DeVos Urban Leadership Initiative (DVULI)

🤝 Join DVULI alumni nationwide to discuss youth mentoring and investing in the next generation. 📅 November 11, 2026 | ⏰ 1:00 p.m. ET 🎙️ Facilitated by Eric Chavoustie (Twin Cities 2018) and Ron Carter (Birmingham 1999) 🔗 Register here: buff.ly/RF1J8C0

Join DVULI this week for NC2 Morning Devotions. Starting today at 9:00 a.m. ET and the rest of this week at 8:30 a.m. ET. See what God has in store for you! ✝️ #NC2 #DVULIFamily #WorshipCommunity

With heartfelt sadness, DVULI announces the passing of Earl James (Grand Rapids 1998), whose contributions helped shape the program in its formative years. We’re grateful for Earl’s service & legacy. Please join us in praying for the James family. #DVULIFamily #LeadershipLegacy

As part of our CityCollective webinar series, our very own Matu Taylor (Los Angeles 2019) is moderating a webinar on balance and self-care this month! 📣: Stay Aware of Self-Care 🗓️: Wednesday, October 14 🕰️: Noon ET 🔗 Register at citycollectiveseries.com (link in bio)

🎉 We Have a Winner! 🎉 ✈️ Alton Hardy (Grand Rapids 2006) has won round-trip transportation to Orlando, Florida, to attend the DVULI 30th Anniversary Celebration in 2028! 🎊 Thanks to all alumni who completed the Annual Alumni Survey so far. There are more prizes to come!

The DVULI staff regrets to share that Susan Newton (Birmingham 2001) went home to be with the Lord on Sept. 4, 2026. Known as “Mama Newton,” Susan faithfully served youth in Birmingham. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Lorenzo; four children and eight grandchildren.

🍃 It was a busy spring and summer for several DVULI alumni professionally and personally. 🌟 Here are a few updates! Join us in congratulating our alumni on their awesome milestones and achievements! 👏

📚 Enid Almanzar (New York City 2010) began a new role as Executive Director and Publisher of Spero, a publishing imprint of OneHope. Enid expressed how honored she is to step into this position. 👏 Join us in applauding Enid and encouraging her in ministry! #DVULIAlumni

Legacy Conference 2026 is here! If you're in or around any of the five conference locations, this is an opportunity to be further equipped to make disciples in your community! DVULI alumni, please take advantage of the scholarship opportunities! 🔗: buff.ly/rmUuQ4X

📢 DVULI family, we have an abundance of opportunities available to you this summer and fall to be equipped, trained, and discipled for your youth ministry needs. Discover them all here: buff.ly/H3zRWRB

🎓 Char Fields (Pittsburgh 2006) graduated from Geneva College with a degree in community leadership, her second bachelor's. “I hope that these degrees will shift me into the next level that God has for me in the community as well as the church,” Char stated. Congrats Char!

💍 Leean (Andino) Mejias (Cleveland 2023) married Luis Mejias in 2025! Regarding her spouse, Leean shared this: "He is goal-oriented and always knows how to keep me grounded to help maintain balance." Let's celebrate Leean as she continues this new chapter! #AlumniLife

The DVULI staff regrets to announce the passing of Chris Sumner (Boston 1998). A beloved leader in his home, church, and community, he battled ALS. His city coordinator called him a true peacemaker. He will be deeply missed—please pray for the Sumner family.

🎓 Will Cumby (Houston 2010) earned his master’s in theology and ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary. Let’s congratulate Will on this exciting new chapter! #DVULIAlumni

📣 This month we're kicking off the Alumni Focused Learning series. Together, we’ll explore the Core Value of Balance more deeply. 📅 Wednesday, July 15 🕜 12:00-1:30 p.m. ET 📍 Zoom Moderated by DVULI alumni! Registration closes tomorrow, July 2. 🔗: buff.ly/0uoaSwI

🎓 Sandy Vogelman (San Antonio 2017) earned her master’s degree in sociology from Grand Canyon University, with an emphasis in education. She finished with a 3.93 GPA and was invited to become a member of the Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society. Congratulations, Sandy! 👏

DVULI’s NC1-2026 may be over, but growing in the core values doesn’t have to end.📸 Meanwhile get set for our new Alumni Focused Learning (AFL) series. It’s a great opportunity for DVULI alumni to reengage virtually. Registration closes 7/10. Comment "AFL" for more information.

👏NC1 is this week for our 2027 cohort! Please pray for the group as they travel to Grand Rapids to fellowship and be equipped in the Five Core values and more. ✝️ 👇Drop your encouragement in the comments. Show some DVULI family love to the class of 2027! #DVULIAlumni #NC12027

💛 We're called to extend Agape love towards one another, but...pride. For more words like this, join us live virtually for NC1 devotions next week, June 16-19, at 8:30 a.m. ET, starting with praise & worship by Engedi Music. Come to be exhorted and rejuvenated! ✝️ #NC12026

Dave Rahn (Youth For Christ 2009) and Ebonie Davis (Washington DC 2022) released Grit & Joy: Help for Bewildered Families of Teens, a resource to support parents and mentors of teens. You can find the book on Amazon: buff.ly/xiYxPYW