Meet Khristopher Fields

We had the good fortune of connecting with Khristopher Fields and we’ve shared our conversation below. At just 27 years old, he’s not only a recipient of the U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and the U.S. Presidential Gold Medal, but also a published author, visionary, and inspirational foundation executive. His work is making waves and inspiring a movement for the next generation of champions to wise up and rise up.

Hi Khristopher, can you tell us about a book that has had a meaningful impact on you?
One book that profoundly influenced my life is “Pulse of Perseverance.” This deeply personal tale chronicles the journey of three young Black men who overcame daunting odds to become part of the mere five percent of U.S. doctors who are Black. The authors provide an unflinching look at the barriers Black and brown Americans face, highlighting how the path to success is significantly harder for Black and brown children than for their counterparts. Yet, unimaginable success is still achievable with unwavering perseverance. At its core, “Pulse of Perseverance” is an inspirational story of what can be achieved with dedication, support from like-minded individuals, and investment from institutions committed to Black success. It serves as a North Star for every young dreamer who envisions a future greater for themselves than the world often allows them to believe is possible.

Discovering Pulse of Perseverance was a pivotal moment in my life. It was the first book I ever read from cover to cover, and it moved me to transform my narrative from failure to achievement. Inspired by its message, I went on to become a published author, honored by the White House with two major awards, and named the 2023 Inspirational Man of the Year. As an alumnus of the Pulse of Perseverance Scholarship, On May 16th, 2024, I honored the legacy of Dr. Johnson, Dr. Madhere, and Dr. Semien with their own Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards from the White House through the nonprofit I founded, Wise Up to Rise Up Foundation, which is an official accredited administrator of Presidential Volunteer Service Awards. This was a small token of my appreciation for their enduring impact, not only in my life but also in the lives of countless others.

Dr. Johnson once said, “Pulse of Perseverance isn’t just a book; it is a movement.” For me, Pulse of Perseverance represents a shift from being counted out to being counted on, from overlooked to overbooked, and from a lifestyle of failure to a lifetime of achievement. It is not just a book— Pulse of Perseverance is a movement.

What should our readers know about your business?
At just 27 years old, I am honored to have received the U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and the U.S. Presidential Gold Medal. I am also a published author, a visionary, the 2023 Inspirational Man of the Year Award recipient, and a 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 nominee in the social impact category. The city of Houston, Texas, has even honored me with a proclamation naming a day after me. Leading an inspirational foundation, I am dedicated to inspiring a movement for the next generation of champions to wise up and rise up.

My motivation to inspire the next generation stems from growing up in Greenspoint, an inner-city neighborhood in north Houston, Texas, known for its high crime rates, particularly violent crimes like armed robberies and assaults. Despite these challenges, Greenspoint, often referred to as “Gunspoint,” was the backdrop for my remarkable achievements.

Through NBC’s syndicated television network, my voice has reached hundreds of thousands nationwide and over 81,000 people through online streaming. This platform has amplified my message of empowerment and community enrichment to an unimaginably wide audience. Across the nation, those facing similar challenging circumstances have seen me as an example of overcoming adversity. I refused to be a cautionary tale; instead, I aim to be a testament to God’s unmatched power to transform lives.

I have logged over 4,000 hours of volunteerism and community service and am the visionary founder of Wise Up To Rise Up Foundation Inc., a 501(c)(3) licensed community organization that has earned Gold Status recognition from respected organizations such as Guidestar, Foundation Center, and Candid. Through innovative programs, collaborative partnerships, and a commitment to excellence, Wise Up to Rise Up Foundation has positively impacted the lives of over 200 individuals, instilling a love for learning and a passion for community engagement. Our foundation’s impact extends beyond educational initiatives to encompass community building, mentorship, and the celebration of knowledge, imagination, and excellence.

I champion the incredible work being done to boost literacy rates through the power of community, creativity, and collaboration. Our foundation focuses on bringing people together—communities, dreamers, artists, visionaries, educators, and volunteers—to spark a love of learning and creativity in the next generation, especially in the underserved neighborhoods of Houston, Texas.

By publishing “From Dreams To Wings: Extraordinary Epiphanies Through The Lens Of Aviation,” establishing a mentorship program, and personally gifting over100 copies of the book to aspiring youth, I have significantly contributed to the community. The book and program provide young aviation enthusiasts with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance they need to achieve their skyward goals. Furthermore, my active involvement in community enrichment initiatives and motivational speaking engagements has allowed me to reach a broader audience, spreading a message of empowerment and resilience to many more individuals beyond the direct beneficiaries of the mentorship program.

Despite these achievements, I consider the lives I’ve touched and the smiles I’ve inspired to be my greatest accolades.

I’ve encountered so many seemingly insurmountable challenges that could have broken me, pushed me to submission, and forced me to quit out of agonizing frustration. However, I pressed forward relentlessly, unencumbered by those challenges and unafraid of new frontiers. It is through these challenges that I’ve developed a paramount voice and a deeper understanding that my purpose in life is to lift up those who have fallen in spirit, be a voice for the voiceless, an advocate for the vulnerable, and a mentor for those crushed by the lumbering weight of shame and the low expectations of society.

Ultimately, my dream is to use my experiences, paramount voice, and purpose-driven spirit to empower students struggling with childhood behavioral issues, emotional challenges, and family dysfunction to overcome all the negative influences and pressures to live a life of true fulfillment. I imagine a world where the vast majority of children wake up every day feeling inspired, feeling safe at school, and fulfilled at the end of the day. This, in essence, is why I created Wise Up to Rise Up Foundation. I do all of this because I know people can change, obstacles can be overcome, and monumental success can be achieved when we are unified, come together, and draw strength from a spirit of common purpose.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d ensure they have an unforgettable time exploring the city’s best attractions. We’d start with breakfast at the Post Houston Skylawn, enjoying stunning skyline views while discussing expanding our horizons, reaching for the heavens, and soaring through life. Then, we’d visit the Houston Museum of Natural Science for the Butterfly Exhibit, engaging in encouraging conversations about transformation, growth, and developing purpose, just like butterflies. To conclude, we’d enjoy dinner at Quote’s Willowbrook, savoring their delicious oxtail quesadillas while engaging in inspirational conversations about creativity, the uniqueness of culinary arts, and the beauty of Black culture.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to express my deepest gratitude to all the amazing supporters of the Wise Up to Rise Up Foundation. Your unwavering dedication and incredible generosity touch my heart deeply. Because of you, we’re not just changing lives; we’re igniting dreams, nurturing creativity, and building a community filled with hope and possibility. Every contribution, no matter the size, is a testament to the power of unity and belief in a brighter future. Thank you for standing with me, for believing in the power of bringing people together—communities, dreamers, artists, visionaries, educators, and volunteers—to spark a love of learning and creativity in the next generation, especially in the underserved neighborhoods of Houston, Texas.

Website: https://WISEUPTORISEUP.COM

Instagram: Everybodyloveskris

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khrisfields/

Other: https://Khristopherfields.com