KAHNTINETA FORD - FOUNDER / EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Kahntineta Ford, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a visionary leader dedicated to empowering others as the Founder and Executive Director of ONE LOVE - The Power of Music Initiative. Growing up with a modest upbringing, she faced numerous challenges that forged her resilient spirit and deep desire to give back. In 1991, she relocated to Texas, where her journey of leadership and creativity truly began.

Kahntineta’s educational background is marked by extensive technical training and multiple certifications in cloud management and automation, reflecting her commitment to continuous learning. As a highly skilled cloud solutions architect, she holds distinguished credentials such as the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate and VMware Certified Advanced Professional – Cloud Management and Automation Design, along with several other VMware certifications, highlighting her expertise in the technology sector. During her education, she was also actively involved in sports and was a proud member of the National Honor Society, demonstrating her dedication to excellence in all her endeavors.

A creative soul at heart, Kahntineta finds joy in music production, DJing, painting, traveling, and exploring diverse cuisines, embodying her passion as a self-proclaimed foodie. These interests not only enrich her personal life but also influence her professional journey. Her passion for creativity and helping others inspired the creation of ONE LOVE, a platform where she combines her talents to make a positive impact on the community and the next generation.

Kahntineta's family background played a pivotal role in shaping her values. Raised by musician parents who were also singer-songwriters, she was instilled with a love for music and an entrepreneurial spirit. Her father’s influence as a business consultant taught her the importance of working smart and surrounding herself with a supportive team. Family traditions, such as annual beach vacations and holiday celebrations, continue to hold significance in her life, nurturing a sense of unity and support among her six siblings, four of whom also pursued careers in IT.

Throughout her life, Kahntineta has embraced various mantras that guide her actions: "Go with the flow," "I can do all things through God who gives me strength," and "Live life to the fullest as tomorrow isn’t promised." These phrases resonate with her philosophy of resilience and proactive living.

Kahntineta Ford stands as a beacon of inspiration. Her journey from a humble upbringing to becoming an influential leader illustrates the power of creativity, education, and community service. Through ONE LOVE, she continues to uplift others, ensuring her legacy of empowerment and creativity endures for generations to come.

    Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Ryan Ford is a dedicated co-founder and director whose diverse experiences have profoundly shaped his life and career. After graduating high school, Ryan pursued a career in trucking, where he excelled not only as a driver but also as a trainer, earning a high-level security clearance to transport for the Secret Service. His deep understanding of trucking, freight, and logistics led him to own and operate his own trucking company for several years.

Ryan was integral in piloting a program with the Seagoville Federal Prison system, where he trained soon-to-be-released inmates to obtain their commercial driver’s licenses and secure trucking jobs upon their release. His commitment to helping others rebuild their lives through meaningful employment reflects his passion for community service.

Growing up in a close-knit family with a teacher mother and a father involved in trucking and sales, Ryan developed a strong sense of entrepreneurship and community. As a youth, he was actively involved in sports and served as a camp counselor, sparking his passion for coaching and mentorship. He later ran multiple after-school programs that included organized sports and worked with youth at juvenile detention centers, furthering his dedication to guiding young people.

Ryan’s interests are as varied as they are vibrant, encompassing flying planes, DJing, photography, food, traveling, and spending time by the ocean. These hobbies reflect his love for adventure and creativity. Since moving to Dallas in 1999, Ryan has also lived in the Washington D.C. area and California, enriching his perspectives and experiences.

Drawing inspiration from the cultural richness of his hometown, Ryan aims to pass on his values—respect, humility, and confidence—to the younger generations. Guided by his life mantras, “I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me” and “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,” Ryan continues to inspire those around him, committed to making a positive impact wherever he goes.

 Nadia Speaks, born in Dallas, TX, is a dedicated professional currently serving as the Secretary on the board of ONE LOVE - The Power of Music Initiative. With a Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, she has carved a successful path in the tech industry, despite initially trying to distance herself from the field due to her family’s strong IT background. Her educational journey was enriched by her involvement in extracurricular activities, particularly through Big Brothers Big Sisters, where she developed a passion for mentorship and community service. Nadia’s love for cooking and exploring new cuisines also led her to culinary school, demonstrating her belief in following one’s passions. She embraces the mantra: “Just try, you never know!”

Born in Philadelphia and moving to Texas at the age of two, Nadia has also lived in Austin, Miami, and Virginia, each location adding to her friendly nature and deep appreciation for the vibrant culture of Texas, especially its culinary delights. As the eldest of several siblings, Nadia has naturally taken on a protective and supportive role, fostering close relationships characterized by celebration and mutual encouragement. Family traditions, particularly celebrating achievements big and small, are central to her life, bringing positivity and gratitude into her everyday experiences.

A significant influence in Nadia’s early life was her involvement in a peer program with special needs students, an experience that deepened her compassion and prepared her for her future advocacy work. Her parents have been her greatest role models, instilling in her the values of kindness, resilience, and community engagement.

Nadia believes in the power of new beginnings, often reminding herself, “It’s okay to start over; you just might like how it turns out.” This philosophy empowers her to embrace change and challenges, both in her personal and professional life. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and playing pool, always seeking new adventures that fuel her love for food and culture.

Nadia Speaks is a passionate advocate for her community, a devoted family member, and a committed tech professional. Through her work, she strives to make a positive impact on the lives of those around her, embodying her belief in the importance of pursuing one’s dreams and uplifting others along the way.

 Dana Hall is an accomplished telecom professional with a strong background in project management, specializing in the development of wireless networks. Raised in Fort Worth, TX, as the third of four siblings, Dana credits her success to the values instilled by her parents, which emphasized financial literacy, independence, and compassion for others. These guiding principles fuel her commitment to community service, as reflected in her volunteer work with organizations like the Boys and Girls Club, Meals on Wheels, and the Tarrant Area Food Bank.

In her current role, Dana excels in managing project financials, schedules, risk assessments, quality control, and vendor relationships. Her leadership has been crucial in consistently achieving and exceeding project goals, demonstrating her ability to deliver results in a dynamic industry.

Dana's academic credentials include a Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University, a Logistics and Supply Chain Management Certificate from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Criminal Justice from the same institution. Her educational background, combined with her professional skills, highlights her expertise in navigating complex projects and driving success.

As Treasurer on the board, Dana is dedicated to ensuring financial integrity while advancing initiatives that make a positive impact. Her blend of professional expertise and commitment to service embodies her belief in the power of giving back and fostering growth within her community. With a passion for using her skills to support meaningful causes, Dana Hall is devoted to uplifting others through her professional work and community involvement.