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Pastor Touré Roberts, Senior Pastor of The Potter’s House

“One of the most important lessons I have learned in life and leadership is this, your internal knowing will often outpace your external visibility. I have launched companies with more belief than budget. I have led ministries that grew slowly, long before they became significant. I have stood in rooms that felt small while carrying a vision that felt anything but small,” Pastor Roberts said.

“In those seasons, you are tempted to question yourself. You wonder if the size of the room is a reflection of the size of your calling. It is not. There is a difference between what you see and what you know. Knowing is not arrogance. It is not hype. It is a settled conviction about who you are and what you are assigned to build, even when the evidence is minimal.”

He continued: “Everything big starts small. But not everyone can endure small seasons without shrinking. That is where knowing matters most. Some of my most formative years were quiet. Building teams few people noticed,” Roberts said. “Strengthening systems before scale. Developing discipline, stewardship, and character before visibility ever arrived. Those rooms were not restricting me, they were refining me. Unfolding is what happens when capacity is developed before expansion is visible.”

“If you know who you are before the spotlight, you will not confuse slow growth with small calling. You will not edit your conviction to match your environment. You will build anyway. And one day, when the spotlight does come, it will simply reveal what was already formed in the dark. Protect what you know. The room will catch up,” he concluded.

This year is the 50th that Bishop T.D. Jakes has preached the good word and the 30th that his Potter’s House has spread that message from its southern Dallas sanctuary. The Potter’s House has grown to become one of the largest churches in the country and now occupies four campuses and operates nearly 60 distinct ministries. Now that he’s trading pastoring for podcasting, we caught up with the famous Christian clergyman.

It has been 20 years since I had the honor of meeting you and profiling you for a D Magazine cover story. A lot has changed since then, including your look. Talk to me about the beard. I’ve had the beard off and on. It just went white. I earned this gray hair, and I wear it unashamedly. I’m at that age and stage now. And I’m enjoying it.

We’re talking almost a year to the day since you had a massive heart attack onstage in front of your congregation. Tell me what you learned from that experience.

Well, that was a very interesting experience, because my first thought was “God, can you wait five minutes till I am off here? Did I have to have the heart attack in front of the world?” Had I got to the hospital five minutes later, I probably wouldn’t have made it. Of course it’s been a point of reflection, and it has a lot to do with me bearing down even harder on “What do you want to do with the second half of your life?” It leads you to an inflection point that I was headed toward anyway, but it expedited it because I’m quickly moving into the legacy stage of my life, while I am still able-bodied and still have the energy to be able to contribute.

“Part of transition is being mentally and emotionally and spiritually in a place where you can let go.” -Bishop T.D. Jakes

The second half of your life? If I do the math, that means you plan to live to 140.

Well, I don’t mean that literally. I mean, you can die at 20. None of us really knows when that’s going to come. So I don’t make my decisions based on dates that aren’t promised to me. Let’s not quibble about numbers, because who knows who will outlive who.

In July, you handed leadership of the church to your daughter Sarah and her husband, Touré. How often do you go to church and then, after the service, tell one of them, “That’s not the way I would have preached it”?

You know, part of the transition is being mentally and emotionally and spiritually in a place where you can let go. One of the things that helps me to let go of what I was doing is to grab hold to what I am doing now and what I’m about to do. It’s not always easy because I’m used to being in charge of everything, and I do preach from time to time at the church. But I’m giving them an opportunity to translate the Gospel into the language of their generation and to reach their generation without a whole lot of my baby boomer ideas in this Gen X world.

Do you announce ahead of time when you’re going to be preaching, and then do the seats fill up a little quicker on those Sundays?

[laughs] Yes, I do announce when I’m going to preach, and I would say they fill up a little differently. The old-timers that are used to my style of preaching are more apt to come out than the younger ones. I think Touré and Sarah draw as many people, but they may be in different age demographics.

Your new podcast is called NXT Chapter With T.D. Jakes. Could you not afford to buy an E?

[laughs] I think it is our attempt to be hip and modern and edgy—and to prepare you for the fact that I’m going to be talking to all kinds of people, not just preachers, but businesspeople, CEOs, hip-hop artists, movie directors. I’m concerned about the direction our country is going in. I think that this country desperately needs a voice that brings them together and brings some sense of calmness and unity in the midst of our diversity like never before.

