We had the good fortune of connecting with Renix & DeAnn Graham and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Renix & DeAnn, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Our journey started with self-help books plus attending PSI seminars and Urban Excellence Institute. Collectively, they helped us find our purpose and refine our “will”. We discovered the “way” after giving back through volunteering and leading an inspiring life for many years. Renix and DeAnn founded Will & Way Community Enrichment Corporation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in 2018. The organization’s goal is to help individuals turn challenges into opportunities through mentorship, programs, and services, Will & Way aims to help individuals become the best versions of themselves through the development of skills and character.

Lets talk about your work and what sets you apart from others.
As a non-profit organization that seeks to develop emerging leaders, Will & Way CEC aims to empower individuals who are deficient in support to overcome difficulties by highlighting the gifts and talents they already possess. That is what sets us apart from others, we support individuals to look within vs. externally. Will & Way provides support within four (4) key areas: Non-Profit Development & Compliance, Leadership & Growth, Financial Literacy, and Personal Development.

We are most proud of our impact in the school districts, where we educate educators about their pension and build their financial confidence through retirement readiness education. We also inspire inner-city youth through our leadership & growth component.

We are currently excited about the commencement of our 3rd cohort of the Non-Profit Development Program (NPDP). Since its inception in 2021, we have successfully launched over 25 new non-profit organizations across the U.S.A. and this is just the beginning!

Our success is credited to hard work, determination, and consistency. We did not get where we are today easily, it required a plan of action and commitment to execution. In order to grow, one must get uncomfortable. As a result, we have overcome every challenge that has risen, by focusing on the Will and the Way! Our “why”. Our purpose. Resting in the main thing is what helps us overcome adversity. Every successful person acknowledges that failure plays a major part in their success. That is the lesson we’ve learned along the way.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The African American Museum of Dallas is a beautiful display of preserved, cultural and historic art. It’s a must see for a relaxing day out! We’d add a little laughter by going to the Arlington Improv and excitement by attending “Texas Live” also in Arlington.

For dinner, we have a 5-star restaurant option and Fogo De Chao meets the need! Also, a great restaurant in Fort Worth area is Chef Point Cafe. They have (2) locations and the owner and head chef is from Nigeria and brings a Nigerian flair to the average American dish. Another favorite is Meat-U-Anywhere BBQ, they also have two (2) locations and it is the best BBQ on this side of the Mississippi! Our guest are never disappointed by all 3 restaurant options.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are three (3) books that had the greatest impact in our personal lives:

Destiny by T.D.Jakes
Pushing up People by Art Williams
Win The day by Mark Batterson

The Urban Excellence Institute (www.urbanexcellence.net) and PSI Seminars (www.psiseminars.com) provided the stepping stones to a life of significance and purpose. We learned how to identify our limiting beliefs and overcome the obstacles that prevented us from creating the life we wanted. As a result, we became more compelled to offer professional and personal development as well as encourage others to launch a non-profit organization by turning their pain into purpose.

Website: www.willandwaycec.org

Instagram: www.instagram.com/willandwaycec

Facebook: www.facebook.com/willandwaycec

Other: Email: Contact@willandwaycec.org

Image Credits
Flier & button photo image created by: Eryck McCown of https://www.eryckmphotography.com/

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