In its simplest definition, a facilitator is somebody who enables something or a process to happen, especially someone who encourages people to find their own solutions to problems or tasks. It is also defined as one who is an organizer and provider of services for a meeting, seminar, or other event. But how does one become the ultimate facilitator; looked to by the masses to get the job done with excellence, effectiveness and expediency. What makes him or her great? Some bring their own approaches to the situation. Some allow the solution to be defined and owned by the individuals they are facilitating. Some use sensitivity and skill to help the team clarify their objective. Others become great by working the process. Their progress toward the objective is never short-changed because they keep it fun and energized; making sure everyone feels a part of the progression. They set the pace high so that those around them will see their self-confidence and come together to make one booming chorus of conviction and completion.

But then there is Tarek “Terk” Stevens with a set of skills that distinguishes him from even this pack of definitions and roles. Jack of all trades, you ask? No. To call him Jack would be quite inadequate when you look at his mastery of each and every skill. He has broken that long-standing rule. He is a “driving force within the business on a multi-dichotic level.” His preparation, focus, information, power, motivation, energy and confirmation have helped this brother to be simply and humbly, the one who gets it done.

Tarek “Terk” Stevens means great ruler. The North star is the star of Tarek. He is seen as Gibraltar or that huge rock; a strong and centered individual. His name also symbolizes a leader who brought all religions together. His middle name, Shareef, means an honest person. “I live by my name,” says Tarek. “I see more in others than they see in themselves. I force people to see the best in themselves. I help people see their passion and purpose. Now I’m walking in my purpose and my gift. I was raised to be seen and not heard, put others before you, be about it and not talk about it. In return, I’m blessed now to know people speak for me. I am a person always willing to give and put myself in the line of other people.”

Tarek has done an exceptional job at facilitating his life by listening to the God within him as his chief authority. It’s almost unbelievable how every season of his life ties together. Even considering his great run with Hip-Hop/R&B group, Whistle, Tarek remained in tuned, prepared and listening to the divine to know the next steps he should take. “Everything is about learning and taking it to the next level,” he says. Who knew a simple adventure to a high school track meet at the University of Maryland would spark the discovery of a voice that would bless the world. Dared by his friend, Tarek sang on the spot and the reaction from those in attendance was amazing. Because he was senior class president, word spread like wildfire. From there to college, once again he would be heard innocently singing in the shower and it ignited a pleasant chaos. The word spread through campus so by the time he did the annual school talent show, he was known by all, including the one and only, Toni Braxton. Doors continued to open. Whistle came to town to do a show. He hung out with them and friendships soon developed. They witnessed his popularity. They saw his appeal. They even began to spend time at his home. It was there where he would once again be heard casually singing in the shower… And it was a wrap!

Mr. Stevens believes, “everything must all coincide with the original mission and purpose. I don’t believe in making the same mistake twice. Whistle was just a transition period. Even while in the group, I was taking classes at Howard. For me, it is all in divine order. Everything has always been in me and God brings someone to me to help make the next transition or brings the connector to my path. Most people miss the connector because they are looking for what their flesh desires.”

Before Whistle heard him sing, they had been thinking about hiring him as road manager. Dare we say it… i.e. facilitator! And even though he ultimately became a part of the group, the vision and eye for the future and the next phase was already set in place. “I started to pursue music because I was interested in politics,” says Stevens. “I was thinking if I can get people to sign an autograph, that’s a potential vote. I always knew I could sing but never told anyone. I was also a natural born leader. So even when I became senior class President, I knew I had to do more. I found out I was the 1st black President at my high school. With knowledge comes responsibility because ignorance is bliss. When I won, a spirit spoke to me and said you’ve got to do more. I raised more money that year than any other officer before me. We raised so much money that homecoming and prom could have been free.”

Every facilitation situation is unique. Yet the great ones, like Mr. Stevens know how to customize a plan of action to address a person’s or group’s need. The best facilitators may have a core set of standard processes from which to draw but they know the cues for determining which agenda is appropriate in any given situation. They also have a method for building a new agenda from scratch when needed and have no fear doing it. That’s Tarek Stevens. But it hasn’t always been that way. “I was living in fear until I heard someone say the greatest gift is to lay down his life for another person,” says Tarek. “It doesn’t mean dying physically but love is long suffering and I’ve learned to master my walk by faith. I’m a person who is always giving and living to make the world a better place.”

“I am the ultimate facilitator,” he continues. “I facilitate people’s need. I make things happen. My mentor, Ivan Hall, taught me how to be a visionary. I was able to look at my purpose in life and look at God’s markers.” We are to “fear God, be honest and work hard. Majority of the time, I learned by the sayings of my mother or grandmother. They had powerful meaning. What changed my life even more was learning that education is key but information is essential. Misinformation veers people off the path. We keep raising our kids wrong. I was raised in a traditional Pentecostal background. I was raised to go to school and work hard. I was in gang fights and wildin’ out as a kid. But inside, I had a bigger vision.” Unlike most kids, Tarek was blessed to have a mentor to help birth that vision. He showed Tarek that it wasn’t enough to just get by. Even more, it was vitally important not to get over by getting by.

And that’s how this great facilitator got his start. From greatness comes greatness. Ivan Hall’s keen insight and very conscious efforts influenced the quality of Tarek’s response. The ability to challenge, redirect and motivate is definitely the mark of a top facilitator.

And so the journey continued… From re-connecting with high school friend, Martin Lawrence to unintentional but divinely directed meetings with Spike Lee and Kid n Play; From an introduction to a Bowie alumnus who happened to be running for State legislature to leading a delegation of civic leaders to the Middle-East for the World Economic Summit; From speaking on Ted Koppel’s Nightline News for a DC town hall meeting to working alongside former Secretary of Commerce and Democratic National Committee Chairman, Ron Brown; this young visionary continues to step forward with boldness; setting only exceptional standards. He continues to foster relationships with leaders from the business and civic communities via sports, communications and entertainment industries. His most memorable lifetime achievement would be his campaign run for Congress in 2010 as a Democrat for Washington DC’s Shadow representative seat.

It’s all been a great example of smooth transitioning from one phase to the next, using check points every step of the way, reviewing what’s been done, previewing what’s going to be done and remembering to stay on course so that all things line up with the ultimate objective. Romans 8:28 sums it up as such… “All things work together for the good of them who love the Lord and are the called according to His purpose.” There is not an ounce of doubt that Tarek “Terk” Stevens has been called and purposed to do what he does. Even today as organizations such as Rainbow/Push, Congressional Black Caucus and Harvard Business School seek him out, we are reminded that if you need the job done and done well, call Tarek Stevens.