OUR TEAM
WHAT WE STAND FOR
CREATING HARMONY
THROUGH EXPERIENCES,
CONNECTION & HEALING.
MEET OUR TEAM
LEADERSHIP
BEN PETERSON
CEO
Engage Your Destiny
As an eight-year U.S. Army veteran serving two years in Iraq, Ben Peterson experienced the trauma of war. The prospect of coming home left him feeling extraordinarily vulnerable.
Upon arrival, Ben and his comrades were personally welcomed home by a squad of Vietnam veterans. That day, Ben not only lunged into the loving arms of his family, he cherished the embrace of an earlier generation who also knew war’s brutality.
Considering Vietnam vets were largely spurned when they returned home, their show of honor and compassion left an indelible mark on Ben as he transitioned into ‘normal’ life.
Heroes Honor Festival is a calling for Ben to give Vietnam veterans the long overdue welcome home they deserve and need.
Armin Assadi
President
Engage Your Destiny
Armin is an Iranian-American religious refugee who credits this country for the life and freedom he and his family are blessed to have. In addition to serving as EYD’s President, he is the co-founder of InnovaCor and Position Intel. He has led and supported small executive gatherings for CEOs and large gatherings with over 100,000 people in attendance internationally.
His love for God and country is something he puts into action constantly. Armin has sat on several non-profit boards, led megachurches, and has a gift for mobilizing people to nationwide movements. But, of all his experiences, his time with the men and women of the US military and veterans has been one of the greatest joys and privileges of his life.
Aleesha Penn
Executive Administrator
Engage Your Destiny
Aleesha comes to Engage Your Destiny with over 7 years of administrative experience including time spent in both the private and public sectors. She has supported CEO’s, Vice President’s, Division Directors, Project Managers, and multiple teams and divisions in a variety of administrative roles. Her passion for details and organization and her heart to connect with people gives her a unique administrative twist to bring to our team.
Aleesha has always had a passion for helping people find freedom in Christ, so she is excited to be serving Engage Your Destiny with the mission to heal and grow resilience for all service members and their families. Aleesha has also served in numerous ministry roles, including interning at her home church in Minneapolis, and taking on the role of Prayer Advisor for Bridging the Gap, a local women’s ministry. In her spare time, you will find Aleesha working out, traveling to the beach, and spending time with family and friends.
Engage Your Destiny Board Members
Jason Livingston
Board Chair
Jason Livingston is a seasoned business and sales professional with over 20 years of experience in Information Technology and Leadership with a focus on Cyber Security and IT Operations. As an entrepreneur, Mr. Livingston has spent over a decade creating and managing startups. He recently completed a Master’s Degree in Security Technologies at the University of MN.
Dave Melin
Secretary
IP Founder / Biochemist by training / Biopharma executive at early stage, mid-size and multinational public companies / Expertise in Market Access, Commercial and Business Development, Market Research and Data Analytics / Passion for building trusted partnerships / Non-profit Founder and Board Member / Believes in giving back / Enjoying life’s journey with his wife of nearly 25 years
Jason Weimer
Treasurer
Jason is the founder and managing partner of Gratus Capital Properties, a private equity company based out of St. Paul MN offering qualified investors access to alternative equity, debt and real estate investments.
At GCP we believe that servant leadership through business has the power to revolutionize the world.
Jason, his wife and daughter call St. Paul their home.
Dan Smith
Marketing Chair
Dan is data-driven (but surprisingly funny) and inspired by people and organizations becoming their best selves while achieving their goals. He has helped multiple organizations grow (and brand and re-brand) to not only reach their goals but surpass them. Dan has been with Engage Your Destiny since the beginning and can’t wait to be a part of helping veterans heal and be recognized for the sacrifices they have made.
Military Advisors
Kevin Weaver
The Warrior’s Journey
Kevin serves as President/CEO and Co-Founder of The Warrior’s Journey and is a US Air Force veteran. He served in the USAF Security Forces at the 24th SPS and in the Office of Special Investigations at U.S. Southern Command in the Republic of Panama from 1983-1987. Leveraging his 30 years of pastoral leadership experience, he is utilizing his skills to help develop and advance the vision of The Warrior’s Journey.
Kevin and his wife KyAnne have three sons; Kaleb and his wife Michaelah and twin daughters, Norah and Charis, staff Pastors at Abundant Life Church, Lee’s Summit, MO; Keith, Capt. U.S. Army Special Forces, Ft. Bragg, NC. along with his wife Kelli and their children, Thomas and Taylor; and Klay, 1st LT U.S. Army Armor officer, 101st Airborne, Ft Campbell, KY., along with his wife Amanda.
Scott McChrystal
The Warrior’s Journey
Scott McChrystal entered active duty in 1970 as a 2Lt in the infantry. He served 31 years on active duty, 10 as an infantry officer and the remainder as an Army chaplain. His line officer experience included a tour in Viet Nam as an Infantry Platoon Leader and 3 assignments with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, As an Army chaplain, he had multiple tours at home and abroad. His final assignment was serving as the Senior Chaplain at the United States Military Academy at West point, NY. He retired from active duty in 2005. Scott joined The Warrior’s Journey staff full time in June of 2019. He currently serves as The Warrior’s Journey Military Liaison.
His decorations and awards include the Distinguished Service Award, the Bronze Star, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Master Parachutist Badge, and the Army Ranger Tab. In recent years, he has authored several Christian devotionals, co-authored a Christian action-novel, and served as the Managing Editor for the The Warrior’s Bible, an application bible for the military community. Chaplain McChrystal and his wife, Judy, live in Springfield, Missouri, and have 4 children and 9 grandchildren.
Evan Owens
Reboot Recovery
Evan specializes in organizational leadership, development, and leveraging technology to elevate a nonprofit’s reach and impact. As a leader, Evan is an expert at maximizing those around him to reach their full potential. Evan has authored several books, including the REBOOT trauma healing curriculum, and has been a keynote and panel presenter at numerous conferences in the trauma recovery space. Evan believes in empowering everyday people to help their friends and neighbors who are struggling in the wake of painful experiences.
Evan Owens was formerly the CEO for Centresource Interactive Agency. Under his leadership, Centresource expanded to a national client base and was privileged to be named in the INC 5000 and the Inner City 100 Fastest Growing Companies in the US lists.
He is married to Dr. Jenny Owens, co-founder of REBOOT and has three young children.