"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts."

Introduction

The life of Joseph Lee Wallace is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of mentorship, and the unwavering support of family. From a childhood filled with love and life lessons in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to his current role in local government, Joseph’s journey has been shaped by both his personal and professional experiences. This biography captures the essence of his growth, his values, and the lessons he has learned along the way.

Joseph was born on August 24, 1969, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His upbringing in a loving and supportive family laid the foundation for his strong character and determination. His mother, Mrs. Mary Wallace Render, and father, Mr. Roy Render, played instrumental roles in shaping his worldview. Mrs. Wallace, with her nurturing spirit, instilled in Joseph the importance of compassion, humility, and perseverance. Mr. Wallace Render, with his quiet strength, emphasized the significance of integrity, hard work, and the value of dedication. The wisdom passed down from them continues to guide Joseph as he navigates the challenges of life.

Joseph’s childhood was far from perfect, with struggles typical of many growing up in a challenging environment. Despite this, he remained focused on his goals, buoyed by the love and support of his family. His grandmother, Mattie B. Wallace, also played a pivotal role in his upbringing, imparting valuable life lessons that Joseph continues to reflect on today. The love and wisdom of his family became his anchor in moments of adversity.

His academic journey took him to Cheney University, where he studied and grew both as a student and as an individual. It was here that Joseph encountered Dr. Perkins, a college professor who became an invaluable mentor. Dr. Perkins’ guidance not only helped Joseph excel academically but also nurtured his personal development, encouraging him to become a man of character, leadership, and vision. The lessons from Dr. Perkins were key in molding Joseph’s approach to life, learning, and leadership.

Joseph’s dreams initially focused on professional sports, and he worked tirelessly to make that vision a reality. Although his aspirations to play professional football didn’t materialize, Joseph turned to a different form of service: mentoring and coaching young athletes. His work with the Boys and Girls Club, where he served as an athletic director and coach, was pivotal in shaping his later career and solidified his passion for helping others. In his role, Joseph didn’t just teach kids about sports; he mentored them in life skills, such as teamwork, responsibility, and resilience.

“The strength of a family, like the strength of an army, lies in its loyalty to each other.”

Phase 1 : The Early Foundations of Strength and Character

Dr. Joseph Lee Wallace’s journey into life began in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where the earliest foundations of his character were shaped within a close-knit family environment rooted in care, discipline, and quiet strength. Born on August 24, 1969, he entered a world that was neither free of difficulty nor devoid of warmth. From the beginning, his childhood was defined not by excess or ease, but by the steady presence of family members who believed deeply in values that would anchor him long before he understood their importance.

His mother, Mrs. Mary Wallace Render, played a central role in shaping the emotional and moral landscape of his early years. She embodied a careful balance of nurturing care and firm guidance, ensuring that her son grew up with both emotional security and a sense of responsibility. Her approach to parenting was intentional. She emphasized perseverance, compassion, and self-respect, teaching him that personal character mattered more than circumstance. Through everyday interactions and quiet correction, she reinforced the belief that integrity was not situational, but a way of living that required consistency and courage.

From her, Joseph learned that challenges were not obstacles to be feared, but realities to be faced with steadiness. She modeled patience in moments of uncertainty and strength in moments of strain, allowing him to witness resilience not as a dramatic act, but as a daily practice. These early lessons were not delivered through lectures or instruction, but through presence, consistency, and example.

His father, Mr. Roy Render, offered a different but equally powerful influence. More reserved in nature, his father demonstrated the value of discipline through action rather than words. He believed in showing rather than explaining, in doing rather than declaring. Through his work ethic and calm demeanor, Joseph absorbed lessons about responsibility, reliability, and perseverance. His father’s influence taught him that strength could be quiet, that dignity could exist without recognition, and that commitment revealed itself through consistency.

Together, his parents created a household where effort was expected, respect was non-negotiable, and accountability was a shared understanding. Even during periods of hardship, the environment remained structured and supportive. Their sacrifices were often unspoken, but deeply felt. They worked tirelessly to provide stability, ensuring that their son understood the importance of responsibility while also feeling protected and valued.

“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.”

