Community Leaders 

Ray Schufford brings unique perspectives gained from his battlefield experience.  As the founder of 2 The Next Shift, his organization’s mission is to provide guidance, encouragement, and counseling.  Ray's keynote presentations challenge audiences to leverage their focus and pay attention to what matters most at home and work.  With a lifetime of training and experience, he is highly adept in crisis management and has fostered successful community partnerships bringing together schools, community-based organizations, churches, and governmental organizations.

Ray's community outreach has been recognized by awards from various organizations, including the City of Grapevine Fire Department, schools, the City of Dallas Fire and Rescue Department, WFAA-TV, Citibank, Bank of America, and many prominent churches throughout the nation.

Ray absolutely understands the importance of being present to help those who struggle with complex scenarios and daily decisions.  He is a high-energy, inspirational speaker and author and author of five books; Bells Beneath My Pillow: A Fireman’s Chronicle (Published 2006), Bells Beneath My Pillow 2: The Rookie Experience (2021), Take It Off – Keys to Unmasking the Hero Within You (2012), Raymond – You are My Hero (2010), and Choosing Your Passionate Life Now (2014).  Through his outreach and ministry, Ray delivers a passion for mentoring, guidance, and encouragement as a trusted comrade, mentor, coach, and friend.

A graduate of the University of Central Missouri, Ray received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management. Mr. Schufford and his family currently reside in Mansfield, Texas, and are proud members of the Concord Church in Dallas, Texas.

Rev. Dr. Lael C. Melville is the CEO and co-founder of The Andolph W. and Dr. Lael C. Melville Family Foundation (2018).  Lael possesses doctorate degrees in psychology and divinity (theology). She graduated from Princeton University, Rutgers University, and Southern Methodist University.  Lael currently sits on executive boards for the Women’s Philanthropy Institute, SMU’s Perkins School of Theology, and Uplift Education, where she is Vice Chair and the advisory board for UT Southwestern.  Lael founded the Women of God prayer group (2015) and N.E.T Cohort design to support advanced degree attainment.

Lael enjoys cycling and swimming. She is the proud wife of 37 years to Randy Melville.  Randy and Lael have three sons: Sterling, Tyler, and Myles.

Known as the, “Techpreneur for the People,” Jeffery McKinney has spent almost 20 years in the field of technology.  A Dallas native, Jeffrey attended the prestigious Fisk University where he received dual bachelors degrees in Computer Science and Business.  Jeffery is known for his uncanny ability to identify problems and developing successful solutions for companies to grow, sustain and compete in the global marketplace.  

Solution Selling, Cross-Functional Team Leadership and Cloud Computing are the core competencies Jeffrey carries with him in every role he’s undertaken.  Working in some of the world’s largest technology firms including Dell and Microsoft, Jeffrey believes that competencies are the core values that a person lives out each and every day.  These individual  core values are what helps companies remain successful in the long run despite the fiscal challenges businesses face in the marketplace.

Jeffrey values the power of understanding his core values especially when the obstacles of life came his way. Diagnosed with ADHD and then depression, Jeffrey needed tools to navigate not only his personal life but also maintain his work life that he’d been so successful in.  He realized the tools he was looking for were non-existent and therefore, decided to create a platform to interrelate the multi-faceted complexities individuals face in and out of the workplace.

From those experiences, Jeffrey created One2Gration, an all-inclusive safe space for navigating life.  As the founder and CEO (Chief Equality Officer) of One2Gration, Jeffrey looks to use technology in a new ways to address modern issues of personal development, professional development, and mental health awareness.

Part of One2Gration’s proponent is uncovering data to better serve how all people handle life, managing their path and purpose effectively such that they thrive in all they do and in the companies they serve.

A committed husband and proud father of 3, Jeffrey continues to be a proud proponent and supporter of Fisk University as an alumni . He is also a board member of the National Sales Network, Austin Chapter.

Derrick M. Robinson, a native of Marianna, Arkansas, is one of Collin County’s most zealous community leaders.  Since founding it in 2013, Mr. Robinson has led the community-based program known as AEYL, Alliance of Elite Youth Leadership.  This 501(c)3 non-profit organization specializes in the guidance of young men and women to strengthen their mindset intellectually, emotionally, physically and socially through 4 Core  Pillars; MENTORSHIP, ACADEMICS, ATHLETICS and COMMUNITY SERVICE.

