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FORGING LEADERS
Welcome to Influence Academy, where tomorrow's leaders are forged today. Our academy is a beacon of excellence, dedicated to cultivating the next generation of impactful leaders.
FOCUSED LEARNING
At Influence Academy, we believe in a personalized approach to education, tailoring our programs to the unique strengths and goals for all of our students.
WELCOME
Influence Academy is a Christ-centered leadership training program giving adult learners a transformative journey designed to equip individuals with both spiritual depth and practical skills for effective leadership. Rooted in Biblical principles, this program emphasizes servant leadership, humility, and integrity as foundational qualities. Participants engage in rigorous study of scripture, learning how to apply its teachings to contemporary leadership challenges. Through interactive workshops, mentoring relationships, and experiential learning opportunities, they develop crucial skills such as decision-making, conflict resolution, and ethical stewardship.
The program fosters a community of support and accountability, encouraging participants to grow not only as leaders but also as individuals committed to living out their faith in service to others. By the program's conclusion, participants emerge empowered and equipped to lead with compassion, wisdom, and a profound sense of purpose, prepared to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
“Our mission is to empower individuals to be Godly influencers who serve with integrity and compassion.”
Grow Your Vision
Meet The Team
Tim Reed
Founder, Executive Director
Tim Reed, man of God, intercessor, husband, father, and grandfather. Tim retired in 2018 from the Ohio prison system after serving for 27 years. He is the founder and executive director for the Ropheka Connection, Inc. and Influence Academy.
Ginger Reed
Administrative Director
Ginger Reed, wife of Tim Reed, has been on the Ropheka Board of Directors since 2018. She is the Administrative Director of The Ropheka Connection and Influence Academy.
"As part of the team for Influence Academy I have the opportunity to touch many lives with the living word of God. As I step into the knowledge that God's word gives, it not only brings new life to me on a daily basis, but to those I share it with."
Lois Hoshor
Prayer Coordinator, Advisory Board Member
"I am Lois Hoshor, the Prayer Coordinator for Influence Academy. I am a Godly Influencer by basing my life on the word of God. I try to treat all people with respect and with the love of God.
The Golden Rule of "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" is the motto I live by."
Dr. Billy Newman
Instructor, Advisory Board Member
Dr. Newman is the Founder & CEO—Building Better Opportunities Interdisciplinary Research Institute, Inc, a 501 (c) (3) Non Profit Organization dedicated to Research in Cognitive Social/Emotional Behavior as related to Psychological and Emotional Dysfunctions and Disorder Transference Concerns (PEDD) within troubled Youth.
He is a published author of "The Layman’s Guide to Systematic Theology" and "Mercy Beyond All Understanding" with eight books published.
Ruth Ann Petrovay
Pastor, Advisory Board Member
Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do Justly, to love Mercy, and to walk Humbly with your God?
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"Growing up a good person was not enough to fill the void in my heart. I didn't know what I was missing. I went to church, knew about Jesus and lived a life of good deeds. Then one day in a little Methodist church Jesus apprehended my heart. I heard His voice and immediately I was transformed. The joy was so overwhelming I could hardly contain it. It wasn't just for me, I had to tell others. The love, mercy and peace of God was alive in me.
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His plan was for me to share the good news of His salvation with the world. The scripture above was the template for seeing hardened hearts come to Christ and that verse was and still is my reflection for sharing the goodness of God."
George Petrovay
Pastor, Instructor, Advisory Board Member
Romans 1:16: For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.
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"I know where I came from before I met Jesus Christ. After jesus came into my life I desired to be holy, no longer living for myself. He wanted me to be like Him, being holy, touching others with His good news.
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Being holy means to live our lives in a way that reflects God's glory, rather than conforming to the ways of the world.
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Jesus has allowed me to minister to those in the pit as well as those on the pinnacle of life,"
Vanessa Jester
Advisory Board Member
"As an influencer, one must first embrace an unwavering belief in their capacity to fulfill God given assignments. Thus, I have been divinely commissioned to engage with influencers, guiding them to transcend the limitations imposed by both internal strife and external challenges, urging them to fix their gaze upon the omnipotent God who reigns above all barriers.
My approach centers on nurturing and empowering others with a compassionate spirit, guiding them to grasp the eternal truth that human limitations pale in comparison to the boundless possibilities granted by God. Providing practical resources tailored to address obstacles, particularly in the areas of workforce development, health equity, and fair distribution of resources, my ultimate aim is to bridge the gap between the spiritual calling of influencers and their tangible impact in the physical realm."
Ryan Kemper
Advisory Board Member
"Although I haven't been a part of Influence Academy for long, I've enjoyed getting to know the good people leading the charge in this movement of building up world-changing leaders who will shape our communities, cities, and beyond.
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My primary role with the Academy is design - from social media to videography and web design.
When not immersed in design projects, I enjoy exploring the outdoors, photography, and spending time with my wife and son."