This past Friday, HIW had the honor of hosting our first assembly of the year at Redstone Middle School, setting the tone for another year of character development, leadership, and anti-bullying work with students. The energy in the room reminded us exactly why this work matters, kids leaning in, engaging, and being reminded that there truly is a hero in every kid. We were also grateful to have members of the Oklahoma Juvenile Affairs State Advisory Group (OJA SAG) in attendance, witnessing firsthand the impact of prevention-focused, youth-centered programming. It was especially meaningful to see SAG Chair, Les Thomas in his element championing youth, community, and collaboration. During the assembly, HIW was honored to receive a BIG grant check from the SAG, that was awarded this past fall, affirming the importance of early intervention, character development, and school-based prevention efforts across Oklahoma. We are deeply grateful for the partnership, the trust, and the shared commitment to supporting young people. Moments like this remind us that when schools, nonprofits, and state leaders come together, real impact happens. Here’s to a strong start to 2026 and the meaningful work ahead.

As we venture into another week of workdays with colleagues, clients, students, and strangers we haven’t met yet… Remember this: you don’t have to change the whole world — you just have to change the moment in front of you. This week, look for the “small hero” opportunities: - 👀 Notice who’s getting overlooked - 🤝 Include the one who’s on the edge - 🗣️ Say the brave sentence (even if it’s simple) - 🧠 Stay steady when emotions run hot - 🛡️ Be the safest person in the room on purpose You never know what someone is carrying into a Monday. Win or challenge question: What’s something you’re walking into this week — good, bad, or indifferent? 👇

Ready go!

@BritDany Matiox comes to us from Arizona and is passionate about building a space for Women to THRIVE WITH CREATIVITY - enrich their health, & birthright to sacred sisterhood. It’s a place where women can gather, encourage, inspire, and love on each other. A space free from judgement, unkindness, and fear. A place where all can all feel seen, supported, and heard.

We want to take a moment to celebrate and welcome the newest members of Heroes In Waiting. In the last week our small community has more than doubled!! Starting with the Jason's - because they are the Greatest... I'm not biased! @Jason Dobbie is a Former chef turned sober life coach. Helping you move beyond just staying sober and start living your best life. @Jason Strickland is a Poet. Builder of quiet momentum. I write about discipline, loss, creation, and the work done without applause. Founder, The Art of Poetry Community. Now for the Aussies - Daniel & Joshua: @Daniel Halls is a full time nursing manager but aims to sharpen your people skills without the fluff. Communication, conflict, leadership and more made simple @Joshua Bates is the Skool Mayor, Melbourne and focused on Sports club management in the Captains Circle 🔥 Providing real help for sports clubs: no BS tips, templates & systems to succeed on & off the field 🏟️ Someone say Computer Science (Noah, Kunmi & Khalid): @Noah Wolcott is a gaming code master looking to teach people computer languages without the expensive student loans.. Also Running for IRL mayor of Chatt🤔 @Kunmi Oduola is building AI agents that work across websites, Instagram DMs, Facebook Messenger, and SMS. These Agents help business owners or services providers in growing and help them in closing more deals @Khalid Jamil is a Khalid Jamil works as a Web Developer at Skoll. He manages the technical side of the website to ensure a smooth and reliable experience for all users. Personal Growth is happening here with Rich, Mel, Ellie: @Rich Guy is a Former self-proclaimed Fatso. Loosing over 120 Pounds! Proving weight loss can be Fun and Simple: Ask him about it! :)