Maria GregoryMaria Gregory is a natural storyteller and visionary, whoseheart beats at the core of The Lion You Don't See. As thefounder of the I RiseUp Group of Companies-whichincludes I Riseup Academy, I Riseup Foundation, and CLICK- Computer Learning for InnerCity Kids-Maria is ona mission to empower people to find their inner strength and realize theincredible possibilities that life has to offer.Maria's journey has been one of service and growth. With a backgrounddeeply rooted in both counseling and education, she proudly served as aPresidential Member of the American Christian Counselors Associationfrom 2009 to 2020, offering guidance and support to countless individualsas they navigated their own paths of healing and personal growth. She alsospent over a decade as a volunteer Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sistersof America (BBBS) from 2004 to 2016, mentoring young people andencouraging them to reach for their full potential.From 2012 to 2014, and 2018, Maria also served as a Judge for the InventionConvention League, where she helped inspire the next generation of inventorsand creators. But Maria's dedication to making a difference doesn't stop ather professional life. She wears many hats-wife, stepmom, big sister, aunt, godmother, and trusted friend you can rely on-finding joy in nurturing thepeople she's called to serve and support. Her passion for community andpersonal connection fuels everything she does.The Lion You Don't See is a project that's especially close to Maria's heart.Inspired by her own desire to help readers of all ages uncover the quiet, often hidden strength inside them, she believes that through the power ofstorytelling, people can begin to see beyond their struggles and recognizethe courage they didn't even know they had.Maria's ultimate goal? To show you that the lion you don't see is roaringinside you, just waiting to be discovered. Read More Read Less