DeAndre M. Riley (D.R. Speaks), founder

 

Everybody has something to say—but not everyone makes an impact with their words. DeAndre Riley, also known as D.R. Speaks, is a multi-faceted force in and out of the four walls of the church. After suffering the loss of both biological parents at a young age, D.R. Speaks made poor decisions that could have destroyed his future. Instead of allowing those things to defeat him, he used them as stepping stones to his unmerited success. As a pastor, motivational speaker and author, he seeks to deposit a simple, yet profound principle in the lives of those he may come in contact with: inspire, inform, instruct, and impact. His wisdom, charisma and knowledge speaks for itself—long before he ever speaks a word.
 
In addition to being the founder of Man Up Empowerment, Inc., he is the founder of D.R. Speaks Enterprises, he provides motivational speaking and consulting to ministries, organizations, business professionals and corporations. 
 
DeAndre's belief is that words are the greatest tool given to mankind to aid them in living the life they are destined. This belief has opened numerous doors of opportunity. D.R. Speaks is the author of the acclaimed books Greatness Unleashed: Inspire. Inform. Instruct. Impact. and Good Success: God's Blueprint for Successful Living.  
 
DeAndre currently serves as the founding pastor of Strive Church (strivechurch.org) in Detroit, MI. This cutting edge ministry seeks to empower people to fulfil their God-given purpose, as well equip people for the work of the ministry.   
 
D.R. Speaks will tell you that his greatest joy is being the husband of the beautiful Porsha Riley, and the father of three wonderful children, Serenity Michelle, DeAndre Jr., and Darren Marvin.