I am an engineer turned pastor/philanthropist. I earned a master of divinity and Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Vanderbilt University and a Master of Science in electrical engineering from Colorado State University. Before joining philanthropy, I was a process control engineer then became assistant university chaplain at Vanderbilt. Currently, I focus on community partnerships and narrative change to build a better Arkansas.
Philanthropy is changing. It isn't just rich, old men anymore. More women and Black folks are leading the charge to invest in historically underestimated communities than ever before.
The African proverb “Ubuntu,” which means I am because we are. This simple truth always reminds me to honor my ancestors in everything that I do because they live through me.
I worked as a maintenance operator (i.e. janitor) for my high school during the summers. There I learned humility, discipline and a deep appreciation for my ancestors.
Arkansas Soul (argotsoul.com), a digital media platform dedicated to offering diverse perspectives and news in Arkansas.
My desire to contribute to a more equitable and just Arkansas for the future of my daughter and all other children.
When I struggled to find a place to do ministry, philanthropy gave me space to do community, equity and justice work as an extension of my pastoral calling.
Creating the Micah Fellows Program and pulling in local and national partners to invest in faith leaders in Arkansas
With the fast-paced nature of our work, I have to use my engineering background in process controls quite frequently.
