About Jayden A. Watkins

Jayden Amir Watkins is a 17-year-old trailblazing leader, visionary, and servant from Henderson, North Carolina. A minister, author, NAACP award recipient, and executive director, Jayden has dedicated his life to empowering others through faith, service, and advocacy. At just nine years old, he preached his first sermon — a moment that ignited his lifelong calling to ministry. By his mid-teens, he founded Higher Is Waiting, a nonprofit that has already impacted hundreds of youth through mentorship, community service, and faith-based initiatives such as the EMPOWERED Teen Bible Study & Mentorship Group.

Jayden has served as an associate minister at two churches, where he has preached revivals across the East Coast and mentored countless individuals. Beyond the pulpit, he has established himself as a dynamic voice in leadership and media. Currently a senior and Student Body President at Henderson Collegiate, Jayden leads with purpose inside and outside school. He is also an assistant stage play director, the host of The Preferable Podcast — which has featured Grammy and Emmy Award winners — and a seasonal on-air radio personality with WIZS Radio.

His influence and impact have led to features on television shows, news networks, magazines, and articles nationwide, amplifying his voice and story to audiences far beyond his community.

Jayden’s leadership has also earned him opportunities on national stages, including induction into the prestigious Disney Dreamers Academy. This past summer, he advanced his knowledge and influence by participating in elite programs at NC State University, the Governor’s Page Program, and the Princeton University Summer Journalism Program, where he gained academic enrichment and connections with global leaders.

Rooted in his favorite scripture, Jeremiah 29:11, Jayden believes his calling is bigger than himself. With unwavering faith, he aspires to continue breaking barriers for minority groups and the next generation. His passion is clear: to equip the next generation to live on purpose, use their gifts boldly, and transform their communities for the better.