Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dorian Jordan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Dorian , thanks for joining us today. Do you have a hero? What have you learned from them?

When people ask me who my hero is, my answer is simple: Khristopher Alexander Fields. He’s not just a leader or the founder of the Wise Up to Rise Up Foundation—he’s someone who has changed the way I think about life, service, and what it means to make an impact.

Khristopher’s accomplishments are unbelievable, especially considering his age. He’s in his 20s, but he’s already achieved things that some people spend a lifetime trying to do. He’s a United States Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, and he’s been awarded the Presidential Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medals from the Executive Office of the President. On top of that, his contributions and achievements have been honored and recognized across three different U.S. Presidents. When I first heard about that, I thought, “How can someone so young have done so much?”

But his accolades don’t stop there. He’s also earned two U.S. Congressional Laureates of Service, recognition from Harris County Commissioners, Houston City Council members, the Governor of Texas, and several mayors, as well as the title of Honorary Admiral in the Texas Navy. And let me tell you—this isn’t just a long list of fancy awards. Every single one of them represents real work, real sacrifice, and real impact.

The thing about Khristopher, though, is that he doesn’t do any of this for recognition. He does it because he genuinely cares. He built the Wise Up to Rise Up Foundation to serve young people who, like him, had to overcome obstacles. Many of the students in the foundation come from communities where poverty, parental incarceration, and violence are everyday realities. Khristopher took those challenges and created solutions. He found mentors, resources, and tools to empower them—not just to survive but to become leaders in their own right.

And here’s the amazing part—he’s not just inspiring others; his work is directly helping young people earn the same kind of recognition he’s received. Because of Khristopher’s mentorship and leadership, an 11-year-old, a 15-year-old, and a 17-year-old have earned Presidential Medals from the White House. He’s shown them that they aren’t invisible, that they’re worthy of being celebrated by the highest offices in our nation. That’s the kind of leader Khristopher is—someone who not only shines but makes sure others shine, too.

What inspires me most about Khristopher is how real he is. I’ve seen him in some of the hardest moments of his life—the struggles that paved the way for his success. I’ve watched him take hits that would make most people quit, but he always got back up. I’ve seen the vision in his eyes, even when the odds were stacked against him. I’ve seen him map out his plans, face rejection after rejection, adjust his strategy, and keep going until he found success. I’ve watched him take risks for something much bigger than himself and spend countless days and sleepless nights studying, preparing, and working to become the person he is today. That level of dedication is inspiring to witness—it’s what makes you believe that anything is possible if you’re willing to put in the work.

I remember one time, at a foundation event, he was talking to a room full of students. He said, “You are a one of a kind, impossible to duplicate living, breathing miracle, and you will inspire more people than you can possibly imagine if you keep wising up and rising up.” That hit me hard because I’ve seen him live those words. He doesn’t just talk about rising above challenges—he’s done it himself, and he’s shown others how to do the same.

And it’s not just about the big speeches or awards. It’s in the way he connects with people. At one of our mentorship events, a young guy shared how he didn’t think he’d ever get out of his situation. Khristopher didn’t sugarcoat anything. He just told him, “The fact that you’re here, sharing your story, means you’re already on your way.” That one conversation lit a fire in that student—and he’s thriving now.

Working with Khristopher has changed my life. He’s taught me how to think bigger, how to stay focused, and how to lead with purpose. His journey shows that you can turn even the toughest situations into stepping stones, and that’s something I carry with me every day.

To me, Khristopher isn’t just a hero because of his accomplishments—though they’re incredible. He’s a hero because he makes you believe in yourself. He makes you see the possibilities, even when life feels impossible.

Dorian , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’ve been fortunate to contribute to two areas I’m deeply passionate about: empowering young leaders through the Wise Up to Rise Up Foundation and helping people feel their best as an award-winning barber. Both roles allow me to make a meaningful impact in different but equally rewarding ways.

How I Got Started

My journey with the Wise Up to Rise Up Foundation began with a shared vision for change. Meeting the founder, Khristopher Fields, during college was life-changing. His drive and ambition inspired me to help build a platform for young leaders to rise above their circumstances and realize their potential. From establishing the board of directors to creating programs that transform lives, I’ve been fully immersed in turning that vision into reality.

As for barbering, my passion began with understanding the power of self-confidence. There’s something special about seeing someone transform—not just physically, but emotionally—when they look in the mirror and truly love what they see. That’s what sparked my dedication to the profession.

