We were lucky to catch up with Dr. Shumonte Cooper recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. Shumonte , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

In late 2018, I stood at a crossroads—a place many dreamers find themselves. I had a vision that burned deep within me: to launch a nonprofit that would radically change the way communities—especially underserved and often forgotten ones—received support in the wake of disasters. I envisioned rapid response, emotional and spiritual care, and real relief delivered not just with hands, but with heart. But visions don’t pay bills, and dreams don’t fill trucks with supplies.

At the time, I had very little: no major donors, no warehouse full of supplies, no backing from big organizations. What I did have was a relentless drive, a handful of people who believed in me, and a faith that told me, “Go anyway.”

Launching Christ is Relief, Inc. wasn’t just a step—it was a leap. I emptied part of my savings more than once to fill gas tanks, buy supplies, and send aid. I remember one mission where we were headed into a disaster zone with barely enough money to cover fuel, but somehow, every time we pressed forward, provision came. Whether it was a church donating water or a local restaurant feeding the team, God provided.

But not everyone understood. Some friendships were strained—people questioned my decisions. “Why would you risk everything for this?” “You’ve got a good job, why not stay comfortable?” There were moments I was alone, misunderstood, and financially stretched thin. I had to become a better steward of every dollar. There were nights I lay awake wondering if I had made a mistake… but something in me knew—I was walking in purpose.

Through this risk, I learned something invaluable: your vision is not for everyone to carry—some will walk away, some will doubt—but that doesn’t mean you stop walking. You must lead with faith, but also with wisdom. You learn to plan smarter, build stronger, and push forward even when the support isn’t loud.

Now, years later, Christ is Relief has touched lives in over seven states and abroad. We’ve built homes for widows, served hundreds of children, and responded within 24 hours to tornados, floods, and hurricanes. We’ve given hope, not just help.

What started as a risk has become a relief movement.

Sometimes, the greatest breakthroughs are born in the most uncertain seasons. The risk I took wasn’t just about starting a nonprofit—it was about becoming who I was called to be.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Dr. Shumonte Cooper. I’m a retired army veteran, author, and the founder of Difference Makers Inc and Christ is Relief, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing disaster relief and community support to underserved populations across the U.S. and abroad. I hold a Ph.D. in Global Leadership, a Master’s in Divinity, and have completed various certifications in emergency management and humanitarian response.

My journey into the nonprofit world wasn’t something I planned—it was something I answered. After seeing how many families were overlooked during disaster response, especially those without insurance or connections, I felt a burden to step in where others wouldn’t. In 2018, with very little money, a small support system, and a whole lot of faith, I launched Christ is Relief. It was a risk that changed my life.

We’ve now served in over seven states and internationally, building homes for widows, delivering food to hundreds of children, offering emotional and spiritual support, and deploying within 24 hours to some of the hardest-hit areas. What I’m most proud of isn’t just the number of people we’ve helped—it’s how we help them: with compassion, consistency, and commitment.

To our potential volunteers and donors: You matter. Whether you give your time, resources, or skills, you become part of something greater than a moment—you become part of someone’s recovery story. We don’t just show up—we stand in the gap when hope feels distant.

Join us in being the difference. Because relief isn’t just what we give—it’s who we are.

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

Authenticity and consistency.

In a world where people are quick to promote but slow to show up, I made it my mission to show up—consistently and genuinely. Whether responding to a disaster, mentoring young leaders, or building partnerships for our nonprofit, I’ve led with integrity and a servant’s heart. People may forget your pitch, but they remember how you made them feel—and I’ve always aimed to leave people with a sense of hope and trust.

I also believe reputation is built in the trenches, not just on platforms. When people saw me willing to get dirty, sacrifice, and serve without a spotlight, it built credibility. Word of mouth, real relationships, and a commitment to quality over clout became the foundation.

In short, I didn’t just build a brand—I built a reputation by living the mission.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Ive written a few that came down to a mix of personal transparency, resilience, and continuous learning.

Writing The Other Side of Pain gave me the courage to share my story—raw, honest, and unfiltered. That transparency allowed people to see the why behind my mission, not just the what. I learned that people connect with your scars more than your success.

From a leadership perspective, The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz reminded me that the road isn’t meant to be smooth. Leading through disaster zones, budget gaps, and burned-out seasons taught me that true leadership is built in the fire. You earn your reputation when you don’t quit.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People gave me structure—helping me lead from a place of vision and principle. And Atomic Habits reinforced that long-term success isn’t built on massive moments, but small, consistent actions repeated daily.

Altogether, these experiences and insights helped me lead with authenticity, build trust, and create a reputation rooted in purpose, not popularity.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.christisrelief.org and wearedifferencemakers.com
• Youtube: Christ is Relief
• Other: Spotify and amazon music -@christ is relief inc for all music insprations