For your first episode, you landed kind of a famous guest, Oprah Winfrey. How nervous were you talking to her?

I’ve been to her house several times. So I wasn’t nervous at all. In the interview that I had with Oprah, we almost forgot the audience was out there. Because we do have conversations. There’s certain things we understand about each other. To hear how she thinks and who she hires and why she did her work in Chicago as opposed to Hollywood—there were so many things to talk about. One of the things that I admire most about her is she always knows when to walk away. She walked away from the talk show at the right time. A lot of times people don’t know when to quit. She’s been masterful at knowing when to cash in her chips.

Besides the podcast, what else is the T.D. Jakes Group working on?

We’re doing real estate development. We’re acquiring property. We’re redeveloping mixed-income housing. I’m doing entrepreneurial work because we’ve had 350,000 Black women laid off in a week. We’re talking about educated, highly trained women. Our Good Soil app connects them to capital. African American women and Latina women go into business more readily than any other people group, but they don’t have equal access to credit. And I’m still writing books. I’m writing a book called Anchor, because the anchor allows a ship to move in a storm but not lose its way. We have to have the flexibility to change with the times, but we have to be anchored in our core values so that we don’t drift into becoming something that we actually are not.

Part of the next chapter of your life, at least recently, has gotten pretty complicated. Help me understand some of the recent headlines that I’ve read about you.

Well, I don’t think it’s getting complicated. Disinformation and misinformation didn’t just hit me. It hit all kinds of people all over the country. When you’re a highly visible person, you get a turn. And it was my turn. But it wasn’t true, and the FBI never called me, and my wife didn’t move to Canada, and I was never subpoenaed or anything like that. But I’m a big boy. I’m a grown man. And I am not upset. I knew the FBI wasn’t going to find me on the tape anywhere. I’ve never had any idea of the people’s personal lives with which I do business. I got a chance to be the only preacher on Revolt [television network] preaching the Gospel to the hip-hop world. That’s what I was interested in, and I had no involvement in any of their personal lives.

All right, Bishop. You take care of yourself.

I’m going to do it. I’m doing it. I’m trying.

Social Tags: @d_Magazine

In a time when the average person’s attention span on screens is measured in mere seconds or minutes, I sat through an hour-and-33-minute-long interview on YouTube. The interview in question is Bishop T.D. Jakes’s conversation with former NFL player Cam Newton on his NXT Chapter podcast. The viral clip of the renowned pastor checking Newton in the most graceful way I’ve seen is what led me to watch the interview in its entirety. What I witnessed was that after the sportsman spent more than an hour making excuses for why he’s apprehensive about getting married, has nine children with multiple women, and can’t be vulnerable, Jakes tells Newton to do the hard work to “fix it” while he still has time.

The “hard work” Jakes refers to, and the “it,” is Newton naming and healing the hurt causing his internal rage. The athlete said the hurt stems from his fallout with ex-girlfriend Kia Proctor, whom he was with for seven years, the fractured relationship with her daughter, whom he claims as his own, and his inability to have all of his children under the same roof more often. The multihyphenate pastor warned Newton—who noted that he grew up a pastor’s kid—that time is running out, as he warned Newton that he’s “built his life around a youth that’s leaving.”

“Youth is a vapor. It’s like steam on a mirror in the bathroom after a shower. By the time you dry off, it’s gone. You just got a minute to fix this, and none of those girls and none of those jobs and none of that money is going to be able to fix it,” he said to the star, who listened seemingly teary-eyed.

The teary eyes were contagious. I found my tear ducts welling up because of how profound the message is, but also because I’ve never seen Newton more quiet. It was the first time in the nearly 90-minute conversation (and any interview of his I’ve watched) that he didn’t have an excuse, rebuttal, or deflection. All he could do was listen.

The 68-year-old added that he hoped Newton would hear him so he wouldn’t turn into a bitter old man making excuses for wasting his life.

“It’s not like you’re sleeping up under a bridge, but you are sleeping up under a bridge. It’s not like you don’t have anything, but you don’t have anything. It’s not like you don’t count, but where it counts, you don’t matter, and only you can fix that,” he concluded, suggesting Newton has everything and nothing at the same time.

