Session Information for the 2021 – 2022 Lifework: GRIT Journey
Leonard Chatman Jr is a mover and shaker among motivational speakers. As an interactive and dynamic speaker, Len delivers powerful keynote speeches that will provide any audience an experience like none other. He is also a two time best selling author, but above any accomplishment he is most proud of being a family man and friend to many.
Susan Freese is the founder and president of All In Ministries International, which serves the local church by equipping under-resourced believers worldwide to be disciple-makers for Jesus. By God’s grace and support from her “all in” husband, sons, and team, Dr. Freese serves across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas, helping women disciple women across cultures. Prior to All In, she led the women’s ministry at Chets Creek Church for ten years after leaving a corporate career. Dr. Freese earned degrees with honors at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Rutgers Graduate School and received an honorary Doctor of Letters from Trinity Baptist. She is the author of Your True Story: The 50-Day Essential Guide to Your New Life with Jesus.
Diana is an experienced Director with a demonstrated history of working within the arts and culture industry, public sector, community relations and higher education. Skilled in Organizational Development, Project Management, Relationship Development, High Level Event Planning & Implementation, Public Speaking, Administration, Philanthropy, Process Designer. Strong and consistent leadership abilities, effective communicator, as well as a champion for innovative, inclusive, and collaborative strategies and programs.
Carmen Rosa-Brooks was born and raised in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. She attained a Bachelors of Art degree in English with an emphasis in Psychology and Business Administration from Atlantic Union College and has also earned a Masters’ Degree in Human Resources Management from Everest University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. For the past three years Carmen has been volunteering as a Director at the Southpoint Food Pantry where she weekly works with a group of volunteers serving and distributing fresh food items to individuals and families in our community. She has served as an officer of the First Coast Hispanic Chamber, a Director for Learn to Read Jacksonville and as a volunteer instructor at City Rescue Mission where she developed workshops and taught learning and development life skills to individuals who are overcoming homelessness and addictions. Carmen has also served in various councils and community boards and was recognized in 2009 as one of the most influential Hispanic women in Jacksonville. In 2013 she was nominated to Mayor Alvin’s Brown Hispanic Initiative for the City of Jacksonville. Carmen has enjoyed serving as chair of diversity councils and has received various awards for her efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion within the city of Jacksonville. As a motivational speaker Carmen shares her personal experiences in overcoming adversity. Carmen works in Training and Development as a Student Success Coach for a local University where she has developed programs to further educate the students in professionalism and self-development. On her spare time, she enjoys writing and producing plays, hosting wellness workshops, and cake decorating. She is also in the process of writing her first book.
Small Business Leader of the Year for the JAX Chamber Health Council, Nemiah Rutledge is the Founder and Owner of Body Paradox since 2015. Companies such as Harrell & Harrell, P.A. to health organizations as large as Baptist Health and Florida Blue are healthier and happier because of Nemiah and his team of certified fitness trainers that serve all aspects of physical wellness. In addition, his team brings personalized levels of fitness to individuals, small business and busy executives. Nemiah is a graduate of Leadership Jacksonville, class of 2021, is a member of Leadership Florida and most recently, joined the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Leadership MVP Team. Always networking, leading and growing, his laser sharp focus on bettering the city, his business and himself, Nemiah’s energy and enthusiasm for life is inspiring and at most, contagious! We can’t wait to see what else he’ll be working on.
Chris is a lifelong resident of Jacksonville and a second-generation law enforcement officer with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO). After earning the International Baccalaureate Diploma from Stanton College Preparatory High School in 1999, Chris went on to obtain a Bachelor of Economics (2002) and Master of Business Administration (2004) from the University of North Florida. In 2006, Chris joined the JSO and worked his way up the ranks to his current position, Assistant Chief of Public Accountability. In this role, he oversees the areas that are responsible for media relations, officer investigations, and process improvement. In 2014, Chris helped found Jacksonville’s Bold City Church, where he currently serves as one of the church’s worship leaders.
Michael D. Gonzalez is a passionate leader who seeks to encourage and uplift those in his sphere of influence, whether in the workplace or in his community. Michael is an Orlando native who holds a Bachelor’s in Management and Finance from the University of Central Florida (go Knights!). Following college, he kick started his career with Lockheed Martin and currently serves as a Subcontract Manager while earning his Master’s in Business Administration. Outside of work and school, Michael and his wife enjoy traveling, discovering new food experiences, spending time with family, and serving in their community. As a man after God’s own heart, Michael’s mission is to ignite a generation to become all that they were made to be.
“Leaders realize they are drivers and are responsible for their attitudes and destination in life.”- Growing Leaders
Tonight’s session will include a panel of local professionals who are leaders in their careers. The teens will have the opportunity to talk with these professionals from various career fields who will give tips, guidance and answer overall questions related to their journey into that specific career field.
Lifework First Coast / Lifework: GRIT does not necessarily endorse specific personal, religious, philosophical, or political positions espoused by the Session speakers.
Please note that the schedule including posted dates, locations, and speakers is subject to change. To confirm the program schedule or for more information, please email GRIT@lifeworkleadership.org.