Tyrone Smith is a nationally recognized lecturer and motivational speaker. After he retired from playing in the National Football League (NFL), Tyrone dedicated his life to empowering youth and young adults.  He established First and Goal, Inc., a non-profit organization focused on providing programs and services to enhance academic, social and moral development. Every life has purpose and everyone has the opportunity to do a greater good in the lives of others.  It is this belief that has driven Tyrone to implement successful youth development programs throughout the state of Texas and California, and also create the Journey Beyond Dreams College Experience Program that has enabled thousands of youth to gain the confidence needed in themselves and their abilities to succeed and graduate from college. Tyrone’s philosophy, which stresses educational prowess and proactive social behavior, helps today’s youth and young adults become the leaders of tomorrow.  

Tyrone is a published author with the recent release of his book entitled Outside the Huddle: Steps to Developing a Game Plan for Life. Outside the Huddle describes Tyrone’s heart-pounding journey from being an at-risk, inner city youth struggling in school to becoming a first-generation college graduate, professional athlete and successful business owner.  In his book, Tyrone attacks the issues today’s youth and young adults face with an explosive message delivered through the lessons he has learned along the way. 

Upon graduating from Willowridge High School in Houston, Texas, Tyrone Smith attended Baylor University in Waco, TX where he emerged as a starting player for the Baylor Bears football team and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Social Work.  During his time at Baylor University, Smith met his wife DeMonica Smith, a fellow athlete who shared Smith’s spiritual and personal values as well as his appreciation for education and sports. 

Personal Quote:

“It begins by building each individual and helping them to see the greatness inside of themselves.  By helping others to unlock their own possibilities, we are creating better opportunities for our world as a whole.”

DeMonica Smith is the Director of Program Development for First and Goal, Inc. She oversees the administering of youth programs, staff development, and community engagement grant development. DeMonica has 19 years of experience facilitating youth leadership development and character education groups, and college preparation workshops. DeMonica’s desire is to help support the families and students that First and Goal, Inc. serve with the best programs and services. She currently holds a certification in youth Crisis intervention, and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology for the University of Houston.

Aisha Davis is an encouraging, energetic, engaging speaker and teacher who has dedicated her life to motivating others to achieve their purpose in life, both in the U.S. and Internationally. Aisha has worked with First and Goal, Inc. for over eight years. Aisha has a unique ability to connect with youth, meet them where they are, and provide them with the essential tools to be the best version of themselves and achieve their dreams without limits. Aisha has the opportunity of serving the youth in First and Goal, Inc. in various capacities as a Youth Service Specialist (Harris County Community Youth Development – Gulfton), Youth Group Leader (Prepare 2 Dream) and Youth Group Mentor (Aldine and Alief ISD).

Personal Quote:

“There is nothing more rewarding than walking alongside students as they discover their true purpose and identity and begin to walk in it unapologetically. I am honored to be able to make an impact in a small way in the lives of our youth. While I do not always get to witness the results of the impact, there are times when I students and they have the opportunity to tell me, in person, how their lives have been shaped by these programs and how they have accomplished their goals. The joy in their hearts and smiles on their faces is one of the greatest rewards I will cherish for a lifetime.”

As a First and Goal, Inc. Youth Service Specialist and Mentor, I have the honor and opportunity to positively impact today’s youth. My journey as an encourager of youth for 13 years and counting allows me to be apart of the powerful moments of clarity in the lives of the students that we support; while empowering them to be leaders as well. I enjoy the opportunity each time that I am working with the students to give back through my life experiences. I receive great satisfaction in being apart of First and Goal, Inc. to empower and equip today’s students to be leaders.

Personal Quote:

“We have the unique ability to overcome each obstacle through switching to the power of positive thinking.” 

My name is Recardo Bonds II, and I have a passion for serving and helping today’s youth. I have had the pleasure of being a Youth Group Leader for the Prepare 2 Dream Leadership Program for several years now, and I can’t be more thankful. As a youth leader, I am able to be a positive influence, a mentor, and a leader for the youth of the future. It has always been a dream of mine to serve, and leave an impact on people globally. It has truly been an honor to impact the previous groups of bright students, and I look forward to it every year!

As a Youth Group Leader with the Prepare to Dream Leadership Program it feels so good to encourage a younger version of myself. One that is ready to learn more and conquer the world; education is the key to students success and they are eager to take advantage of every opportunity we give them. It is inspirational to see the countless ways they willing to achieve their dreams. I am happy to be part of such an incredible organization that plays a part in the lives of the next generation of leaders.

I have partnered with First and Goal Inc. as a Youth Leadership coach and facilitator for over 5 years. My collaboration with the organization has equipped today’s youth with the skills to be functioning contributors to our society personally and professionally. I have created awareness within our young leaders that has fostered growth academically and cognitively by leveraging the leadership development techniques and exercises of the program and my own professional expertise. I have also conducted personal branding and self-discovery sessions aimed at enhancing their social and emotional intelligence and moral development. 

Personal Quote:

My motto of  “live in your own authenticity” has influenced the youth to stand bold in their uniqueness and exemplify courage in all that they do.

Being a Youth Group Leader for the Prepare to Dream Leadership Program is always a great and unforgettable experience. My role is to make greatest impact in the lives of the students. I am thankful to be blessed with the opportunity to be a positive influence in the lives of the students and it truly brings joy to my heart. I am thankful for the privilege to spread my knowledge to the students each time that we are facilitating our programs. I see the work with First and Goal, Inc. as an opportunity to uplift and empower the next generation of leaders one session at a time.

Impact on students over the years:

The greatest take away from my experience was the fact that a student from my group one year actually came to my university based on a conversation that we had about college.That alone makes me understand my role as leader and the capacity of my influence in the lives of today’s youth.

Dr. Andriel Brice is a middle school counselor who has cultivated a positive and supportive partnership with First & Goal, Inc. After spending nearly 18 years in education, Andriel knows what it takes to help our youth thrive by helping to shape behaviors and building relationships that matter.  Andriel has provided service with First & Goal, Inc by supporting various programs such as Prepare 2 Dream, Equip 24/7 Leadership Development Program, and Youth on Board. Andriel always looks forward to enriching, equipping, and empowering today’s youth into tomorrow’s leaders.  

My name is Daniel Morales and I work as a Youth Service Specialist at Las Americas Newcomer’s School for the Harris County Community Youth Development Gulfton Programs. During my time at First and Goal, Inc., I dedicated my time to influence and inspire the students that took part in my leadership sessions. I made close connections with them, since I also speak Spanish and grew up in the Gulfton area. The students are always thrilled to learn how they can also be an effective leader and take charge of their lives. I have also facilitated a leadership and soccer program afterschool at Las Americas encouraging the students to embrace their roles as leaders. Having the opportunity to influence the next generation of leaders and pass on my experience has truly been a blessing. 

In the summer of 2017, I joined First and Goal, Inc. a program focused on empowering, supporting, and impacting the lives of at-risk youth. I currently serve as a Youth Service Specialist for the Harris County Community Youth Development Gulfton Programs. My primary role consists of planning, organizing and facilitating leadership programs in schools and an emergency shelter for at-risk youth. Through open dialogue, youth are encouraged to share their social, emotional, academic and environmental challenges that they face on a daily basis. These conversations allow me to guide youth in developing a positive mindset about their future and increase their self-awareness based on the choices they make. I have been able to see the growth of every youth through their change in behavior, attitude and engagement during our sessions. Ultimately, I know that I cannot change every youth and eliminate the challenges and obstacles for them, but I am whole-heartedly committed to providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge in order to be effective members of society.