Jerry Beverly

Jerry Beverly launched Leaders Unlimited in 2004, drawing on his experience on and off the field to reach young people in South Florida during high school and college and help them develop into leaders by nurturing mind, body and spirit. With a team of administrators and other professionals, he conducts classes, seminars and lessons at educational institutions, joining educational lessons, motivational content, community service and one-on-one mentoring. The program emphasizes teamwork, integrity, excellence and service, helping students build self-esteem, a clear sense of purpose and leadership skills, and it welcomes emerging leaders from diverse faiths, cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds.

LUI gives four reasons mentoring matters at this age. It builds skills like critical thinking, problem-solving and communication through real-world experience and the guidance of seasoned professionals. It gives students the confidence to take on challenges and opportunities they might otherwise avoid, and it opens professional networks that lead to internships and jobs. Exposure to mentors from different backgrounds also helps young leaders appreciate diversity and sharpens how they think and decide.

The work takes several forms right now. LUI's Athletic Leadership Training develops youth leaders mind, body and soul, with a current focus on mentorship with University of Miami athletic teams, and LUI comes alongside UPup, a student organization at the University of Miami that raises and trains service dogs provided by Canine Companions for Independence for people with disabilities. LUI has also partnered with the GoRun Foundation to carry its mission from South Florida to Colombia, where running, wellness education and exercise programs keep children in school. Coming in 2026, The Leadership Experience will offer underserved youth in southwest Miami-Dade a six-week intensive of mentorship, leadership training and social-emotional development.

Jerry grew up in Troy, Alabama, helped lead his high school football team to a state championship, and went on to Troy University, where he was part of a national championship football team and earned a degree in criminal justice. After moving to Miami he created the NCAA Champs Life Skills position and served as athletics chaplain and first Life Skills Coordinator at Florida International University, and he has coached football, baseball and volleyball. He has long been involved in ministry across the Miami community, and he is married to Joy.