Tevon Conrad
Born and raised in Detroit, Tevon Conrad is the founder of Out The Mud Youth Organization. A graduate of Pershing High School (2009), Tevon went on to become an All-American athlete at Saginaw Valley State University. Though his journey took a detour after being expelled in 2014, he demonstrated resilience and determination by earning his associate’s degree from Wayne County Community College District in 2023 and graduating from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2025.
Sports played a major role in shaping Tevon’s values—teaching him discipline, focus, perseverance, and both mental and physical toughness. Inspired by his own trials and tribulations, he created Out The Mud to guide young people away from the mistakes he once made. His mission is to provide the mentorship, guidance, and access to resources that were not readily available to him growing up, with a focus on empowering underprivileged youth across Detroit.
Tevon’s vision for Out The Mud extends far beyond mentorship. His long-term goal is to provide $20,000 in scholarship funds annually to support youth pursuing higher education, whether through college, trade school, or other professional development opportunities. He also aims to establish Out The Mud as a safe haven for displaced youth—a space where they feel seen, supported, and empowered. With a focus on personal growth, education, and emotional well-being, Tevon is committed to creating a positive and transformative environment that helps young people thrive in every aspect of life.
David Alexander Jr.
I am proud native of Detroit, I stand firm in my faith and commitment to God, to my family as a dedicated husband and father. My educational journey started at Communication Media Arts High School, leading me to Saginaw Valley State University, where I earned a Bachelor's degree in Business with a focus on Finance, Marketing, and Management. My pride in being a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. fuels my passion for service and community.
With over 11 years of experience in sales and management, my professional journey began at Enterprise Rent-A-Car, where I honed my skills in client relations and leadership. Today, I embrace my entrepreneurial spirit through my logistics, tax services, and vending machine businesses.
My life experiences, including overcoming near-death challenges, homelessness, and adversity, serve as a testament to my belief that "it's not how you start, but how you finish." My main aspiration is to uplift others, especially the youth, by sharing my story and empowering them to strive for greatness. I am living proof that with faith, determination, and resilience, miracles can happen.
Dr. Denise Campbell
Dr. Denise Campbell is a dynamic and accomplished healthcare professional with over 15 years of diverse experience across the healthcare continuum. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Denise is the middle child of five siblings and the only living daughter—a role that has profoundly influenced her character and purpose. Having experienced the loss of two sisters, she developed a deep well of empathy, strength, and perseverance that continues to shape both her personal and professional journey. Her passion for healthcare was ignited during her high school years at HEART Academy in Harper Woods, MI, where she began volunteering at Henry Ford Hospital. This early exposure to patient care affirmed her calling and laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to service.
Upon graduating in 2009, Denise earned her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credential and was awarded a scholarship to Saginaw Valley State University. There, she earned her bachelor's degree in health science in 2014, further solidifying her academic and clinical foundation. Her career has since spanned a breadth of roles—from Administrative Assistant and Patient Care Provider to Home Health Aide, Clinical Trial Coordinator, and Medical Billing and Coding Specialist. These roles have equipped her with a comprehensive and compassionate understanding of healthcare delivery, from the bedside to the boardroom. In a remarkable demonstration of determination, Denise earned her Master’s in Healthcare Administration from Capella University in 2018, just 24 hours after giving birth to her son, Dean Alexander, whom she regards as her greatest blessing and life’s purpose.
Continuing to elevate her expertise, Denise recently earned her Doctorate in Healthcare Administration and Leadership in 2025, positioning her at the forefront of strategic healthcare innovation. She currently serves as a Feasibility Manager within a clinical research organization (CRO), where she plays a critical role in advancing medical research and optimizing trial operations. Beyond her professional endeavors, Denise is a devoted companion to both children and adults with disabilities and remains an active member of the National Honor Society, underscoring her lifelong dedication to excellence and service.