My initial stance for this piece was steeped in criticism for Newton’s contradictions around marriage, kids, and commitment. My disdain increased as I listened to him avoid accountability at every turn. Jakes asked him to share what he’d learned from his shortcomings throughout the entire interview. Yet the conversation kept circling back to Newton’s need to put women through obstacle courses to prove they wouldn’t abandon him, as well as highlighting everyone else’s shortcomings.

In many words, he said the following:

His girlfriend, Jasmin Brown, is his “Cinderella,” but he’s not convinced that after almost four years together, she’ll stay when the going gets tough.

The only person he’s willing to be vulnerable with is his kids.

He wants to know without a shadow of a doubt that the woman in his life will stay for better or worse before getting married. But he also says he’ll never know for sure.

He says it hurts him that all of his children can’t be under one roof more often. Yet, he can’t trust anyone enough to marry them and create a single, solid household.

Nevertheless, he’s also open to having more kids. It seems Newton wants unconditional love but isn’t willing to offer vulnerability, long-term commitment, or loyalty.

I was perpetually frustrated listening to him talk — it was almost insufferable. It felt like listening to soliloquies of an abandoned little boy trapped in a 36-year-old man’s body. But by the end of the interview, something unexpected happened; I softened, and for the first time, I felt empathy for Newton. Because he is struggling with the same boogeyman as many of us, especially Black men: vulnerability. Particularly when their attempts at openness are violated by someone they trust, or they’re rejected.

Few men have been given the tools needed to recover from heartbreak, so it becomes part of them, carried like a keepsake. Consequently, we get a distorted and emotionally unavailable version of Black men like Newton and Nick Cannon. Instead of true vulnerability, we’re bombarded with candy-coated language devoid of accountability, behavior that contradicts their touted values, and circuses instead of stable homes. We meet their toxic, broken representatives because they’re too afraid to show us who they truly are, when they’re hurting, and where they need help.

In my first ever therapy session about seven years ago, I went into the office masking and talking about everything but what was broken. My therapist at the time said to me, “Your vulnerable self is your true self.” Afterward, I spent years doing the “work” that Jakes calls Newton to do during the interview, and I can confirm my therapist was right. I have since been reacquainted with the vulnerable version of myself, and I’ve developed the courage to share that person with trusted people. I know what it’s like to feel trapped in a dark room with your pain, but you won’t be free until you open the door. Vulnerability is a superpower; it’s where the healing happens. It also gives us the information we need to transform into who we want to be.

I used to think Newton was a lost cause, but now I share Pastor Jakes’s hope. The hope that Newton does the necessary work to heal what’s broken and show up as a more divine version of himself. I pray he taps into the openness needed to course-correct with himself, the women in his life, and his children. And I pray all of our Black men hiding under their beds from the boogeyman—vulnerability—find the courage to face their fears and heal.

His interview with Jakes may be a turning point because it tapped into the vulnerability he’s so terribly afraid the world will see. It was a raw reality check that called Newton to a level of accountability and healing that can only happen when you’re willing to tell the truth, no matter how naked it makes you feel.

Too often, we mistake proximity for presence and gathering for connection. As we stand on the threshold of a new year, facing unprecedented division, our most urgent task is not merely to occupy the same spaces, but to build durable bridges of the mind and spirit. The conversations that once echoed across front porches and hallowed grounds—from Martha’s Vineyard to the bustling tech hubs of Accra, from Marrakech to family kitchens across America, were the foundational acts of building community, or ‘common unity.’ We must reclaim this art: dialogue must once again become the infrastructure of our shared future.

This was the spirit in which we convened The Global Exchange. Designed not as a conclave of the elite, but as a symbol of our nation’s hunger for common ground, we gathered on the historic soil of Martha’s Vineyard. We sought to model a new chapter of “common unity,” where shared purpose outweighs division. Our vision, however, extends far beyond its shores.

A New Chapter: From Potential to Partnership
By 2050, Africa will represent one in four people on Earth. The continent’s economic potential, alongside its global diaspora, positions it as a critical partner in shaping the future of innovation, labor, and influence.

