Terence Lester

Terence Lester is a speaker, activist, author, and thought leader in the realm of systemic poverty. He’s known for nationwide campaigns that bring awareness to issues surrounding homelessness, poverty, and economic inequality.

His awareness campaigns have been featured on MLK50, CNN, Good Morning America, TVONE, Creative Mornings, USA Today, NBC, AJC, Black Enterprise, Rolling Out, Upworthy, and have been viewed by millions of people worldwide.

In 2018, Terence led the March Against Poverty as he walked from Atlanta to Memphis (386 miles). He finished the march and spoke at the historic Lorraine Motel for the 50th Anniversary of MLK’s assassination.

He has spoken on the same platform as other civil rights activists such as: Bernice King, Roland Martin, Gina Belafonte, Michael Eric Dyson, Tamika D. Mallory, and many others. Terence’s unique approach combines storytelling and digital media to help illustrate social justice issues with practical approaches to solving these ailments.

In 2013, Terence founded the non-profit, Love Beyond Walls, and has helped hundreds of individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty rebuild their lives. In 2019, Terence launched the first museum in the U.S. that represents homelessness out of a shipping container called, Dignity Museum.

Terence has written four books and his new book, “I See You: How Love Opens Our Eyes To Invisible People” released August 13, 2019 with InterVarsity Press. He also holds four degrees and is working towards his PhD at Union Institute & University in Public Policy & Social Change.

He is happily married to his best friend, Cecilia Lester and they have two amazing children, Zion Joy and Terence II.

Cecilia Lester

Cecilia Lester is wife to Terence and mother of Zion and Terence II. Love Beyond Walls would not have been possible without the support, organization, and care that Cecilia has contributed.

She currently serves as the Co-Starter & Organizer for Love Beyond Walls. She is known for putting details together and her amazing planning skills. Cecilia volunteers and serves the community in her spare time as well.

Kayla White

Kayla White was born in Nashville, TN but now lives outside of Atlanta, GA. She is a graduate of LaGrange College, where she studied Art and Design with a minor in Servant Leadership. She believes that “art has the power to bring people together, communicate messages of hope, and help people see different perspectives.”

Kayla recently joined the Love Beyond Walls team, helping to lead and advocate for people experiencing homelessness. She loves using creativity in a way that humanizes the vulnerable and believes that people who are overlooked should be seen and given a second chance.

Kayla uses her faith to be a guiding presence in helping others and believes that anyone who has a heart for the poor should seek ways to be a better servant of humanity. Her hope is to help create a better tomorrow, where people can see others for who they are and not their situations.

Kayla is a believer, loves to travel, try new foods, and learn new languages. She hopes to truly become what her enneagram number suggests, “The Advocate.”

Michael Fye

Michael Fye is a native of Decatur, GA and has always been passionate about serving others in the community. He has been serving with Love Beyond Walls for the last four years, and has developed a passion for creating healthy communities through service and volunteer mobilization. He now serves as community support for the Love Beyond Walls team.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
  • David Asbury, CEO of Northwestern Benefit, Board Member
  • Harvey Strickland, US Postal Service, Board Member
  • Chuck Davis, Georgia Power, Board Member
  • Cecilia Lester, Board Member
  • Terence Lester, Board Member
ADVISORS
  • Broderick Santiago, Mosaic Church
  • Pete Westermann, Entrepreneur
  • Jeff Hilmire, Dragon Army
  • Jennifer Hudson, Fierce Consulting Group
  • Brian Bloye, West Ridge Church
  • Ralph Watkins, Columbia Theological Seminary
  • Traymone Deadwyler, Think For Good
PARTNERS/CONTRIBUTORS
  • Wheat Street Baptist Church
  • Southwest Airlines
  • Atlanta Airport Marriott
  • Embassy Church International
  • Urban League of Greater Atlanta
  • Central Baptist Church
  • Praise Academy
  • Bank of America
  • Woodward Academy
  • AKA Sorority (Upsilon Chapter)
  • Jiffy Lube
  • Pulse Church
  • Cozzee
  • Wells Fago
  • Helping Mamas
  • College Park Elementary School
  • Revolution Church
  • ATL 1×1
  • Reveal Magazine U.S.
  • United Way
  • Ga Tech
  • Voya Investments
  • Awesome Foundation (Atlanta Chapter)
  • SCLC Organization
  • Woodruff Library
  • Clark Atlanta University
  • Atlanta Hawks
  • Tyler Perry Studios
  • Zify.com
  • Greenforrest Baptist Church
  • Nissan South
  • Praise In The Park
  • Covered Bridge Church
  • North Metro Church
  • Love Joy High School
  • Kindezi School (both locations)
  • Tri-Cities High School
  • United Way (Gwinnett Chapter)
  • Humble Treasures
  • Northwestern Benefit
  • LeCrew, LLC
  • Wheat Street Baptist Church
  • On Mission Church
  • SG3 Media
  • Sheltering Arms (Welcome All location)
  • Fork Yeah ATL
  • Mission MAD (Kentucky)
  • Warehouse of Hope
  • RacTrac
  • Faith India Ministries
  • Grady High School
  • Soles 4 Souls
  • Dream, Live, Learn
  • LEGGOLAND
  • Nautica, Tanger Outlet
  • Tees & Quotes
  • Kangker
  • Tae’s Place Hair Salon
  • Option 13
  • Salvation Army
  • That Place Atlanta
  • The FIIIX
  • ABL Radio
  • It’s Just A Dream Inc.
  • Hope Church
  • The Purple Phoenix Project, Inc.
  • NIKE
  • Edible Arrangements (Camp Creek)
  • Liberty Tax (Old National)
  • Clip Appeal
  • Sandtown Middle School
  • Paulding County High School
  • Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice
  • Fulton County Government
  • Dunville Christian Church
  • Lowe’s (Camp Creek Parkway)
  • Genesis Church (Orlando Florida)
  • Sistas Inspiring Sistas
  • DINAO
  • Bomb Moms
  • Toxic Kisses
  • Elizabeth Baptist Church Youth Department
  • Bruster’s
  • Subway
  • West Ridge Church
  • Relevant Church
  • Day1 Radio
  • Life Revolution Church
  • FCA (Paulding County High School)
  • Mosaic Church
  • Essence Church
  • Midtown Bridge Church
  • Dinner w/ Friends
  • Church Street Elementary School
  • Riverdale Elementary School
  • Mt. Zion Primary School
  • Fountain Elementary School
  • E. J. Swint Elementary School
  • Harmony Leland Elementary School
  • Contender’s Church
  • RockBridge Church
  • Graystone Church
  • Wadsworth Magnet for High Achievers
  • Tri-Cities High School

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