Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
"As a child, I longed for things that many took for granted; a stable home
enough nutritious food to eat, warmth during snowy winters, even healthy parents.
Yet, despite growing up with a lack of material possessions in my early years,
I had more dreams and hope than most others might imagine.
People along the way recognized my resilience and were inspired enough to
give me something that many from my community did not have: access.
Access to knowledge, experiences, relationships, environments, and opportunities beyond anything my personal circumstances could afford. That access changed
the trajectory of my life, and is the genesis for everything we do in Zion.
– Shawn Pearson, Founder, The Zion Institute
Growing up in the grip of poverty with a mother who suffered from an untreated mental illness, Shawn Pearson was blessed with above average intelligence. This afforded her opportunities to travel outside of her neighborhood to explore performing arts, a math/science magnet program and the promise of life outside the grip of debilitating poverty.
In 2001, God brought Shawn to Phoenix, Arizona with an assignment to teach and share with others her personal poverty transformation. She founded Zion to be “The Well,” the place where residents are met at their point of need to begin a journey of healing designed to break the cycles of poverty.
In her role at Zion, Shawn brings 24 years of nonprofit operational experience, extensive proposal and grant writing knowledge, and is a published author, accomplished mentor, and inspirational speaker and motivator.
We're proud to share the wonderful impact Zion and its partners have already made in the South Phoenix Community.
HOW WE STARTED AND HOW WE'VE GROWN
In 2010, Zion Institute was born. Originally established as Kingdom Communities of the Valley, the organization was designed as a social enterprise to build capacity in businesses and enrich the communities in the South Phoenix region.
Today, Zion Institute works to build capacity in both non-profit and for-profit social entities. With access to our partners, training, and resources these entities are empowered to serve the community in a deeply meaningful way. Since 2014, dozens of new businesses, service providers, and ministries have come to life in order to serve the diverse communities of South Phoenix.
Zion Institute is “The Well” from which community development and relationships flow. We provide support and resources for the development of individuals, working to break the cycles of generational poverty and foster an improved quality of life.
Driven by faith, perseverance, and God’s grace, a renewed community and its marketplace will spring forth and flourish.
As co-founder, Shawn Pearson brings nearly 30 years of non-profit leadership and organizational development to Zion's leadership and vision, combined with grant writing, strategic planning and community mobilization. Shawn is a breakthrough social entrepreneur for the common good. Being a bridge-builder across multiple sectors who believes diversity unites the relational and social capital of communities, enabling everyone to share in the collective impact for transformation.
Navarro Whitaker brings more than 13 years of leadership in marketing and entrepreneurial experience to Zion. He is the founder of Matthew 25 of America, a Christ–centered coaching program for men. He is also owner of Whinc Marketing, an education marketing and development organization that specializes in creating, marketing, and recruiting virtual educational programs. Navarro is also co-owner of Nutrient, an Arizona-based premium meal delivery service.
As a millennial and youth advocate, Allen Hunter brings over a decade of service to the South Phoenix community through various churches and para-church organizations. The Alabama native has an affinity for Zion’s demographic, in part, because of his lived experiences. Those early childhood experiences uniquely shaped his passion and purpose to serve others and give back.
If you answered 'yes' to all of the above, click below!