Meet Our Leadership Team
Robert (Bobby) Lee Wiseman Jr
Founder & Executive Director
Good golly good day to you. I thought I would take a moment to “introduce” myself to you so that hopefully you can obtain a better understanding of me, my passions, my drive and determination, and my faith path and journey.
Connection
I have had the wonderful pleasure of visiting many places around the globe. In these respective travels, I have had the blessing of staying in the homes of community members, establishing programs in both developing and developed countries, as well as strong, authentic relationships with various people that I encountered since the earlies 1990’s.
Change
I have been an advocate of change at both the individual and community level. This change has never been easy due to the fact of different viewpoints, access and getting to a point of true collaboration. I have taken personal concentrated efforts to work on both the inner and outer me. I have taken steps to work on all of me – mentally, physically, and spiritually. No, this has not been easy – but hey. what is? Yes, there are some things that I am still working on and I will continue to be a work in progress.
Catalyst
I am a magnet for community, institutional and systematic change that incorporates divergent voices, ideological differences and challenges that yearn for robust, rough, and raw conversations. No these are not easy in any way, shape, or form yet I value and respect that I am able to bring together and/or connect the people, game changers and general community at-large to promote real, effective change.
Creative
I love to cook. Now, yes, I have a “few” things that are done by receipe however most are by sight, smell, and feel. I cherish the times in the kitchen, listening to Mahalia Jackson, ol’ school Baptist FULL choirs, Sam Cooke, and classic R&B. I love being able to create and craft that is specific to the person that transmits comfort, connection, and community.
Community
I am one that values the intersections of faith (not just attending a physical building) yet true relationship, friends and community originated services and opportunities. I love intergenerational conversations, connection and true conversation that yields the framework for mentorship, development, and true constructive communication.
This is just a snapshot of who I am. Oh yeah, forget to mention the ‘golden nuggets’
- Favorite color: Cobalt Blue
Favorite shows: I Love Lucy, Golden Girls, Boomerang, TCM, Cooking Channel and Food Network - Favorite location: Beach
- Favorite sound: Rain
- Where I would like to eventually retire: Some place in nature, with a CAT 5 connection
I hope that is gives more of an idea of the ‘me’ and look forward to hearing from you as it pertains to Potential of Ability, Incorporated, any of our current or future plans or have a suggestion please feel free to connect with me soon and very soon!
Hannah Ellis
Chief People Person
“Be Amazing on Purpose”
Hannah is certified in Domestic Abuse Counseling and Child Advocate and she brings over 30 years of community service, with a culturally diverse background. Hannah, affectionately known as “Chef Momma Bear” is a “Spiritually trained” Chef and uses these skills to create an environment for kids to get involved in the culinary world, while creating a positive mentoring atmosphere. She is not afraid to work the front line with rescuing kids and being available for life’s nuggets – anytime a deposit is needed!
Coming from a domestic abusive childhood, Hannah knew early on that being an advocate for the things she did not like, was more beneficial than sitting back and becoming a victim.
Her life’s journey brought her to Tucson, Arizona in October 2018 after having a life changing surgery that left her without the use of her right hand for a few years. “Homelessness does select a certain few, it can affect us all”. In 2016 Hannah became homeless as a single mother of 3 with 2 in college. Not only was she able to gain employment, she continued to help rebuild and give back along the journey.
“Be Amazing on Purpose” is what she says! “Everyone has a purpose, we just have to show others how to dance to the beat of their own rhythm that synchronizes with the “One True Source of Light” .
Estybalyz Martinez
Executive Administrator Coordinator
Hi!!!! I’m Estybalyz Martinez, Esty, if you’re not used to pronouncing rare unique names.
I am grateful and honored to hold the position as Executive Administrator Coordinator at Potential of Ability, Incorporated. As our mission statement says we are here to empower, educate, and equip youth and young adults ages (18-24) involved in the foster care system and/or those who have recently exited foster care, youth and young adults who face housing challenges, have educational challenges and those youth and young adults who lack viable long-term stable, meaningful contributing employment.
Whether you’re in the foster system, just exiting, or never been, we are here to help with those basic life skills that weren’t taught in school such as money management, housing management, and how to get and keep a job. If none of these suit you, we also help with substance abuse and/or mental health illness. Point is, no matter what your ability or disabilities may be, we will always see the potential you may have and we will strive to bring it out within yourself.
Since I was a little bean I strived to become something bigger than I could imagine as I’m sure all of us have. The thing with me is, it was bigger than my mind could grasp, although I was not part of the foster care system, as a young child my family and I faced many challenges to make a decent living. From housing challenges, moving house-to-house, to having educational challenges because of my ethnicity as well as financial challenges and no, it doesn’t stop here. My brother has suffered with severe schizophrenia for almost 10 years now. I never knew what I wanted to study or be when I grew up but one thing I DID have certain was I wanted to help those who faced these similar challenges as me and help those who faced different challenges and Potential of Ability has given me the opportunity to do just that and MORE.
Now on the other hand I know you’re wanting to know a little more insight on who I am. AKA ‘Golden Nuggets’:
I was born and raised here in the wonderful City of Tucson, Arizona. I have had the pleasure of visiting many places at a young age and see different cultures and lifestyles. Some of my favorite hobbies include going on walks, meditating and working out. I also really enjoy arts and crafts but my absolute favorite thing to do is watch sunsets and sunrises. On occasions when I’m close to a beach the sound and visual of waves is something that nothing can top off. My favorite color is yellow, but not just any shade of yellow, that bright yellow you see when the sunrises or that you see on beautiful sunflowers or even that tone of yellow that sometimes sunsets surprise us with. Yellow speaks of friendliness and approachability. It symbolizes warmth, harmony, peace and honesty. Yellow is the color of light, hope, and encouragement. When you see yellow it inspires thoughts and curiosity and boosts enthusiasm and confidence.
I hope this gives you more of an idea of ‘who I am’ and I look forward to hearing from you as it pertains to Potential of Ability, Incorporated, current or future plans or if you have a suggestion please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience.
Thank you and stay blessed.
Steven Ramirez AKA Bones
Public Relations Specialist
Hello, my name is Steven Anthony Ramirez ‘AKA’ Bones. I’m the Chief Potential Officer (aka Public Relations Specialist) with Potential of Ability, Incorporated here in Tucson, Arizona. I joined this wonderful organization in August 2020 and have been grateful for this opportunity ever since.
My goals are to take my lifetime experiences to help steer and mentor anyone who is willing to change. I want to help guide those heading to dark roads and lifestyles, educate them on the harsh reality and effects that it will lead to.
I was born and raised in the City of Tucson in 1969. I am a product of the streets. Many of you may relate to this part of who I was: ex-gang member, former drug user and drug dealer, along with that came the importation of narcotics. To which led me to be a felon in the State of Arizona. I can proudly say that I’ve been clean and sober for 5 years.
Even though the beginning years of my life was determined by the bad choices I was making, I had a turnover when I had my first born child. Aside from who I was, I am now a proud father of 3 wonderful kids. Even with 3 kids I am still an active Harley rider and am a proud member of The Mixtecas Nation. I also enjoy being part of The Biker/Lowrider Community.
I hope this gives a bit more insight on who I am. I look forward to meeting and serving those in need.