Ohio Chapter

Inspiring Minds

Inspiring Minds is an Ohio Chapter of The Alliance, led by Deryck Toles (Watkins 1999).

Deryck Toles

Deryck Toles - Indianapolis Colts

Deryck Toles graduated from Penn State University with a major in Business and a minor in Computer Science. He’s currently pursuing his dream by playing football in the NFL. Even with his success, Deryck has never forgotten where he’s come from and has always vowed to give back to his community.

Mission

To encourage youth to dream past their circumstances and surroundings

Vision

Inspiring Minds is an outreach program that promotes the development of new dreams by exposure to new experiences. We encourage youth to “think out the box” and “step out of their comfort zone” in order to break the fear of success that has been adopted in our community because of the lack of knowledge.

Goal

Our goal is for youth to escape the fear of failure by defining their own success.

While stressing knowledge and wisdom we will motivate and encourage the youth to discover their talents and gifts that will be utilized to achieve their dreams.

News

They just sponsored a contest and the winners were selected to take a trip to Milwaukee to meet Usher.

Toles, ,Usher, and Tash

Toles and Usher

Letter from Deryck Toles

Hello everyone,

Just wanted to update you on another successful event. We selected 10 students and sponsored their trip to meet Usher, and the business staff of the Milwaukee Bucks and Green Bay Packers. They attended a summit about Sports Marketing, and also a Bucks basketball game. Not only did they get a chance to meet Usher, but they were able to ask him questions about business, success, and personal goals.

There were also other students at the event to go along with the music, dancing, and activities. We had a great time with the students. Pillow fights, pranks, cracking jokes, touring the city, getting lost ;-) , eating of course, and getting to know each other. The one thing that I noticed is that each student was affected differently. For some, they were excited to get on their first plane flight. Some, couldn't believe that they got a chance to meet a celebrity (Usher). Others came to realize, what they want to do with their life CAN be a reality. One student in particular simply said, "Thank You." I can't wait till the next event.

Have a great holiday,

Deryck