Team

Jesse Purcell is one of the co-founders of the Ronin Project, serving as President of the Board and Director of Operations. As the face of the Ronin Project, Jesse leads with authenticity, grit, and an unwavering commitment to transformation and service. Having spent the entirety of his life surrounded by suffering and pain — and after serving 14+ years in prison — Jesse was released to a world he no longer understood. His greatest strength has always been his ability to endure and keep pushing. His determination and resilience are rooted in education of mind, body, and soul. He has studied and read books on many different religions and philosophies and spent his whole life observing the world around him. He has studied the body and the importance of health and fitness. And thanks to his work with K9s, he has had the privilege of witnessing the love and compassion of nature. As a certified fitness instructor, dog trainer, artist, and self-aware Ronin, his hope is that this project becomes a gift to humanity. 

"Mercy and peace upon us all!" - Jesse

Jennifer Hood is one of the three co-founders of the Ronin Project, serving as Vice President of the Board and Director of Finance and Fundraising. A retired Navy veteran with over 22 years of distinguished service in Security, Legal, and Administration, Jennifer brings unwavering integrity, strategic focus, and a deep sense of purpose to her work. Now transitioned into the IT field with a passion for Artificial Intelligence and AI Consulting, she continues to lead through innovation and collaboration. In 2025, Jennifer authored and presented an AI Consulting white paper demystifying AI for non-technical audiences. She also founded and currently leads the AI Technical Exchange Group’s AI Specialists Community at Booz Allen, where she helps shape the future of responsible AI consulting through expert panels, resource curation, and community engagement. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to service, growth, and empowering others — values that define the heart of the Ronin Project.

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David McGee is one of the three co-founders of the Ronin Project and serves as the Director of Fitness. An ISSA Certified Personal Trainer with over 25 years of experience, David is deeply committed to helping others reach their strength and wellness goals through one-on-one coaching rooted in discipline, care, and consistency. His passion for fitness is matched by a powerful personal story shaped by growing up on the South Side of Chicago. There, he witnessed firsthand the challenges that come with systemic inequality, especially for youth. As an aide working with children — including a young Jesse Purcell — David saw how often the system fails those who need it most. These early experiences instilled in him a lifelong commitment to mentoring others, promoting physical and emotional resilience, and creating spaces where people can break cycles and rewrite their stories. Through the Ronin Project, David combines his expertise and lived experience to guide others toward transformation — mind, body, and soul.

Kanise Marshall serves as the Secretary of the Board and lives in Virginia with her husband, two kids, two dogs, and tarantula. She is a Project and Training Manager and author. She has her MBA with a concentration in Risk Management, a Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management, and a BA in English Literature. She has served on the boards of her local library and an organization helping homeless and displaced people groups in a tri-county area. She is excited to join the Ronin Project to further the mission of this organization and help as many people as possible.

Donte Fitzgerald is a proud member of the Ronin Project Board, driven by a deep calling to be a source of guidance and hope for those in need — especially youth. Raised in the country, Donte learned the value of hard work and self-reliance through hunting, fishing, fixing cars, and building things. Later, his life took a sharp turn when he and his siblings relocated to Richmond, Virginia, where he was exposed to the realities of drugs, gangs, and street life. Having lived through and witnessed the impact of these struggles, Donte came to recognize them as symptoms of a deeper illness — one that can only be healed through guidance and redirection. His lived experience fuels his unwavering commitment to the Ronin Project’s mission, and he is honored to be part of a team working to transform lives and create lasting change.

Balinda Williamson serves as the Treasurer of the Board for the Ronin Project, bringing over 40 years of experience in bookkeeping, accounts receivable, and accounts payable services. Beyond her professional expertise, Balinda is a survivor of domestic abuse — a journey that has shaped her resilience and deepened her commitment to helping others. She understands firsthand the fear, complexity, and strength it takes to survive abuse, and she carries that empathy into her work with the Ronin Project. Balinda is passionate about being a guiding light for others, recognizing the signs of struggle, and offering support with the hope of helping survivors find safety, healing, and peace.

Carolyn Werner is a dedicated member of the Ronin Project Board with a lifelong passion for serving individuals with special needs. At 64 years old, Carolyn brings decades of hands-on experience and heartfelt commitment, having worked with the special needs community since the age of 18. She currently serves as a homeschool teacher to an autistic child, finding deep joy and fulfillment in helping others overcome challenges and reach moments of understanding. For Carolyn, the wonder of seeing a special needs individual grasp something new is one of life’s greatest rewards. Her compassion, patience, and unwavering support embody the spirit of the Ronin Project.

Kris Wingfield serves on the Board of the Ronin Project, bringing a unique and creative perspective shaped by a lifelong relationship with ADHD and a deep connection to art. From a young age, Kris discovered that art offered a powerful outlet — a way to channel racing thoughts, develop patience, and create something meaningful amid life’s chaos. For Kris, art became a safe space for reflection and a tool for healing. Believing that art has the power to shift perspectives and bring light into darkness, Kris is passionate about using creativity to inspire understanding and splash color into a world that often feels heavy.

Heather Owens serves as a valued board member of the Ronin Project, bringing a compassionate presence shaped by both personal experience and professional expertise. As a survivor of trauma, Heather has cultivated a profound understanding of resilience and healing — wisdom that informs her role as a caregiver to her granddaughter and as a guiding force in the lives of others. She holds a Master’s degree in Ministry and Spiritual Counseling and is a trained yoga instructor, blending contemplative practice with deep emotional insight. In her work as a holistic esthetician, Heather is dedicated to nurturing the whole person — mind, body, and spirit — helping clients rediscover their radiance from the inside out. Her presence on the board reflects her unwavering commitment to personal transformation, spiritual wellness, and the mission of the Ronin Project.