This unprecedented alignment of demographic shifts and economic power presents an opportunity for collaboration that transcends borders and benefits all who engage with it. The fractures of history have long separated us. Yet silence cannot repair what was broken. We must speak across oceans, unify our faith, ingenuity, and capital. This isn’t a long-term aspiration; it’s a present-day imperative.

This is not about charity, but collaboration. It is about redefining Africa as an equal partner in global prosperity, a continent whose innovation, resources, and human capital offer solutions to challenges facing us all.

From Words to Work: The Blueprint for a Movement
At The Global Exchange, we brought together architects of change and innovators of impact, embodying principles of cross-cultural dialogue, healing, and shared purpose. These representatives wrestled with issues demanding immediate attention:

Healing the divide of mental health and masculinity: Creating accessible, culturally competent pathways to healing.
Expanding capital investment in Africa: Moving beyond rhetoric to concrete investment vehicles where innovation can thrive.
Harnessing technology: Leveraging digital solutions to bridge gaps and empower communities.
Reclaiming real estate: Strategically investing in initiatives that generate returns and build community.

Year-Round, Worldwide: The Digital Bridge to Action
The work cannot be seasonal, nor can it be confined to an island. History teaches us that the most powerful movements are built through sustained, open-hearted dialogue—the kind that once happened on front porches and in sacred gathering places. Our ancestors understood that community was not built in grand gestures alone, but in the patient, persistent work of conversation.

The spirit of The Global Exchange lives on in platforms like our conversational podcast, NXT Chapter with T.D. Jakes. It is a digital extension of those front porches on the Vineyard—a space where vital conversations about our shared future continue. It is an invitation to everyone, everywhere, to participate in building a global community. Whether you’re an entrepreneur in Lagos, a student in Atlanta, or a leader in London, this is your front porch too.

We stand at a crossroads where our collective power can either dissipate into empty rhetoric or crystallize into a force altering the trajectory of nations. As we look toward 2026, let the lesson be that our greatest deficit is not economic, but relational. Our resolution must be to close that gap, to invest in the currency of connection, and to build the infrastructure of empathy. This is the work of our time, our call to common unity, and the next chapter we must write together.

Listen to the trailer HERE

DALLAS – November 7, 2025 – In a cultural moment marked by social divide, shifting values, and a national hunger for clarity, T.D. Jakes, New York Times best-selling author, noted entrepreneur and one of the world’s most trusted voices, is turning the page. Today, he has teamed up with iHeartMedia, the no. 1 podcast publisher globally, to announce the debut of “NXT Chapter with T.D. Jakes.” Premiering November 14 with special guest Oprah Winfrey, the series will bring together some of the most influential minds in business, entertainment, wellness, and culture for intimate conversations that will help audiences not just cope but evolve. Listeners can hear the official trailer now, HERE.
With its debut, “NXT Chapter” will offer a rare space where some of the world’s most distinguished voices including Oprah Winfrey, Denzel Washington, Jeezy, Mellody Hobson, Dr. Joseph D. Amos, Sarah Jakes Roberts, Jason Wilson, and more will chart the next chapter of society’s shared story. Few public figures command the level of trust and access that allows T.D. Jakes to convene guests of this caliber, reflecting the broad respect he holds across industries and generations. More than a new project, the series is both a literal and symbolic next chapter for Jakes and an invitation for listeners to explore what their own “next” will look like, and how to get there together.
In each weekly episode, Jakes and a guest will explore the life pivots, setbacks, and revelations that shaped their journeys and what came after. “NXT Chapter” will offer a perspective many never heard from T.D. Jakes before but one that’s been shaping the culture all along. More than a conversation, it will become a guide for the evolution of purpose for individuals and for the nation to turn the page.
“This isn’t just a podcast, it’s a platform for perspective. I’ve spent my life speaking to people’s souls. Now, I want to sit with their stories,” remarked Jakes. “NXT Chapter is about mapping what comes next for us, for our communities, and for the world we’re building together. I’m glad to be launching into my next chapter with iHeart and have the opportunity to reach a whole new audience on this journey. America’s story is still being written, but too often we speak past one another instead of with one another,” Jakes added. “NXT Chapter invites us to pause, listen, and begin drafting a future rooted in clarity, compassion, and shared purpose.”

