Kevin Lapierre is the Fuel Network Leader for New York. He is a born and raised Brooklynite who is committed to helping youth develop into who God calls them to be and assisting his fellow youth leaders make their unique impact in the lives of students. He currently serves as a leader for C3 University, the youth ministry of Christian Cultural Center. Kevin passion for leadership and growth helped him complete the UYWI Certification Program Class. His experience with that program prepared for a larger leadership role in his church and with the NYC Fuel Network.

Brandon Grant is the Fuel Network leader for Columbus, OH. He currently serves as the Holistic Engagement Director for Harambee Christian School. Brandon grew up in Illinois but moved to Columbus, Ohio to complete his B.S. in Healthcare Management from Franklin University. For the past 14 years, Brandon has had a passion to see Inner City youth overcome the different challenges they face in life and thrive in Christian community. In addition to his undergraduate degree, Brandon has completed a master’s degree in Theological Studies from Trinity International University. When he’s not working with students Brandon enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, playing old vinyl records, and going to garage sales on the weekends. Brandon has also had the opportunity to expand his professional development as a participant in the Devos Urban Leadership Initiative (2015), the Primemovers Program (2019), and is an active member with CCDA (2023).

Jonathan Banks is the Fuel Network leader for Chicago, Illinois. He is motivated to see people connect with God in a deeper way by challenging them to grow and inspiring them to rise. He actively serves his church and community and strives to help others reach their God-given potential in every area of life. Jonathan earned an undergraduate degree in engineering from Purdue University and an MBA from Northwestern University. Jonathan has enjoyed an amazing career path which has included Non-Profit Leadership, Youth Ministry, Food Ingredient & Flavor Research, Real Estate Finance and Business Development, Teaching and Tutoring K-12 & College level courses and now, full time ministry. He served as the Director of Ministry at Apostolic Faith Church where Bishop Horace E. Smith, M.D. is the Pastor and now serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Urban Outreach Foundation & Together Chicago serving an international group of pastors and leaders. His own academic and tutoring experiences helped him form an effective approach to success that he willingly shares with the next generation. Jonathan is an ordained minister where he lives with his wife, Jacinta, and their courageous sons.

Thomas Brackeen is the Fuel Network Leader for the DC area. He is a servant leader who has over 28 years of experience working with youth and young adults. Thomas’ mission is to empower young people and the leaders who serve them to make an impact in this world. Professionally he works in his current role as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Lead at The Nature Conservancy, where he has worked for the past ten years. He works in Philanthropy Leadership and across the organization to develop systems thinking and change management strategies. These strategies are focused on hiring & recruiting policies, engaging a diverse nontraditional donor base, discrimination & harassment prevention, and enhancing inclusivity within work culture.

Sean Nelson is the Fuel Network Leader for Houston, TX. He is an innovator by nature and a relational leader with over two decades of experience in youth development, adult pastoral work, executive coaching, and successful sales direction. His favorite leadership axiom is Lead Something – “If you want to get better, stretch beyond your current ability, and really find out what your strengths, talents and gifts are; lead something. Sean is a devoted family man, cherishing his role as a husband and father in a family of eight. With a bachelor’s degree in Christian Leadership from Juliana King University, Sean blends his faith-based education with practical experience to inspire and empower others on their journeys towards personal and spiritual growth. Additionally, Sean enjoys traveling, playing basketball, competing in body building competitions, live music, sporting events, meeting new people, empowering the next generation of leaders, and mentoring young men.

Jeff Chupp is the Fuel Network leader for Phoenix. Arizona. He serves as the Executive Director of Aim Right Ministries in Phoenix, AZ, where he channels his passion for helping urban youth into impactful programs and discipleship. With a background in music education within urban public schools, Jeff understands the unique needs and challenges of these communities and uses his experience to inspire and engage young people through creativity and arts. Jeff is supported by his wife Trisha and their children: Della, Max, and Rozlynn. Together, they are committed to fostering positive change and hope among urban youth. As a leader within the UWYI Fuel Network, Jeff embodies the mission of engaging and equipping urban youth leaders with the hope of the Gospel.

Jonny Fine is the Fuel Network leader for Cleveland, OH. He lives in Cleveland with his wife Liz, five children, and two grandchildren Emma & Levi. Jonny was called to full-time ministry with Youth for Christ / City Life and served as the Lincoln West Club Director for 6 years. Currently, Jonny is the Cleveland City Life Ministries Director and serves on the National YFC City Life Team. Jonny notes that nothing makes him happier than being able to serve the youth and leaders of Cleveland, Ohio; it is a great joy to be able to bring them hope through inspired leadership and the good news of Jesus.

UYWI’s Congregational Leadership Coach and Fuel Network Leader for Atlanta. Eric is the CO-Executive Mentor at URBANLIFE Mentors. For almost 3 decades Eric has been an advocate for youth. He has a mission to form lasting change in our inner-cities. Combining his experience within the non-profit and church world, Eric brings a collaborative, vibrant, engaging and unique style of Coaching and Mentoring. He guides from a framework that is Strategic and full of life experience. He is passionate about helping urban leaders create a plan of action that equips them with the skills to take their vision from idea to impact. Equally passionate for youth, Eric has developed helpful pathways to guide families through whole-life mentoring. Eric wholeheartedly believes that “Knowledge is incomplete until it’s passed on.” That means building meaningful relationships, sharing resources, and creating opportunities for success is something that Eric will always strive to do.

Fun Fact: Eric is a skilled barista who has moved from Oakland CA and now resides in the ATL . He cares deeply for his day ones, His wife (Shawana), 3 sons (Jadyn, Justyce and Jurni) and cat (Mochi). He loves music, art, cities and the sanctuary of nature.

Eric is a Bay Area Certification Alum.

Amie Schmidgall is the Fuel Network leader for Long Beach, CA. She is a full-time youth worker serving as Area Director for Long Beach Young Life. Amie began following Jesus as a teenager through Young Life and has served in youth ministry ever since. Prior to working for Young Life, Amie was the youth pastor at Garden Church overseeing both the Middle School & High School ministry for seven years. She completed the UYWI 90 Degree Certificate program in 2017 and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College in Costa Mesa, CA (2008-2010). God has given Amie the deep desire to see every young person in her city could hear and respond to the gospel, experience God's love, and be invited into meaningful relationships with caring adults. Residing in Long Beach, CA, with her husband Matt and two young kids, Amie enjoys road trips, reading, games, and building new and meaningful friendships.