JJ Singh Kapur

JJ Kapur began his interfaith work in Iowa in high school. He started a youth organization called “The Turbanators,” which focused on “turban-ating” the negative stigma surrounding Sikhism through awareness building and community service. In 2017, he became the first turbaned Sikh to win the most prestigious high school speech and debate competition in the U.S.  JJ graduated from Stanford University with Honors and Distinction in Theater and Performance Studies and a minor in Psychology. He returned to his hometown of Des Moines as an AmeriCorps Lead for America Fellow, where he served with CultureALL to help Iowans build bridges with their diverse neighbors by cultivating a human library across his home state called “Open Book.” JJ is embarking on a new chapter of his life by pursuing a PhD in Counseling Psychology at the University of Iowa.

Lilian Okech

Lilian Okech is a motivational speaker, entrepreneur, author, teacher, and visionary. She co-authored two Time Amazon # 1 bestselling books and is the co-founder of an organization that brings internet services and computer training to people of South Sudan. Lilian was born in Kitgum, Uganda, in a refugee camp a few months after her family fled from South Sudan.

At the age of 15, Lilian started high school in the United States speaking no English. She learned the alphabet while in the 9th grade and within months was on her way to speaking and writing English while identifying her passion and deep-rooted need to help others.

After working at a local church to support her four young boys, Lilian started a cleaning service in 2018. Through Cleaning for Hope, she provides support for those who may not have a friend to talk to.