About Us

Kwanzel Howerton

Kwanzel Howerton is the founder of Chosen Kingdom Builders. He began his journey as a foster parent at the age of 18, and has had guardianship of over 30 young men since then. He is a gifted mentor, and has seen hundreds of young men to high school graduation, and dozens through college. He is a proud father to two sons and two step sons.

Ryan Russell

Kwanzel Howerton

Ryan Russell is the lead pastor of Woodside Bible Church Pontiac. He is a proud husband, and father of five. Above all, he is a recipient of grace, redemption, and the power of the cross.

Dre Geter

Kwanzel Howerton

Darius Vaughn

Dre Geter is a leader with a passion for working with at-risk youth to provide relationships that encourage and empower them to build futures that include: higher education, business ownership, employment, strong mental and physical health, and a passion for serving the community.

Related Skills & Qualities Include:

• Relationship Managemen

Related Skills & Qualities Include:

• Relationship Management

• Marketing & Public Relations

• Community Development

• Personal Program Development

• Event Planning

• Fundraising

• Supervisory Skills

• Health and Nutrition Expert

• Program Development

• Donor Development

• Community Organizing

• Individual Life and Body Assessment

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Darius Vaughn

Vanessa Howerton

Darius Vaughn

Darius Vaughn is a valued board member of Chosen Kingdom Builders.

Tahjma Vaughn

Vanessa Howerton

Tahjma Vaughn is a valued board member of Chosen Kingdom Builders.

Vanessa Howerton

As a stay-at-home mom, Vanessa Howerton can be found in the background of CKB completing administrative tasks. She is a mother of four boys and is grateful to have this ministry in her and her family’s life.

Traciee C. Hirsch

My name is Min. Traciee C. Hirsch. I am the mother of two young men. I have lived in Pontiac, Michigan all of my life. I attended Longfellow and Frost elementary schools, Kennedy Jr High school, and Graduated from Pontiac Northern High in 1991. I then attended college where I obtained my degree in Mental health/Social work and my BA in

I currently work as a part-time counselor at a local company and a full-time 2nd-grade teacher at Arts and Technology of Pontiac. I am a founding member of Pontiac United a community group that is helping bridge the gap within our community through programs and other organizations.

I am the founding Pastor of Legacy Ministry, a church without walls that provides spiritual services to our community and outreach through dance, bible study, and sports for all ages. I am a firm believer in giving back to the community by way of mentoring, ministry, encouragement, teaching, discipline, discipleship, and love.

This is why I have chosen to be a part of CKB. This organization embodies all that I believe a true community outreach program should be. I am blessed and pleased to have been invited to join the board of such phenomenal outreach. I look forward to walking in my purpose while doing the will of God. Touching and changing lives.

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Elfretta Bass

Traciee C. Hirsch

I am passionate about helping to give self-worth to someone who needs a chance to get back into society.

I obtained a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice, after which I was employed with the State of Michigan from 1980 to 1996. I moved out of state from 1996 to 2006 where I worked as a counselor at Woodland Hills Juvenile Correction Facil

I am passionate about helping to give self-worth to someone who needs a chance to get back into society.

In 2006 I moved back to Michigan., and rehired back in with the State of Michigan in 2008. I retired from the State of Michigan with 27 & 1/2 years of service.

My goals for this program are to aid in helping with housing for people in need,

and to help individuals and families with resources to make them self-sufficient in aiding themselves and their families.

I also want to aid in finding employment and educational opportunities or trade work for individuals to foster success and to provide proper placement housing, professional aids, and medical help for the elderly.

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