A Platform for the Moment
For decades, Jakes has been known globally as “The Bishop”, a world-renowned thought leader, filmmaker, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and founder of The Potter’s House Church. But long before stepping away from the pulpit’s day-to-day responsibilities, Jakes was already reshaping how faith, culture, and commerce intersect in modern society. From studio partnerships and real estate ventures to publishing and global philanthropy, he has consistently been a force for innovation across every space he occupies.
Now, in partnership with iHeartMedia, he turns the page once again not into something new, but into something more. “NXT Chapter with T.D. Jakes” will offer audiences a rare opportunity to experience the mind behind the movement, the strategist, the media pioneer, and the cultural architect whose influence has quietly guided boardrooms, sound stages, and community halls for nearly 50 years. It’s the brain behind the Bible. The builder behind the brand.
Recorded less than a year after Jakes publicly revealed his near-fatal heart attack in an exclusive interview on The Today Show, the series will capture a personal dimension of his journey. Several episodes will reflect on his recovery, renewed perspective, and the clarity of purpose that continues to shape this next season of his life and work.
“At a time when people are searching for hope and more connection, ‘NXT Chapter with T.D. Jakes’ is the perfect podcast to remind us of what is possible when people from different walks of life come together,” said Will Pearson, President, iHeartPodcasts. “We are excited to help Bishop Jakes connect with iHeart’s listeners everywhere to find out what might be the next page in their own personal journeys.”

A Strategic Alliance at Scale
With iHeartMedia’s unmatched scale, “NXT Chapter” will reach a broad audience from business leaders to culture shapers to everyday listeners seeking purpose. The new partnership will build on T.D. Jakes’s expansive digital footprint, including millions of followers, monthly video views, and a digital ecosystem generating over 2 billion annual impressions.

Listen and Subscribe
“NXT Chapter with T.D. Jakes” is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and will be available beginning November 14, 2025 on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere listeners get their podcasts. Follow the show at @NXTChapterPod on Instagram and watch full-length video episodes and exclusive content on YouTube.com/@NXTChapterPodcast

About T.D. Jakes
T.D. Jakes is a global thought leader, CEO, filmmaker, New York Times bestselling author, and founder of The Potter’s House Church in Dallas, TX. Through his conglomerate The T.D. Jakes Group, Jakes leads brands across media, real estate, and social impact, including a 10-year strategic partnership with Wells Fargo to mobilize up to $1 billion in capital and grants for inclusive development, workforce expansion, and entrepreneurial growth. His influence spans entertainment, civic leadership, and faith and now, with NXT Chapter, a new generation of digital storytelling. Watch full-length video episodes and exclusive content on YouTube.com/@NXTChapterPodcast

About iHeartMedia, Inc.
iHeartMedia, Inc. [Nasdaq: IHRT] is the leading audio media company in America, with nine out of ten Americans listening to iHeart broadcast radio in every month. iHeart’s broadcast radio assets alone have a larger audience in the U.S. than any other media outlet; twice the size of the next largest broadcast radio company; and over four times the ad-enabled audience of the largest digital only audio service. iHeart is the largest podcast publisher according to Podtrac, with more downloads than the next two podcast publishers combined, has the most recognizable live events across all genres of music, has the number one social footprint among audio players, with five times more followers than the next audio media brand, and is the only fully integrated audio ad tech solution across broadcast, streaming and podcasts. The company continues to leverage its strong audience connection and unparalleled consumer reach to build new platforms, products and services. Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.

DALLAS, TX, UNITED STATES, September 17, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — The T.D. Jakes Foundation (TDJF) yesterday announced the official launch of Power of 5, a bold national movement that demonstrates how small gifts can create extraordinary impact. The campaign invites one million people to each contribute $5 and inspire five friends to do the same, fueling economic access, financial literacy, education, and workforce readiness in underserved communities across America.

The campaign opened with a high-energy Instagram Live conversation featuring Chairman T.D. Jakes and cultural influencers, setting the tone for a movement built on generosity, technology, and collective action. With early support from Wells Fargo, which pledged to match the first $1 million raised, Power of 5 signals a new era of philanthropy, one where access and impact are multiplied through digital reach and shared purpose.

