Our Story. Our Purpose.
Our Community.

Ray Forrest stands as the creative and entrepreneurial heart of Difference Driven, bringing an extraordinary blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and unwavering commitment to community development. As co-founder, Ray's multifaceted background spans successful entrepreneurship, youth mentorship, and advanced technology skills.

His entrepreneurial journey includes founding Merit Home Maintenance and Audio Addictive Entertainment, Inc., demonstrating his unique ability to bridge creativity with business innovation. Ray's dedication to youth development is evident through his roles as sports coach, mentor in community-based behavioral health centers, and program advisor at Francis-Bradley Elementary School.

As a Per Scholas IT training graduate turned mainframe engineer, Ray combines cutting-edge technical skills with grassroots community understanding. His unbridled passion for music, trades, information technology, and youth development drives the innovative vision of Difference Driven.

Brianna Gorman embodies the intersection of rigorous academic training, practical public health experience, and holistic wellness philosophy that defines Difference Driven's approach to community health and empowerment. Her comprehensive background in research, community engagement, and program management provides the foundation for evidence-based programming.

With research experience in chronic disease and HIV prevention at the University of South Carolina Columbia and UNC Charlotte, Brianna brings scientific rigor to community health initiatives. Her leadership with Rise Against Hunger in food insecurity programming demonstrates her commitment to addressing systemic issues affecting vulnerable populations.

As a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) with an MPH from UNC Charlotte, Brianna combines academic excellence with practical application. Currently pursuing 200-hour Yoga Teacher Certification, she integrates holistic wellness practices into youth programming.

Lorenzo "Zo" Clark brings over two decades of executive leadership and proven board governance experience to Difference Driven. Currently serving as Senior Vice President and Head of Sales at Windstream, a leading telecommunications firm, Zo demonstrates exceptional strategic vision and operational excellence.

His remarkable career trajectory includes serving as CEO of Front Row Fantasy Sports and a decade of sales leadership at Red Ventures. Zo's professional foundation stems from his athletic career with the Carolina Panthers, where he developed the discipline, teamwork, and performance mindset that defines his business success.

Educated at Grambling State University (BBA) and Harvard Business School Executive Education, Zo combines formal business training with real-world leadership experience. His commitment to community development extends through active mentorship with MicroMentor, supporting Charlotte's small business ecosystem.

Kiara Davis represents the powerful combination of extensive public health expertise and creative expression that enables comprehensive approaches to community wellness. With six years of public health education and six years as a healthcare nursing assistant, she brings both theoretical knowledge and hands-on healthcare experience to board leadership.

Her passion for mentoring the next generation of health professionals empowers young adults to envision expanded possibilities and create meaningful community impact. Kiara's artistic expression through pour paint art and crafting demonstrates an understanding of creativity as both personal wellness practice and community engagement tool.

Whether designing innovative training programs or representing the organization at public health conferences, Kiara's commitment to health equity spans all demographics. Her particular compassion for aging adults ensures health education programming serves community members across the lifespan.

Kendrick Cunningham serves as Difference Driven's strategic connection to policy advocacy and systemic change initiatives. As a government relations expert and skilled community organizer, he brings essential expertise in navigating legislative processes and building strategic partnerships that amplify community voices.

His human rights leadership focuses on empowering communities through authentic storytelling, helping residents share lived experiences that inform policy development and resource allocation. Kendrick's approach to community organizing emphasizes building sustainable coalitions that create lasting systemic change.

His innate passion for youth development and commitment to amplifying Black and Brown communities directly supports Difference Driven's sustainability strategy. Kendrick ensures that community voices reach decision-makers and that policy advocacy reflects authentic community needs.

Sabir Asheed brings cutting-edge technology expertise and digital innovation leadership to Difference Driven's strategic vision. As an accomplished IT professional, Sabir ensures the organization leverages technology effectively to expand program reach, streamline operations, and enhance community engagement.

His technical expertise spans system architecture, digital platform development, and emerging technology integration, positioning Difference Driven at the forefront of nonprofit innovation. Sabir's understanding of both technical possibilities and community needs enables the organization to bridge digital divides.

Through strategic technology implementation, Sabir supports the mission of community empowerment by ensuring digital tools enhance rather than complicate program delivery, making services more accessible to the diverse Charlotte community we serve.