About Jayden A. Watkins

Jayden Amir Watkins is an 18-year-old trailblazing leader, minister, author, speaker, nonprofit executive, and advocate from Henderson, North Carolina. Recognized for his passion for faith, service, and leadership, Jayden has dedicated his life to empowering the next generation through ministry, mentorship, education, and community outreach.

At just nine years old, Jayden preached his first sermon, igniting a lifelong calling to ministry. Since then, he has devoted himself to preaching the Gospel, encouraging people of all ages, and helping others discover their God-given purpose. A licensed minister, Jayden has served as an associate minister and travels throughout the East Coast preaching at churches, conferences, schools, and community events while mentoring countless young people and emerging leaders.

As a teenager, Jayden founded Higher Is Waiting, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, equipping, and empowering youth and young adults. Through innovative initiatives such as the EMPOWERED Teen & Young Adult Leadership & Mentorship Group, leadership development programs, educational opportunities, and year-round community outreach, the organization has impacted thousands of young people and families. Under Jayden’s leadership, Higher Is Waiting has raised more than $60,000 to support underserved rural communities by providing mentorship, food, clothing, school supplies, leadership training, career exploration opportunities, scholarships, and other essential resources.

Beyond the pulpit, Jayden has become a respected voice in leadership and media. He served as Student Body President at Henderson Collegiate, demonstrating servant leadership both inside and outside the classroom. He is also an actor, assistant stage play director, host of The Preferable Podcast—which has featured Grammy Award and Emmy Award winners—and a seasonal on-air radio personality with WIZS Radio.

An accomplished author and global storyteller, Jayden self-published his first book, Higher Heights, which became a No. 1 New Release in its category on Amazon before being distributed in brick-and-mortar bookstores. His writing has also been featured on the YouVersion Bible App, where his devotionals have reached readers in more than 80 countries across six continents.

Jayden’s influence has extended far beyond his hometown through television, radio, podcasts, newspapers, magazines, and digital media, where his story of faith, perseverance, and service has inspired audiences across the nation. His work has been featured by numerous media outlets, amplifying his message of hope and purpose to people from diverse backgrounds.

His leadership has earned him opportunities on some of the nation’s most prestigious stages. Jayden is an alumnus of the Disney Dreamers Academy, the Princeton University Summer Journalism Program, the North Carolina Governor’s Page Program, and academic enrichment programs at North Carolina State University. In Fall 2026, he will begin the next chapter of his journey as a freshman at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Among his many honors are the NAACP Community Impact Award and the Taco Bell Foundation Live Más Scholarship, recognizing his outstanding commitment to community service, education, youth leadership, and advocacy.

Grounded in his favorite scripture, Jeremiah 29:11, Jayden believes that leadership is not about recognition—it is about responsibility. Whether preaching from a pulpit, leading a nonprofit, speaking on a national stage, or serving his community, his mission remains the same: to educate, equip, and empower the next generation to discover their purpose, boldly use their gifts, and transform their communities through faith, compassion, and service.