Ja'Quan Lavender

CEO & President

The Ja’Quan Lavender Foundation: The Journey to Gold, founded in 2020, is dedicated to empowering young men nationwide to become individuals of character, integrity, resilience, and compassion. While its reach extends across the country, the foundation maintains a strong commitment to serving the Steubenville community. It provides a safe, supportive environment where young men can explore their identities, build self-awareness, and develop confidence in who they are.

Understanding that self-discovery is a deeply personal journey, the foundation offers leadership-focused programs designed to foster personal growth, self-esteem, and ethical decision-making. Through workshops, discussions, and experiential learning, young men are encouraged to embrace vulnerability, express emotions, think critically, and cultivate a strong sense of self-worth. These experiences equip them with the tools needed to overcome challenges and become positive contributors to their communities.

The Prudent Man Leadership Academy, founded by Ja’Quan Lavender, reflects this vision by developing principled leaders grounded in wisdom, integrity, and responsibility. The academy nurtures critical thinking, accountability, and ethical leadership, empowering young men to influence individuals, organizations, and communities in meaningful ways.

Ja’Quan Lavender is a driven leader with a background in athletics, education, and youth development. Born and raised in Steubenville, Ohio, he graduated from Steubenville High School in 2014 and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Marketing and Management from Tiffin University in 2020. Following his collegiate career, Ja’Quan pursued elite athletic competition, including participation in Team USA’s Rookie Camp for the winter sport Skeleton.

In 2021, Ja’Quan retired from competitive sports to focus fully on mentoring and developing young men. Through his foundation and leadership academy, he has impacted hundreds of lives, offering guidance, resources, and transformative opportunities. His work continues to inspire the next generation to lead with purpose, resilience, and integrity.