Midnight Motivation January 2022

About our world class speakers tonight:

Michelle Perry- "As bi-racial woman growing up without a father, Michelle Perry struggled with identity and self-worth issues. Poor choices led her down a path leading to academic failure and a lack of purpose. Until January 2, 1992, when one experience changed her life forever, propelling her into purpose and service to others.

 

Michelle established herself as a subject matter expert over the course of her career as a clinical social worker that spanned over 20 years. She then transitioned into the corporate world where her leadership and coaching skills were refined, producing results in all that she works with.

As an Empowerment Coach, podcast host, speaker, #1 international best-selling Author, and online course creator, Michelle contributes to the journey of others by supporting them to see results and experience an increase in confidence and momentum in their lives."

 

 

Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon II, MD, has practiced Internal Medicine (a specialist in adult medicine) for over thirty-years. He is a twenty-six-year Army veteran who spent thirty months in combat zones, National Veterans Wrestling Champion, speaker, and self-proclaimed amateur wrestling aficionado.

 

Skip and his wife, Sherry, have five adult children, four grandchildren, and reside in Midlothian, Texas. He is the author of Wrestling Depression Is Not For Wimps! Lessons Learned from an Amateur Wrestler’s Fight to Triumph Over Depression. Donald "Skip" Mondragon-I'm a physician, 26 year Army vet, Colonel, National Wrestling Champion, and spent 30 months in combat zones. He's a tough guy. Yet, he became a casualty of depression.

1. Donald speaks to men about "Even Tough Guys Get Depressed!" He stresses you're not a wimp if you admit you need help and you go get it.
2. In sharing his story he combats the stigma of mental illness.
3. Donald offers men who struggle with depression practical tips to help them recover and to maintain their health and well-being.

 

 

Bonita Burney Simmons- Without a doubt, Bonita has been anointed to sing! She was born on March 28, 1971 in Stamford, CT and was singing before she could even speak! As early as age 3, Bonita would hear lyrics on the radio and mimic exactly what she heard. During her first live performance, Bonita blew her audience away! People were so impressed and amazed, as they simply couldn't believe this big voice was coming from such a little girl!

After spending her early years with her parents in Hartford, CT, her family relocated to Kinston, NC in 1974.

 

Bonita would hone her skills while participating in music programs offered in Lenoir County Public Schools. She joined the chorus and in 5th grade, she was chosen to sing “The Way We Were” by Barbara Streisand. When she sang that song, there was not a dry eye in the room. During her 8th & 9th grade years, she was always active in the community, performing at events like NAACP banquets or weddings.

She is a graduate of Kinston High School, Class of 1989, an alumni of Craven Community College with an Associates of Arts, and alumni of the UAFWB Bible College where she graduated as valedictorian of the 2015 class with a Bachelor of Biblical Studies.