Her journey is one of grit, grace, and growth—a testament to the transformative power of resilience. Denise lives by the mantra: “Out of struggle comes strength, and from service comes significance.” Her life’s work continues to inspire and uplift, reflecting a steadfast commitment to healing, hope, and humanity.
William Matthews
Rooted in the cultural lineage of the Harlem Renaissance, Expressionism, and the tactile language of found objects, his visual language bridges classical influences with deeply personal contemporary narratives. Matthews’ work often features fragmented figures, symbolic iconography, and layered surfaces that speak to both trauma and resilience.
Beyond the studio, Matthews is a dedicated middle school art educator and arts program designer. His teaching philosophy fuses technical skills with social-emotional development, creating space for students to process, create, and lead. He has led numerous art auctions, curated exhibitions that uplift emerging Black voices, and developed integrated arts curricula that connect visual and performing arts with academic content.
His practice is not only about creating art—but creating opportunities. Whether organizing accessible art shows for first-time collectors or mentoring youth in Detroit's creative community, Matthews’ commitment to using art as both mirror and bridge remains central.
At his core, Matthews is an artist in pursuit of peace, truth, and the reclamation of voice through image.
You can find more about William and his work at http://www.artislifellc.com
Oliver Lipscomb Jr.
Born on November 6, 1991 in Detroit, Michigan, Oliver Lipscomb Jr. is the son of Kimberly Edwards and Oliver Lipscomb Sr. Raised on the southwest side of Detroit, Oliver’s upbringing was shaped by responsibility and resilience. As the eldest son of four siblings, including a younger brother with autism, Oliver embraced leadership and empathy from an early age. It was in the third grade that he first realized his calling to become an educator.
Oliver pursued higher education at Western Michigan University where he double majored in social work and special education. During his time there he became a proud member of the Upsilon Gamma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. His commitment to service extended well beyond college, with a deep focus on philanthropy and community outreach.
With nearly a decade of experience in the classroom, Oliver has taught mathematics across grades one through twelve. Known for his engaging teaching style, sharp fashion sense, and ability to connect academic content to real-life experiences, he continues to inspire and uplift students every day. Oliver’s journey reflects a lifelong dedication to education, empowerment, and impact.
Darryl Taylor Jr.
Growing up on Dexter Ave in Detroit, MI, I faced a lot of challenges that tested my resilience and determination. My single mother had me at 16 and took on the responsibility of raising me and her younger sister after her own mother passed away when she was just 21 years old. Despite these hardships, my mother’s unwavering spirit and dedication to providing for us instilled in me a powerful sense of perseverance. She taught me to face obstacles head-on and never give up, no matter how tough things got.
My academic journey was far from easy. After being kicked out of Cass Technical High School and nearly removed from Osborn High School, I knew I had to make serious changes. Transferring to Crockett Technical High School for football marked a turning point—I refocused, made progress, and ultimately graduated. Football was my constant outlet throughout the chaos. From the Westside Cubs to high school, I was recognized for my talent and dedication. While I once viewed college only as a route through football, I eventually realized it was a chance to build a better future. That shift in mindset pushed me to take advantage of every opportunity to grow.
Determined to change my path, I moved to the deep country of Mississippi and enrolled at Alcorn State University. Despite making the college football team, I was ineligible to play due to academic reasons. Nonetheless, I was able to turn it around and thrive academically and pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated, where I served as the Mississippi 2nd Vice State Representative and earned 7th District Honors. My commitment to excellence also earned me Campus Leader and Business Professional Honors. I graduated with five different honor accolades, including being a Presidential Scholar for maintaining a 4.0 GPA and multiple Dean's Scholar awards for achieving a GPA of 3.5+. Today, I am proud to be a successful Account Executive at United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM), the #1 overall lender in the country. My journey from a challenging childhood on Dexter Ave to professional success is a reminder that with resilience and perseverance, you can get anything you want OUT THE MUD! And everything you earn OUT THE MUD, has a much better shine!