Ramsey, I'm so proud to call you my friend and mentee. Over the years you've demonstrated an unwavering commitment to mentoring young people and professionals alike. It's an honor to work with you through the lab program, and I can't wait to read your new book which so aptly captures your passion for developing meaningful mentorships. You are making such a difference, my brother.

James, even though time has passed, I remember as a boy you helped me understand what being a man is - to create my own honest path, take pride in my work and myself, and never let anyone else define me. I'm thankful you stood up for me, gently guided me, and welcomed me into your world when you didn't have to. The love you gave me as a child shaped the man I am today, and I hope I've been able to reciprocate a fraction of what you did for me.

Kevin, you've been an influential mentor since I returned to LeBar Friedman, making me feel welcomed and seeing potential in me that others hadn't. I cherish the lessons you taught me back then that I still use today with Thriving Joy, and value that you've stayed in touch to encourage me to believe in myself. People you've mentored over the years, including your son Connor, are better for learning from you that they're capable of more than they thought.

Doug, you've been instrumental in guiding me and keeping me focused on what's important. I consider you not just a brother but a true friend who cares about me and my family. I appreciate your mentorship, wisdom, and friendship through the years, and look forward to our bond growing. God bless you and your family, my brother.

My mother, Dr. Catherine Shima Okereke, is a remarkable, selfless, and humble woman who has accomplished so much yet remains approachable. I'm blessed to have inherited her perseverance, dedication, and ability to dream big without limits from this phenomenal role model who adopts everyone as her own. While she is still with me, I want to thank Dr. Okereke for her inspiring example and pray she continues touching lives through her foundation and patient care.

Rich Wankmuller changed my life by mentoring me to reach beyond my comfort zone and make a difference. His saying "if you always do what you've always done, you'll always be what you always were" pushes me to keep growing. I'm so grateful for Rich's compassion and wisdom. I strive to pay it forward and touch others' lives like he touched mine.

Greg gave me the opportunity to work in a data center that I knew nothing about at the time. But he believed in me. I’ve since been able to run software companies and had my own software companies and now teach graduate students - I wouldn’t have been able to do it without him. Thank you.

Wayne Decker was a political sciences professor who was the first person to call me out on not using my gifts. I’ve remembered this conversation many times. We had so many profound discussions throughout my time as his student. Thank you for instilling this message in my life.

Back in high school, Ms. Avery encouraged Boris to attend college. She mentored and influenced not only Boris but then Boris went on to encourage her sisters and brothers. You only need one person to say encourage you. You can do it.

Looking back, Rodney Hobbs deeply appreciates how his older brother Ronald stepped up as a mentor by pushing him to attend a higher achieving high school than Ronald had gone to himself when Rodney was entering 9th grade and indifferent; Ronald's mentorship and foresight ended up shaping Rodney's future, and to this day Rodney is thankful for Ronald's continued guidance and advice as the eldest of the four siblings.

Deena reflects on two special mentors, Andrea Almeida-Mack and Jay Ferguson, who guided her during a pivotal time after college when she was unsure of her career path; their mentorship inspired Deena to pursue business and an MBA, and she continues to appreciate their support and encouragement which motivates her to pay it forward as a mentor to others.

John Wood, Jr. was a mentor and friend who had an immeasurable impact on my life. For over 30 years, starting in high school, John taught me invaluable lessons about vision, life, family, aviation, and business leadership.