Founder & Lead Mentor
Travis Nelson
Travis Nelson is a devoted husband, proud father, dedicated mentor, and community advocate from Hopkins, South Carolina. A proud Lower Richland High School Class of 2011 alumnus, Travis attended Claflin University before earning his degree in Business Administration from South University.
With over 8 years of experience in retail management and administration, along with 5+ years as an LTL truck driver, Travis brings leadership, discipline, organization, and a strong work ethic to everything he does. He has served as a coach for the Hopkins Chiefs youth football team and ECYBL basketball, helping young athletes develop confidence, teamwork, and character.
Travis is also NCCER-certified in construction, has experience as a DJ, and has volunteered through Adopt-A-Highway and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Guided by the belief, “If you know better, you do better,” Travis is committed to uplifting young men and creating lasting change in his community.
JaQuan Smith
Fitness Coach & Mentor
JaQuan Smith is a dedicated fitness professional and community leader with a passion for service, wellness, and mentorship. A graduate of Winthrop University with a degree in Exercise Science, JaQuan currently works as a CrossFit coach at Rise Up Gym and as a stretch therapist at Carolina Sports Clinic.
As an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, JaQuan contributes to community service efforts including Adopt-A-Highway cleanups and local food pantry support. Through health, fitness, personal growth, and community impact, JaQuan is committed to helping young men become stronger in body, mind, and purpose.
Deion London
Veteran Mentor & Community Leader
Deion London is a proud husband, father of four, military veteran, entrepreneur, and community leader from Columbia, South Carolina. A graduate of Lower Richland High School Class of 2011, Deion earned his Certified Nursing Assistant license during high school, sparking an early passion for healthcare.
Deion served eight years in the Army National Guard as a Motor Transport Operator, earned his CDL with full endorsements, and is certified in Network+, Security+, and A+. As owner of Xtra Mile Health Care Transport LLC, he is committed to safe, reliable, and compassionate service.
Tyrone Nelson
Certified Life Coach & Mentor
Tyrone is a 2014 graduate of Lower Richland High School and currently serves as a Lead Packaging Specialist at Ritedose Pharmaceuticals. He has also assisted with coaching a T-ball team in the Columbia area.
His desire to become a better father and help other men navigate life led him to become a certified life coach. Tyrone focuses on helping young men grow mentally and emotionally, build confidence, and take life one step at a time.
“You don’t have to be perfect — just be consistent. Small steps, every day, build the man you’re meant to become.”
Ryan Hodge
Author, Filmmaker & Mentor
Ryan Hodge is the writer and Executive Producer of the award-winning short film drama, Blink of an Eye. He is also the author of ten novels and received his Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of South Carolina.
After graduating college, Ryan taught ELA at Irmo High School. He has also volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club of America and worked as a counselor at Harbison Recreation Center, where he supervised and mentored Columbia's youth.
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Jordan Tillman
Youth Mentor & Accountability Leader
Jordan is a proactive and purpose-driven young man with a natural ability to help others recognize their self-worth, step into their potential, and build confidence early in life.
Known among family and peers for his humility, discipline, and strategic mindset, Jordan leads by example. His character and energy naturally draw youth to him, earning their respect through consistency, integrity, and his ability to connect while still holding them to a higher standard.
Through discipline, focus, and determination, Jordan built a photography business from the ground up while working full-time as a P&D truck driver at R&L Carriers. In just one year, he has serviced nearly 200 clients on a part-time basis, proving that structure and consistency create real results.
His approach to mentorship is direct, supportive, and rooted in accountability. Jordan creates an environment where youth feel seen, challenged, and guided while reinforcing a “keep going” mindset that encourages resilience, discipline, and personal growth.
Larry Nelson
Community Leader & Mentor
Larry L. Nelson is a proud graduate of Lower Richland High School, Class of 2007. After graduation, he continued his educational journey at the illustrious Claflin University, where he further developed his passion for leadership, service, and community engagement.
Larry is an active member of the NAACP, a proud alumnus of the Future Leaders of America Program, and an athletic coach for Richland County Youth Sports. Through coaching and mentorship, he is dedicated to helping young people build confidence, discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills both on and off the field.
Throughout his personal and professional journey, Larry has remained committed to empowering others, uplifting his community, and leading by example. As a mentor, he strives to inspire growth, encourage confidence, and help young people recognize their full potential. He believes true leadership begins with service, integrity, and investing in the success of others.