Bishop Luther Baker
Founder & CEO
Bishop Luther D. Baker, is the CEO and President of Man of Valor, Inc., a faith-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Man of Valor serves the St. Louis region from the heart of University City. Its mission is to empower a community to fulfill it God-given purpose. Through its various professional staff and volunteers, MOV makes an impact on the lives of men, youth, families and communities. The MARS Youth and Educational program is transforming the lives of the students in the University City School District. For this great work, Bishop Baker received the Superintendent Choice award in 2015 and the PaceSetter Award in 2016 from the school district. Additionally, the St. Louis Regional Unbanked Taskforce awarded Bishop with the Spirit of Leadership award in 2015 for improving financial lives of families in the St. Louis region. Finally, Bishop Baker’s work in restorative justice was recognized in 2016 with the Social Educator in Restorative Practice designation. Bishop Baker is married to Sebrenia and together, they have a blended family.
Bishop Luther D. Baker, is the CEO and President of Man of Valor, Inc., a faith-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Man of Valor serves the St. Louis region from the heart of University City. Its mission is to empower a community to fulfill it God-given purpose. Through its various professional staff and volunteers, MOV makes an impact on the lives of men, youth, families and communities. The MARS Youth and Educational program is transforming the lives of the students in the University City School District. For this great work, Bishop Baker received the Superintendent Choice award in 2015 and the PaceSetter Award in 2016 from the school district. Additionally, the St. Louis Regional Unbanked Taskforce awarded Bishop with the Spirit of Leadership award in 2015 for improving financial lives of families in the St. Louis region. Finally, Bishop Baker’s work in restorative justice was recognized in 2016 with the Social Educator in Restorative Practice designation. Bishop Baker is married to Sebrenia and together, they have a blended family.
Christian Tipler
President
Christian Tipler received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Master of Social Work with a concentration in Family and Children from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. Christian has over 9 years of experience in reentry services and clinical care and is Founder and Executive Director of Divinely Beautiful; a non-profit organization empowering young girls and women through Godly wisdom and guidance. Christian is an educator, mentor and wisdom giver called to empower women of all backgrounds, ethnicity, etc., to embrace their true identity in Christ and reach their full potential in life. Christian is a proud wife and mother of children and her motto is “Greatness starts within and it takes the confidence of God to bring it out.” Christian Tipler is part of the 2020 TEACH-Her Team.
Christian Tipler received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Master of Social Work with a concentration in Family and Children from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. Christian has over 9 years of experience in reentry services and clinical care and is Founder and Executive Director of Divinely Beautiful; a non-profit organization empowering young girls and women through Godly wisdom and guidance. Christian is an educator, mentor and wisdom giver called to empower women of all backgrounds, ethnicity, etc., to embrace their true identity in Christ and reach their full potential in life. Christian is a proud wife and mother of children and her motto is “Greatness starts within and it takes the confidence of God to bring it out.” Christian Tipler is part of the 2020 TEACH-Her Team.
James Wilke
Secretary
I am a 1994 graduate of University City High School. My wife Paige and I have two boys who attend UCHS. While I am a trial attorney in my professional life, I have been heavily involved in youth sports in U. City. I ran the U. City soccer program until my own children left for Brittany Woods Middle School. I have been coaching baseball for U. City kids ever since my own kids played t-ball and have continued to do so now that they have moved on from sports. I served as the head baseball coach for Brittany Woods Middle School and continue to coach baseball and basketball in the Redbird Rookies program.
I first became acquainted with The Man of Valor, Inc. through CEO Bishop Baker's work with my younger son and through watching Bishop's work with the young men of the UCHS basketball team. I grew up in U. City. I remember the time and work that my own coaches put in with me and my teammates as young men. Occasionally, it was a father who had a son on the team. But more frequently, it was African American men who themselves had been where my teammates were, men whose own children had graduated. The work they put in to make all of us recognize our own self worth, to connect to us on our level, had a profound impact on me. Many of friends still return to U. City all these years later to give back in the same way those men gave back to us. The Man of Valor, Inc. mission is exactly what those men gave to us 30 years ago, and by being a part of it now, I hope to be able to continue the work they did back then.