What I Provide

Through the Wise Up to Rise Up Foundation, I’ve had the privilege of helping bring a vision to life—a vision that uplifts young people facing significant challenges such as poverty, domestic violence, and instability at home. By working with schools like IDEA Public Schools, Aldine ISD, and Houston ISD, the foundation has reached several hundred students in its first year alone. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how our efforts inspire these students to strive for excellence and embrace their potential.

In my work as a barber, I provide what I like to call “pure cuts.” But it’s not just about the technical precision of a fresh fade or razor-sharp hairline—it’s about the feeling of confidence that clients walk away with. When someone sits in my chair feeling unsure about their appearance and leaves standing taller, that’s the real reward. Every haircut is an opportunity to help someone see their worth and leave my chair feeling unstoppable.

What Sets Me Apart

What sets me apart is my focus on transformation. Whether I’m mentoring through the foundation or working with a client in my chair, my goal is always to empower people. I want them to walk away feeling not just changed, but inspired to aim higher in their lives.

What I’m Most Proud Of

With the Wise Up to Rise Up Foundation, I’m proudest of the young leaders we’ve mentored and the milestones they’ve achieved. From earning prestigious honors like the Presidential Volunteer Service Awards to being recognized by the Office of the President of the United States, they’ve proven what’s possible when given the right tools and encouragement. The foundation itself has been recognized with numerous accolades, including honors from the Governor of Texas, multiple mayors, and the Texas House of Representatives.

As a barber, my proudest moments are those quiet, personal transformations. When a client looks in the mirror and smiles like they’re seeing their best self, it’s a reminder of the power of confidence—and why I love what I do.

What I Want You to Know

At the heart of my work is the belief that everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and empowered. The Wise Up to Rise Up Foundation inspires young leaders to reach for opportunities they may never have considered. My work as a barber reminds people of their potential and the strength they already have within them.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Honestly, I think it comes down to being real with people and showing up consistently. Whether it’s through the Wise Up to Rise Up Foundation or as a barber, I put everything into what I do, and I think people notice that.

With the foundation, it’s about actually making a difference. We’re not just talking about helping the next generation—we’re out there doing the work, creating opportunities, and celebrating the wins. When people see the impact on these kids’ lives, the awards, and the recognition we’ve gotten, they can tell this is more than just a passion project. It’s real, and that’s what earns trust.

As a barber, it’s pretty simple: I treat every cut like it matters because it does. When someone sits in my chair, I want them to leave feeling like their best self. I’ve had clients tell me that their haircut gave them the confidence to do something they were nervous about—that’s everything to me. And word of mouth is huge. If people leave feeling great, they’re going to tell others, and that’s been a big part of building my reputation.

At the end of the day, I think what sets me apart is that I genuinely care about people. Whether it’s helping a kid realize their potential or giving someone a confidence boost, I want to make a real impact. I think people can feel that, and that’s what’s helped me stand out.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn is the idea that we’re just small parts of a big world, only capable of making small waves. I used to think that one person couldn’t make much of a difference—that big changes were only for people in high places or with big platforms. But over time, I’ve realized how wrong that is. We can make a huge difference, often in ways we never imagined or even fully understood.

This really hit me through my work with the Wise Up to Rise Up Foundation. When we started, I saw it as something that would help a few people here and there. But as we kept going, I began to notice the ripple effects. A single conversation with someone could spark a new way of thinking for them. Recognizing their potential in front of their peers could shift how they see themselves. Those moments—small to me—can have a massive impact on someone else’s life.

It’s the same with barbering. I’ve had clients tell me that a haircut gave them the confidence to go after a new job or take a risk they were scared of. I never thought something as simple as a haircut could play that kind of role in someone’s life, but it can.

The backstory here is realizing that what we do, even when it feels small, can create waves we might not see at first. Whether it’s in the lives of the people we work with or the clients in my chair, I’ve learned that our impact goes far beyond what we imagine. We all have the power to make a difference—it’s just about stepping up and doing it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://WISEUPTORISEUP.COM
• Instagram: m_jzie

Image Credits

Wise Up To Rise Up Foundation
U.S. Congress — Office of the 29th District
State of Texas — Office of the Governor
City of Houston — Office of the Mayor
City of Houston — Office of City Council
City of Manvel — Office of the Mayor
Harris County Pct 1 — Office of the Commissioner