Off The Chain

Raised in Fort Washington, Maryland, Jonathan C. Harris is no stranger to leadership, hard work, or success. At the age of ten years old, he earned the right to be a guest weatherman for a day on Fox 5 DC News. He has already received over 100 honors and awards including Forty Under 40 for Prince George’s County, MD, TEDx Talk speaker, TEDxFortWashington Founder/Director, American College Personnel Association (ACPA) Outstanding Men’s Program, high school Valedictorian and the Kiwanis Club Citizenship Award. One rainy day and a flat tire later, Jonathan’s life would change forever when car troubles inspired him to write a book.  In March 2016, Jonathan’s published his debut book, “Master of Ceremonies: A Male’s Guide for a Successful Life." In February 2020, he became the owner of Jharris Publishing, LLC to help more aspiring authors feel comfortable telling their stories.  In addition to being an author, Jonathan serves as a motivational speaker, life/career coach, and blogger. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, investing in the stock market, spending time with family and friends, mentoring the youth, volunteering in the community, video games, and watching movies. He is the founder of the movement, #GiveAuthorsAChance, which encourages kids to read more, be exposed to more authors, and for more media outlets to recognize and support authors. For information about book talks, author visits and workshops, visit https://www.authorjon.com/

Andrew Weston is known as a 21st Century renaissance man with a skill set that ranges from web development to event managemeMichael nt. Michael is a sought-after voice and has, for many years, been a source of inspiration, motivation, empowerment, direction and insight to many. His current professional roles include Brand Strategist, Speaker, and Entrepreneur. Michael is the founder of branding & identity service, Supernormal, in which he aids brands in the fashion, coaching, and entertainment industries in establishing and elevating their brand identity and business strategy. In all the work he does, Michael is engaged in fulfilling his mission of “equipping a team of normal people for a supernormal mission.” Social Media: Instagram: @mich_a_el_andrew & @the_reforum Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/MichaelAndrewWeston/ https://www.facebook.com/TheReForUm/

Gary Sinclair is a certified coach and speaker with the John Maxwell Team and consultant to leadership teams in both the business and faith communities. He is a published author in a variety of national publications and blogs and has written four books available at Amazon.com. Book titles include: Never Quit Climbing: Overcoming Life’s Seemingly Insurmountable Mountains; Now: Breaking Free From the Someday Syndrome snd two shorter, practical books on marriage and parenting all published through Amazon.com. He has master's degrees in both counseling and theology and work experience as a speaker, educator, minister/chaplain, musician and coach. He’s loves hiking in the mountains, travel, reading, composing, writing and spending time with family.

"Araya Baker is a therapist, writer, and educator who is known for synthesizing activism and mental health. For nearly a decade, Araya has been deeply involved in transformative mental health advocacy initiatives aimed at empowering underserved communities––from contributing to the formation of the city of Houston’s first public mental health survey, to serving as a crisis counselor for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, as well as The Trevor Project, the leading crisis lifeline for LGBTQ+ youth. In a number of articles, essays, and interviews featured in The New York Times, Teen Vogue, Huffington Post, The Good Men Project, and other publications, Araya has explored how to develop social justice-informed counseling frameworks and interventions, and ways to dismantle systemic barriers to quality mental healthcare for minoritized populations. In 2018, The Mighty recognized Araya, alongside Demi Lovato and Lady Gaga, as a Mental Health Hero. Araya earned an Ed.M. in Human Development and Psychology at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and an M.Phil.Ed. in Professional Counseling at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education."

Justin Goode is a poet from Atlanta, GA raised in Clayton county GA. Performing poetry as a hobby at first Justin has taken it a step further and wrote his first novel Black Ribbon. A poetry book that reflects the mourning of toxic traits and embracing a clear and concise mind. His first book travels through the anxiety, compassion, and confusion of all people. The view of a Black Man, and the thoughts on his surrounding.

Dr. Eric L. Holmes is a senior coordinator in the Otolaryngology department at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. His fervor to excel and push his abilities has led him to earn and impressive number of awards at Johns Hopkins: the Edward Halle Award, the Martin Luther King Award, the Radiology Customer Service Award for two years, and the Employee of the Year. With a passion and dedication to further his education and help others through his teachings, Dr. Holmes has earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in biblical studies and theology, and master’s and doctorate in Christian education at North Carolina College of Theology. Also has been featured in the Enoch Pratt Library Compass in the Writers Live and in edition his book is now available in the Enoch Pratt Libraries, the Baltimore County Libraries and Dauphin County Libraries in Pa.

Mr. Good Vibes is the founder and CEO of Good Vibes Enterprises Inc. (which acts as the holding company for GV Media, GV Sports, and the GV Foundation.  As a Gen Z marketing consultant, he has worked with top brands including but not limited to Burger King, Dave & Buster’s, Cineplex, Tim Horton’s, Loblaws, etc.  Being a former Division 1 NCAA scholarship athlete, Mr. Good Vibes also travels across North America speaking to tens of thousands of middle schools and high-schools for his motivational speaking tours.

Karim R. Ellis is a Dynamic Speaker with over 10 years of experience in the field of speaking, training, coaching and breakthrough success. As the author of the “G.P.S My Success”, Karim takes pride in developing leaders and champions. His messages and concepts help people to grow to the next level as he inspires an atmosphere of greatness in the lives he connects with on a daily basis. Karim is also a member of the National Speakers Association, Past President with Toastmasters International and the owner of two successful businesses for over 20 years. As a member of the John Maxwell Team and as a Les Brown Platinum Speaker and protégé, Karim speaks, inspires, and teaches Leadership / Professional Development principles to 60 plus organizations a year. Some of these companies include: Ford Motor Company, Honda, General Electric, Toyota, Anthem, Kroger, The United States Postal Service, ODOT, The Dept. of Defense DFAS, The United States Military, The National Urban League, SHRM, Purdue University and a host of many more. All successful organizations understand that effective leadership is at the heart of every business and the Les Brown Institute as well as the John Maxwell Team prides itself on Leadership Creation and Development. As a speaker/trainer/coach, Karim has several engaging group programs specifically designed to take Leaders to the Next Level. When Karim delivers a message, he absolutely makes sure that the room “gets it”. If you are ready for a fun, engaging, entertaining, and inspiring motivational speaker that will leave you amazed. Karim R. Ellis is definitely it! Contact info: Website: www.karimellis.com Email: [email protected] Text the word “Karim” to 484848 to receive free motivational training resources

Glen R. Stripling is a fan of many of the finest science fiction writers. After he received his BS from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1988, he worked as a Petroleum Geologist with his father. He enjoys spending time with his family and writing

Lamour Bluitt was born in Chicago, Illinois, to two beautiful parents, who grew up on the Southside low-end Wentworth Garden, and both of their parents had migrated from the South and North to Chicago in the early 1900s. For 7 year's he taught individuals on understanding creativity and building wealth. His first book, "Success Why Successful People Become Successful & Why Others Don't" The self-help book inspired many people on mental awareness, and self-mastery. Now available on Amazon and KDP. Writers Unite Book Camp I am a self-published author, marketing director, consultant, educator and entrepreneur. I remember when I had no one to believe in me, that I would publish and write a book. I lead business owners, through the process of learning how to create and tap into their inner self, intellectual property and acquire new skill sets that teach individuals how to maintain a successful enterprise while gaining financial freedom. I work with individuals to understand their audience and market when it comes to getting your story out in front of others. Creating a story that you would be surprised at how many people get inspired by what they could relate to. I strive to help inspire, lead and create a tremendous writing journey. https://lamourbluitt.com/