From humble beginnings to becoming a strategic finance leader, Thomari Story-Harden has spent 20 years bridging financial services, real estate, and mentorship. He is the founder of Team Avenue Baseball, a platform where entrepreneurship, leadership, and NIL readiness come together to guide the next generation. Anchored by family and faith, Thomari is committed to turning prosperity into purpose.

Rising Strong: Quin Waters on Psychology, Perseverance, and Community Leadership

What does it mean to rise above your circumstances? For some, life’s early challenges can limit their vision. For others, those same challenges ignite resilience, shaping a future filled with purpose. Quinn Waters is one of the latter.

Raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Quin’s story blends grit, learning, and leadership. From teen parenthood and foster care to management roles, real estate, and community impact, she’s turned adversity into a platform for influence. Today, she stands as a voice of strength in California’s Central Valley — a leader known not only for her achievements but for her heart for people.

Born in Reedley and raised in Orosi, California, Alex Mendoza grew up with small-town roots and a drive to excel. A standout student and athlete, he graduated from Orosi High with honors and was named Student Athlete of the Year in 2008. He went on to play collegiate tennis at the College of the Sequoias and graduated in 2014 as a Physical Therapist Assistant.

For 11 years, Alex has dedicated himself to helping patients regain strength and mobility, but a chance conversation with a patient opened the door to financial services. After first licensing with Primerica, he joined WFG in 2016, and today he continues his healthcare career while serving part-time at GFI. At 35, as a proud father of two young daughters, Alex is passionate about building a future defined by balance, service, and setting an example for his family.