting the vision to where they are gives youth a sense of purpose, meaning, and voice.”

Dr. Mark, a resident of Conway, AR, is a retired Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Central Arkansas, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and co-founder and Executive Director of Chicks for Children Foundation, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) Non-Profit. Cooper served as the Mashburn Center for Learning Director at UCA before retirement. He co-authors EACH ONE – REACH ONE: Making a Difference One Person at a Time, a faith-based lesson series on equipping youth to fulfill God’s ambitious plans.

“When a young person is flooded with material possessions, it may seem like a grand gesture at the moment, but its impact will be fleeting. However, when they are gifted with principles, particularly Godly principles, they will be profoundly influenced and shaped for the rest of their lives. “

Ray Wasike, along with his wife, S’ambrosi, co-founded Wasike Creations in Kenya in 2014. With extensive experience in digital storytelling, Ray has collaborated with African-based organizations, effectively delivering their messages to partners. Dedicated to crafting compelling narratives, Ray has played a crucial role in elevating these organizations, enabling them to make a profound impact in their communities. Ray was born in Bungoma, West Kenya. His family relocated to Wichita, Kansas, in 2020.

“God has equipped youth as Christians to reach others for Him by giving them spiritual gifts to share their faith, serve others, and ultimately glorify Him. As Christians who work with youth, we have an excellent opportunity to help them realize they have been uniquely made and given specific spiritual gifts to share the good news of salvation, the greatness of God, and their testimonies of transformation.“

Dr. Renee Calhoon, a Cabot, Arkansas resident, is the University of Central Arkansas Mashburn Center for Learning Director and an adjunct professor. She is also a nationally recognized professional developer and champion of struggling learners in Arkansas. Before transitioning to higher education, she was a distinguished classroom teacher and principal. As a principal, Dr. Calhoon’s middle school was an Arkansas Diamond School and National School to Watch.

“Each youth is a child of God and as such has great potential. Our job is to help each acquire the necessary skills, positive mindset, and faith in God that will open doors of opportunity for them and empower them to bless the lives of many others.”

Dr. Don Deshler, a Kansas City resident, is the Williamson Family Distinguished Professor Emeritus, founder, and former Director of the Center for Research on Learning at the University of Kansas. Deshler was an appointee to the National Institute for Literacy and served on the board of directors for the National Center for Learning Disabilities. He has also advised on adolescent achievement to the U.S. State Department, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the National Governor’ Association, and the Council on Families and Literacy.