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TEAM
Richard D. Yeargin III, MS
Richard Yeargin is a highly sought-after transformational keynote speaker who uses his life experience and powerful storytelling to inspire his audience. Richard is no stranger to overcoming adversity as he had to overcome being a supreme athlete to enduring a critical car accident that broke his neck and gave him a concussion. This traumatic event temporarily stripped Richard of his mobility. It changed his college football career trajectory, but he still found a way to push past the pain and surmount the rigors of obtaining his bachelor's degree.Shortly after, he secured his master’s degree.
Richard used his adversity to propel him, affording him an opportunity to be awarded the Brian Piccolo award while continuing his football career. This accolade is awarded to someone who exemplifies courage, loyalty, and a commitment to redefining leadership. Today, he is a thought leader in the sports industry and a well-respected professor on Clemson University’s campus. Richard is also a career development Coach, public speaker, corporate trainer, and life coach. Richard believes that regardless of the title, the mission is to change lives one encounter at a time.
Heather Cotugno
Heather Cotugno is a Certified Youth Resilience Coach and credentialed special education teacher. She will lead the girls group for Take It Back! After spending many years in the classroom, she realized she can best support the growth and development of young people in a different way. Coach Heather works with kids in a variety of settings to focus on building their confidence, resilience, and acceptance, among other crucial skills needed for an empowered, successful life. Coach Heather helps youth to find their own solutions, setting them up for future issues that arise, all while cheering them on, increasing their excitement for life and reinforcing positive beliefs.
Lady Nicole Steele
Lady Nicole is the Executive Pastor at The King’s Worship Center, where she teams up with her husband to lead the church’s day-to-day operations. She has a heart for youth and loves inspiring the next generation to walk boldly in their faith, discover their purpose, and live with confidence. One of her favorite reminders is Jeremiah 29:11—“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord… “plans to give you a future and a hope.”
Outside of ministry, Lady Nicole runs a fun and stylish jewelry business that helps women shine from the inside out. She values quality time with her family and enjoys simple joys like gardening and getting creative with cookie decorating—especially when she can teach others how to do it too.
Pastor Kevin Steele
Pastor Kevin is a purpose-driven preacher, published author, and Spirit-led visionary blending theology with practical wisdom to reach and raise the next generation. As founder of The King’s Worship Center, he leads dynamic youth initiatives—Royal Priesthood (Middle School), A Chosen Generation (High School), and Quest Ministries (Young Adults)—focused on spiritual growth, academic excellence, and leadership development.
From exposing spiritual warfare to building leaders through S.H.I.F.T., Pastor Kevin equips young minds to walk in truth, lead with purpose, and impact culture for the Kingdom.
Derrick Quarles
Derrick’s advocacy journey began during his sophomore year at Southside High School when he unexpectedly received the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Outstanding Leadership Award for community service—a pivotal moment revealing his path toward advocacy and change.
With experience from over 40 political campaigns nationwide, Derrick has gained valuable insights, but Greenville remains closest to my heart. Here I discovered the importance of investing in one's community, which has guided my career.
Derrick is dedicated to justice, equality, and a safer Greenville, believing we can create a more inclusive future by addressing our diverse community's unique needs.