Hi, I AM DUANE
I'M A
GREATNESS ACTIVATOR
FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
You are probably on this page because you want to know more about me. I don’t blame you. I would want to know more about someone you’re considering bringing to your city to inspire your youth to live out their greatness.
I’m a college graduate, a husband, a father of two, and a man who overcame insecurity and the scars of being bullied while in school. Before I was born, my mother battled suicidal ideations never imagining that years later, my wife would face those same thoughts. By the grace of God, they are both doing great today.
Those two defining moments, along with my own journey through pain, shaped my worldview and sparked a lifelong mission to help others choose hope, identity, and life. What once felt like pain has become purpose, and I’m ready to share it with your group, because it’s time for all of us to live out our greatness!
I am on a mission to help students live out their greatness and choose hope by reducing the silent weight of insecurity, isolation, and despair that too often leads young people to consider suicide.
I speak life, teach practical mental-wellness tools, and remind students they matter.
TRUSTED BY
I am the GREATNESS ACTIVATOR who has had the privilege of speaking to thousands of our youth about the greatness they possess. Even when I was doing well on the court, I was still bullied for my height… my lips… my eyes… my hairline… my whole body, and it affected how I saw myself. That lived experience is why my mission is bigger than motivation: I’m here to help students build identity, choose hope, and remember their life has value.
2015 | The Year of Change
That year everything seemed to hit at once: heartbreak with the girl I thought I’d marry, a wreck with an 18-wheeler that should’ve killed me, and the sudden death of my best friend, Erick. In the middle of all of it, I let go of my dream of playing college basketball and not long after, a reckless decision landed me in urgent care. But 2015 also became the year I founded UanesWorld (YouTube), turning pain into purpose and using my content to help others live out their greatness. It included players like A'ja Wilson and Ja Morant.
2016 - 2018 | Purpose in Motion
Between classrooms and content creation, I started speaking to students. I learned how to turn my story into a message. In 2018, I earned my Bachelor of Arts from Francis Marion University.
2019 | Building a Stage for Greatness
I created The RIM Awards, South Carolina’s first statewide sports basketball gala. It spotlighted high school athletes for their talent, character, and impact beyond the game.
2020 | Family and Foundation
I married my dream girl, Joi, and our love story became one of the greatest gifts of my life. She’s been featured on national TV cooking competitions for her baking artistry and we’re blessed with a son and a daughter.
2023 | A Deeper Calling
I earned my minister’s license, strengthening the foundation behind my message of identity, hope, and greatness.
2024 - Now | Full Circle Recognition
I was voted as one of the Top 10 Under 40 in the same city I was bullied in!
I went all in as a full-time speaker, traveling the country with a message of identity, hope and greatness.
to date UanesWorld YouTube
30+ Million views worldwide Audiences in 50 countries Footage seen on Nike and ESPN
FUN FACT
I love spending time with my family, playing basketball and drinking Ice Coffee