I am a 1994 graduate of University City High School. My wife Paige and I have two boys who attend UCHS. While I am a trial attorney in my professional life, I have been heavily involved in youth sports in U. City. I ran the U. City soccer program until my own children left for Brittany Woods Middle School. I have been coaching baseball for U. City kids ever since my own kids played t-ball and have continued to do so now that they have moved on from sports. I served as the head baseball coach for Brittany Woods Middle School and continue to coach baseball and basketball in the Redbird Rookies program.
I first became acquainted with The Man of Valor, Inc. through CEO Bishop Baker's work with my younger son and through watching Bishop's work with the young men of the UCHS basketball team. I grew up in U. City. I remember the time and work that my own coaches put in with me and my teammates as young men. Occasionally, it was a father who had a son on the team. But more frequently, it was African American men who themselves had been where my teammates were, men whose own children had graduated. The work they put in to make all of us recognize our own self worth, to connect to us on our level, had a profound impact on me. Many of friends still return to U. City all these years later to give back in the same way those men gave back to us. The Man of Valor, Inc. mission is exactly what those men gave to us 30 years ago, and by being a part of it now, I hope to be able to continue the work they did back then.
Minister John Clark
Director
John D. Clark is an associate Minister at The City of Life Christian Church located in University City, MO. He and his wife are currently the Marriage Ministry Directors helping to enhance married couple's relationships. They have 3 sons and 1 daughter. Mr. Clark has also held positions such as, the Men's Ministry Director, Director/Creator of City to City Connections Program and also has been a musician in the music ministry. He has also worked with mentor programs for youth in the Detention Center. In his free time, he enjoys spending quality time with his family, listening to live music and travel.
John D. Clark is an associate Minister at The City of Life Christian Church located in University City, MO. He and his wife are currently the Marriage Ministry Directors helping to enhance married couple's relationships. They have 3 sons and 1 daughter. Mr. Clark has also held positions such as, the Men's Ministry Director, Director/Creator of City to City Connections Program and also has been a musician in the music ministry. He has also worked with mentor programs for youth in the Detention Center. In his free time, he enjoys spending quality time with his family, listening to live music and travel.
Adena Dorsey
Director
Latricia Buckner
Director
Latricia has served as the founder and CEO of Love’s Basics, Inc., a relationship coaching company since 2006. She holds several certifications in various areas of counseling as well as coaching, and continues to work tirelessly learning and developing strategies, writing books and programs and result in healthier relationships.
The author of, Conversations that Lead to Connections: A How-To Guide for Effective Communication, her work has been shared with a global audience.
Her speaking clients include: Lindenwood University, Harris-Stowe State University, Truman University, St. Louis Community College, Urban League Young Professionals, National Association of Black Accountants, and the Veterans Administration, to name a few.
In addition to her clinical experience, Latricia served the community through nonprofit executive roles and as a board member for several organizations. She was recognized for her commitment to service within the community with a Proclamation from the City of St. Louis. Latricia is passionate about building strong families and communities and continues to volunteer within the St. Louis community.
Latricia has served as the founder and CEO of Love’s Basics, Inc., a relationship coaching company since 2006. She holds several certifications in various areas of counseling as well as coaching, and continues to work tirelessly learning and developing strategies, writing books and programs and result in healthier relationships.
The author of, Conversations that Lead to Connections: A How-To Guide for Effective Communication, her work has been shared with a global audience.
Her speaking clients include: Lindenwood University, Harris-Stowe State University, Truman University, St. Louis Community College, Urban League Young Professionals, National Association of Black Accountants, and the Veterans Administration, to name a few.
In addition to her clinical experience, Latricia served the community through nonprofit executive roles and as a board member for several organizations. She was recognized for her commitment to service within the community with a Proclamation from the City of St. Louis. Latricia is passionate about building strong families and communities and continues to volunteer within the St. Louis community.
Pastor Tyler Neyens
Dierctor
Zane Porter
Director
Tiffany Jackson
Director