Designed for the modern donor, the campaign integrates mobile-first giving platforms, QR codes, text-to-give, and branded social assets to inspire grassroots engagement. Supporters receive digital badges to share online, amplifying visibility and creating a viral wave of generosity.

The kickoff, themed “$1M in Motion,” features real-time donation tracking, social media takeovers, and surprise activations powered by more than 50 micro-influencers and a roster of high-profile cultural voices including Egypt Sherrod, Angela Simmons, Malinda Williams, ShantaQuilette Deville and more. From the first donation to the millionth, Power of 5 will showcase the power of community-driven philanthropy in action.

“Five dollars may seem small, but when multiplied by one million people, it has the power to transform generations,” said Kelley Cornish, President & CEO of the T.D. Jakes Foundation. “Power of 5 is more than a campaign, it’s a call to action. It is everyday people fueling change, proving that together we can open doors to opportunity, create pathways to education and career readiness, and ensure that communities have what they need to thrive.”

Funds raised will support the operations and pillars of the T. D. Jakes Foundation which are: financial inclusion, educational access and workforce readiness, and community transformation and well-being. These programs provide the tools, training, and resources families need to achieve long-term economic mobility.

– To donate and learn more about the campaign, visit: https://givebutter.com/Powerof5

– Or text “POWEROF5” to 53555 to give

Kelley Cornish is available for interviews to share how the initiative reflects a larger shift toward accessible, digital-first philanthropy and why this collective call to action comes at just the right time.

About the T.D. Jakes Foundation
The T.D. Jakes Foundation is a national nonprofit organization committed to improving the lifelong outcomes of individuals and communities who have limited access to resources and opportunities. Through bold, collaborative programs in workforce development, education, financial literacy, and community transformation, the Foundation creates lasting pathways to economic mobility.

About Kelley Cornish
Kelley Cornish is the President & CEO of the T.D. Jakes Foundation and is a nationally recognized leader in workforce transformation, innovation and systems change. Her career spans corporate leadership, philanthropy, and social impact building bridges between industry and community to drive sustainable change.

TDJF Website: https://tdjfoundation.org
Donation Campaign Site: https://givebutter.com/Powerof5
Text “POWEROF5” to 53555 to give

At the heart of the Forum, the $500K Seed Capital Pitch Competition, presented by Wells Fargo, empowered a new wave of entrepreneurs with equity-free funding to grow and scale their businesses.

The 2025 Good Soil Forum, presented by Wells Fargo, concluded in Dallas this weekend with resounding success, as over 2,000 entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders gathered at the AT&T Performing Arts Center from June 12th through 14th for one of the nation’s most transformative small business events.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250617658480/en/

Winners of the 2025 Good Soil Forum Capital Seed Pitch Competition, presented by Wells Fargo, pictured with Chairman T.D. Jakes and Michael Martino, Head of Customer Growth Segments, Consumer, Small & Business Banking at Wells Fargo – Photo credit: @ExclusiveAccess.net

Global icon Oprah Winfrey joined T.D. Jakes, Founder of the Good Soil Movement, for a powerful fireside conversation that anchored the three-day event. The three day event boasted a dynamic lineup of speakers, including Operation HOPE Founder John Hope Bryant; fashion designer Jerry Lorenzo; financial educator Wallstreet Trapper; Camille Rose Founder and CEO Janell Stephens; Founder of CURLS and Huzzy Smart Sips, Mahisha Dellinger; artist and entrepreneur David Banner; and Slutty Vegan founder Pinky Cole Hayes—who shared insights on building generational wealth, securing funding, scaling businesses, and leading with purpose. Together, they reinforced the Forum’s mission to close opportunity gaps for underserved and undercapitalized entrepreneurs.

This year’s theme, The Transformation Agenda, came to life through dynamic panels, hands-on workshops, high-impact networking, and the marquee moment—the $500,000 Seed Capital Pitch Competition, presented by Wells Fargo. Entrepreneurs from across the country competed for equity-free funding to grow their ventures and drive community impact. Financial technology platform, Hello Alice was also onsite, providing small business owners with valuable resources and guidance to access capital and scale their ventures.