Derrick has been recognized for being the 2018 Non-Profit Leader of the Year, 2019 Quality of Life Award Recipient in the City of McKinney, recipient of the 2020 NAACP Advocacy Award, the 2021 recipient of the Quality of Life Award as a collaboration, the 2022 Award recipient for being an Outstanding Contributor to Education and Youth Development, and most recently the 2023 CUTX Community Leader. 

As a result of the longevity of AEYL and consistent results produced by its comprehensive programs to cultivate change, the Follow. Lead. Succeed (FLS) platform was formed.  FLS is a Diversion and Accountability System working in collaboration with local ISDs and Municipal and County Courts to reduce recidivism and minimize the school-to-detention pipeline. 

AEYL awards more than $50K in HS Scholarships to graduating Seniors each year, provides emergency financial support to families, provides career training and workforce placement for eager young adults in competitive industries, and hosts various sports events coupled with professional athletes to promote community engagement

To date, AEYL has served more than 3,500 households at the AEYL-FLS Resource Center located in Historic Downtown McKinney.  This facility is a smaller version of The AEYL Empowerment Center for activities of the Core Pillars and is also an Authorized Pearson Vue Testing Center for Higher Education and Career Training and Workforce Development/Placement.

Mr. Derrick Robinson’s philosophy is built on a personal quote:  "Everyone is not born to lead, so we collectively must mold our youth, teens and young adults, giving them a real-life example to FOLLOW, so that one day, they can LEAD and SUCCEED as a valuable asset to their home, school and community."

Denise Hamilton is a native Texans, spending most of her formative years in Plano Texas.  Denise is all about Diversity, Inclusion, and building bridges of understanding which is the reason she helped found Collin County Diversity Council (CCDC).  CCDC's mission is to Champion the Positive Power of Diversity throughout Collin County. CCDC is a 501(c)3 that sponsors, collaborates, and promotes events and organizations that facilitate cultural understanding.  For more information on CCDC go to www.ccdiversitycouncil.org.

Denise is all about authenticity and living life limitlessly.  Whether you’ve seen her speak about real estate investing, or a motivational speech about living a limitless life, or had a personal conversation with Denise, she’s a WOW.  You will find she’s relaxed, authentic, and candid.

Denise earned her degree in business administration from Texas Women’s University.  She is also a graduate of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business, and she is licensed as a Real estate Broker in both Texas and West Virginia.

Currently Denise oversees several business adventures including Denise Hamilton Realtors, a full-service real estate company, and B&D Imperium, a real estate construction company licensed in Texas and West Virginia. Denise is the founder of DHR Home Services Inc., a 501(c)3 Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) whose mission is to build and develop quality affordable housing and provide access to supportive resources.

With over 30 years of experience in real estate and property management, her business certifications include:
· Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
· Women Business Enterprise (WBE)
· Small Business Enterprise (SBE)
· Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)

For more information on Denise, go to www.TheDeniseHamilton.com. 

Sherelle Alexander Reed is a wife, mother, author, life coach, motivator, and "Sister next door" who is purposed to Encourage. Educate and Empower others.  Sherelle loves people and makes an intentional positive impact through her speaking and community initiatives.

As a retired corporate instructor, Sherelle launched Sherelle A Reed Enterprises LLC, where she is "The Bloom Strategist" for her brand "THE BLOOMING AFFECT," where she teaches and coaches on how to overcome life's adversity and show up as your best self on the road from Present to Purpose.

Her love of people and community impact stems from an appreciation for all of the advice and assistance she received from others during her life, and she looks for opportunities to pay it forward. Sherelle is the Founder, and Visionary of a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization called FIND YOUR RESILIENCE INC, a movement that empowers females to Learn from their Past, Live Today, and Pursue Purpose!

As a result of her impact and community work, Sherelle received the Collin County Urban League 2022 Woman of Influence Award for a Non-Profit Professional. She is featured on the Cover of Siti-Girl Dallas Magazine's January 2023 edition. Her literary work is showcased in various book anthologies, including The ReUp – Refocus, Refuel and Rebuild, a women's devotional which was released in the Spring of 2023.

Sherelle is strong in her faith and understands that she is still standing directly from the Grace and Mercy of an Almighty GOD!!! While she is no stranger to adversity, Sherelle has learned that all experiences are necessary for one's Purpose! She encourages others not to forsake their process in life because the journey will build character and personal testimony.