Kolean Sanders has worked hard and has become very successful in business as a double minority, an African American female. She has been the first in many business categories and, as a government contractor, she has been awarded many times by the Small Business Administration, not only for nine years of success, but also for mentoring other small businesses in SBA programs. 

Kolean retired from the insurance industry after fifteen productive years, then she started the first black female-owned security company in Southeastern US. Her documented success has been recognized by the Mississippi Black Chamber of Commerce as well as the National Black Chamber. She has multiple business holdings domestically and in other countries.

But Kolean Sanders was an unlikely candidate for the attributes she now receives. As a youth, the oldest sister of nine other siblings, she was quite poor. Her mother passed when Kolean was very young leaving Kolean to raise and care for the younger children, a promise she made to her mother as she was dying.

Absent the protection of her mother, the doorknob turned many times as predators intruded and took advantage of Kolean’s vulnerability. Although relatives, neighbors, church members knew, no one intervened or came to her rescue. She felt hopeless, lost and alone.

God gave her a visitation one night after an unsuccessful suicide attempt. Her life was changed. She endured, learned to survive, and now thrives, due to God’s favor and grace as well as the wisdom of her mother who poured strong moral character into Kolean.

Kolean Sanders is a Christian evangelist, speaker, and songwriter. She is the founder of Geneva Foundation, Incorporated, named after her mother, the Late Geneva Williams. Kolean’s book, “The Legacy of Geneva – The Gift of a Mother’s Wisdom,” is comprised of the nuggets of wisdom shared with Kolean by Mrs. Williams. Its popularity is sweeping North America and is in other countries

Through the Geneva Foundation, Kolean Sanders has led many women and girls out of their painful dark past experiences into the light through classes she administers, hands-on, focusing on the nine main types of abuse. The testimonies pour in of females who once suffered from their fearful memories and shame, who now talk are healed and able to about it.

Kolean understood she had a choice in how she lived her life after hardship. She decided to follow her mother’s advice and to “take the road less traveled by.” In order for her to succeed she would make a commitment to the take high road. So, instead of making excuses, she made it happen. Through all the turmoil of her past, she glows gracefully, harboring no bitterness.

Sheldon Gooch offers an autobiographical account in graphic detail of how, at fourteen, he entered the dark world of drug abuse. He shares the progressive steps he took to mount and ride one of the deadliest, most addictive drugs to hit his neighborhood.

His personal values and morals became negotiable, transforming him into a riotous public enemy suitable only for death or long-term incarceration. This was unacceptable to Sheldon. While incarcerated, serving LIFE plus sixty years, he embarked on a different journey. The path he chose was education and he earned several degrees.

Through faith and personal development, he became an example of criminal rehabilitation. After a governor’s release, his story was thrust into the national spotlight to include appearances on DATELINE NBC and The Oprah Show. He has held many top executive positions at large firms in Mississippi.

Sheldon has spoken in every school district and on every college campus in the state of Mississippi as well as across the United States.  He has conducted workshops and ministry in over 30 prisons around the country. He shares personal development concepts that not only empower the prisoner and ex offender, but also improves upon those who have never been in a structured prison. His honest, down-to-earth style leaves a lasting impact as attendees leave with ownership of what they learned.

Sheldon is the founder and executive director of I’m Free, Incorporated, and organization established to assist in the successful transition of newly released ex-offenders into society. He is the author of the CANEI Curriculum which represents Continuous And Never-Ending Improvement. The program has enjoyed 100% success for over 30 years.  

Sheldon Gooch is a recording artist and has sung and spoken in over 700 churches in Mississippi and scores throughout the United States. He has been the keynote speaker for mayors' prayer breakfasts and civic clubs, for conferences and for professional organizations. His book, entitled I’m Free, can be purchased on Amazon. He enjoys sharing God's Word. He loves John 8:36: “If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.”