The competition concluded with the announcement of this year’s standout winners — each recognized for their bold ideas, strong business potential, and commitment to driving meaningful change:

2025 Seed Capital Competition Winners

1st Place – $200,000
Rozalynn Goodwin, Confidence by GaBBy Goodwin — Columbia, South Carolina
2nd Place – $100,000
Kia-Shun Voltz, Shampoo Time — Red Oak, Texas
+ $50,000 Dallas Community Award
3rd Place – $75,000
Paden Sickles, SickFit — Arlington, Texas

The judging panel included the following leaders:

Michael Martino, Head of Customer Growth Segments, Consumer, Small & Business Banking, Wells Fargo
Dr. K.L. Allen, Chancellor, Western Governors University
Elizabeth Gore, Co-Founder & President, Hello Alice
Ansley Carlisle, Investor, Mark Cuban Companies

“For too long, entrepreneurs—especially those from undercapitalized communities—have been left without the support and access they need to thrive,” said T.D. Jakes. “The Good Soil Forum is about more than ideas—it’s about action. We’re convening power to ensure today’s dreamers have the capital, mentorship, and networks to turn their visions into sustainable enterprises.”

“Good Soil Forum delivers much needed resources and opportunities to aspiring businesses looking to grow and thrive,” said Kristy Fercho, head of Financial Inclusion at Wells Fargo. “Wells Fargo is proud to support initiatives that continue to foster innovation and equip entrepreneurs with essential tools to succeed in their journey forward.”

The Good Soil Movement—now 26,000+ members strong—continues its mission to help one million entrepreneurs reach $1M in revenue within the next decade. Since its inception, the movement has awarded nearly $1 million in capital, cultivated a thriving ecosystem of founders, and championed the belief that with the right soil, every idea has the potential to grow.

Stand Together Foundation, part of the Stand Together philanthropic community, was also onsite at the 2025 Good Soil Forum, supporting community-driven change and backing social entrepreneurs working closest to the challenges.

“Stand Together is proud to partner with the Good Soil Movement to support a growing community of principled entrepreneurs,” said Brian Hooks, chairman and CEO, Stand Together. “There is no limit to what people can accomplish when they have the opportunity and support required to bring their ideas to life. Good Soil is flipping the script to show the tremendous value that can be created when we stop seeing people as problems to be solved and start seeing them as opportunities to invest in.”

Impact partners included presenting sponsor Wells Fargo, supporting partner, the Stand Together Foundation, impact partners Hello Alice, Lemonade Day, The T.D. Jakes Foundation, and Western Governors University, and media partner, iHeart Media.

For more information or to join the movement, visit www.goodsoilforum.com and follow @goodsoilforum for updates.

About The Good Soil Movement:
Good Soil Movement empowers entrepreneurs by providing networking opportunities, resources, and solutions for growing and scaling businesses. With a mission to help one million entrepreneurs generate $1 million in revenue over the next ten years, Good Soil is fostering economic stability and generational wealth. Since its inception, the movement has grown to a thriving network of over 26,000 members, equipping small business owners with tangible tools for success. Every conversation plants a seed for growth, turning every moment into an opportunity to bloom. Learn more at www.goodsoilforum.com. Follow @goodsoilforum on IG for updates.

About Hello Alice:
Hello Alice is a financial technology company that provides access to capital, connections, and education to over 1.5 million entrepreneurs. Through data-driven business plans, Hello Alice delivers personalized recommendations that drive profitable solutions between small businesses and give entrepreneurs access to the resources they need to grow. In turn, our business health engine for banks and enterprise business services helps corporations increase engagement and transactions with small businesses. The result is more money in the pockets of small businesses and the brands that serve them. Founded by Carolyn Rodz and Elizabeth Gore, Hello Alice remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that every small business owner has the resources to thrive and live their dream. For more information visit: HelloAlice.com

About Stand Together Foundation:
Stand Together Foundation is dedicated to empowering individuals to reach their full potential through community-driven change. We are building a movement of social entrepreneurs who believe in people, work with individuals closest to the problem, and unite with anyone to do right. Through innovations that inspire Americans to help each other, they are building stronger, safer communities where all people can learn, contribute, and live lives of meaning. Stand Together Foundation is part of the Stand Together philanthropic community. Learn more at StandTogetherFoundation.org.