Darryl Gooden of Arizona is the Founder of Keeping Teachers Teaching and Authentic Passion. Along with these achievements, he is also a Motivational and Inspirational Speaker, determined to better the lives of those who seek his service. Before he was able to take on the responsibility of helping others, Darryl had to overcome his own barriers. Just one of 15 children, Darryl was raised by his single mother in Shelby, Mississippi. As a child, he was diagnosed with ADHD, a speech impairment as well as a learning disability. Due to this, Darryl’s mother spent much of her time with him in order to help with his behavioral problems. Teachers would also lovingly devote their time to him. These acts of kindness shown to Darryl eventually led to his own willingness to show compassion to others.
As Darryl got older, he focused his attention on success. He knew this was only possible by working hard and staying driven in his goals. Soon he realized that the best reward he could ever receive was to be able to witness the positive change he influenced in others. With this thought at heart, Darryl attended Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, Tennessee. Here, he earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree, with a minor in Sociology. While in college, he participated in ROTC, Multi-Cultural Club and many other programs. Outside of his education, Darryl was a Kodak All American Football Player, and was also drafted to play for the Canadian Football League. After spending two years playing for Canada, he returned to the U.S. and played arena football. During this time, he spent one year with the Arizona Rattlers Arena Football Team, and one year with the Memphis Mad Dogs.
While playing football, Darryl’s desire to help others succeed remained with him and soon he began searching for ways to accomplish this goal. Not long after, Darryl founded and became the president of the 501(c)3 non-profit, Keeping Teachers Teaching, which is dedicated to educators and students across the U.S. He also sits on the Board of Directors for the organizations The Greatest AZ City Dads and many other programs that aide at-risk youth. As a true Entrepreneur, Darryl serves as an Educator, Trainer, Motivational Speaker, Visionary, and Event Planner for organizations seeking to raise funds. He also works in his company, One Soul Connection and helps others with all of their networking and consulting needs. However, more than anything else, Darryl is a single father of five children and a man of God. The words that God has given him, “To see change, break the chains within,” are used every single day to spread hope and heal the broken. For those at their lowest, he gives what his children give him everyday; motivation, strength, and courage.
Jose “Joseph” Curbelo is a licensed Realtor® that provides high-impact marketing results for his sellers, and the ability to identify the perfect home for his buyers. With a personal philosophy of servant-leadership, Joseph eases the stress of his home selling and purchasing clients.
Joseph is a natural leader who supports the community though mentorship, education, and wealth building. He has developed a comprehensive and step-by-step checklist designed to simplify the escrow process.
Joseph listens to and appreciates his clients’ concerns, preferences, and goals. Through industry acumen and insight, Joseph ensures that his clients experience accurate and efficient time frames.
Originally from Los Angeles, California Joseph relocated to beautiful Chandler, Arizona in 2004. Since then, Joseph has been extremely involved in various South East Valley community organizations and currently serves on several boards and committees. All around,
Joseph’s talent and dedication make him a pillar of the community.
Ms. Katie Nance McKenzie was born in North Carolina, raised in Chester, Pennsylvania and has been an educator since 1980. She attended Arizona State University where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, a Master’s degree in Education Administration and is pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership.
She began teaching in the Roosevelt School District at Jorgensen Elementary School. Embedded in her 14 years of teaching experience she taught for the Department of Defense Dependents’ Schools in Vicenza, Italy and Neu Ulm, Germany for one year each. She moved from the classroom into school level administration as Assistant Principal of Palmdale Elementary (later renamed Brooks Academy) and eventually became the Brooks Academy Principal from 1994 to 2006.
At the beginning of 2007 she became part of the Human Resources Department for the Roosevelt School District until she retired in 2018 as the Employment Supervisor for the district. Her lifelong goal has been to positively impact others.