Phase 2 : Discovering Purpose Through Education and Mentorship

As Dr. Joseph Lee Wallace moved beyond his early years, his life entered a period defined by exploration, transition, and intellectual awakening. This phase was marked by his entry into higher education, a step that required him to adapt to a new environment, new expectations, and a new sense of independence. Education became the space where curiosity deepened, discipline was tested, and personal direction slowly began to take shape.

Joseph’s decision to attend Cheney University represented more than enrollment in an academic institution. It was a deliberate step into an environment that demanded self-reliance, focus, and accountability. As the first historically Black university in the United States, Cheney offered a setting grounded in tradition, academic rigor, and cultural identity. For Joseph, this environment provided both challenge and affirmation. It was a place where learning extended beyond classrooms and into lived experience.

Entering university life required adjustment. The structure of higher education introduced expectations that differed sharply from earlier schooling. Coursework demanded consistency, critical thinking, and time management. Academic responsibility was no longer externally enforced; it required internal discipline. Joseph encountered these demands head-on, learning to organize his time, prioritize responsibilities, and remain committed despite pressure. This period strengthened his capacity for focus and persistence.

Equally significant was the social and cultural environment at Cheney University. Being part of a campus community shaped by shared history and collective purpose provided Joseph with a sense of belonging that encouraged confidence and self-reflection. Daily interactions with peers from varied backgrounds expanded his perspective, allowing him to engage in dialogue, debate ideas, and observe different approaches to learning and life. These experiences broadened his understanding of community and responsibility.

Within this academic setting, mentorship played a defining role. Among those who influenced Joseph most profoundly was Dr. Perkins, a professor whose guidance extended beyond academic instruction. Her mentorship was grounded in expectation and encouragement, offering both challenge and support. She recognized Joseph’s potential and held him accountable to high standards, reinforcing the idea that growth required effort, discipline, and consistency.

“Success is not about the destination; it is about the journey and the lessons learned along the way.”

Phase 3 : From Athletic Aspirations to Personal Reinvention

Following the completion of his formal education, Dr. Joseph Lee Wallace entered a period of life shaped by ambition, discipline, and deeply held personal aspiration. Long before academic direction clarified his path, athletics, particularly football, had occupied a central place in his identity. This phase marked the moment when that long-standing aspiration confronted reality, forcing a reassessment not only of career direction, but of personal meaning and fulfillment.

Football had been more than a sport to Joseph. It represented focus, structure, and the pursuit of excellence. Years of training, physical conditioning, and competitive play reinforced habits of discipline and resilience. The sport demanded consistency, sacrifice, and mental toughness, qualities that Joseph embraced fully. He dedicated himself to preparation, attended tryouts, and remained committed to pursuing opportunities that might allow him to advance to the highest level of competition.

Despite determination and sustained effort, the transition from aspiration to professional achievement proved elusive. The reality of professional athletics is unforgiving, defined by narrow margins and limited opportunity. For Joseph, the realization that an NFL career would not materialize required confronting disappointment directly. This moment marked a critical turning point, not because it ended a dream, but because it challenged how success itself was defined.

Rather than disengaging from the sport, Joseph chose to continue competing at the semi-professional level. This decision reflected both persistence and clarity. Semi-professional football offered continuity, allowing him to remain immersed in the discipline he valued while adjusting expectations. For approximately seven years, he remained active in the sport, balancing competition with reflection. These years reinforced physical endurance, but more importantly, they cultivated emotional resilience.

Semi-professional play lacked the external rewards often associated with elite athletics. Recognition was limited, financial compensation modest, and long-term security uncertain. Yet, the experience proved formative. Without the pressure of spectacle or acclaim, Joseph encountered football in its most fundamental form, as commitment, teamwork, and accountability. The absence of guaranteed reward sharpened his understanding of effort for its own sake.

Note of Thanks

As Joseph Lee Wallace reflects on the journey that has brought him to this point, he is filled with gratitude for the many individuals and institutions that have played pivotal roles in shaping his life. Family has been his cornerstone, providing unwavering support and encouragement every step of the way. His mother, Mrs. Mary Wallace Render, and father, Mr. Roy Render, instilled in him the values of resilience, integrity, and compassion, which continue to guide him in all his endeavors. Their sacrifices and love have been the foundation upon which his career and personal growth have been built.

Joseph is equally grateful for the mentors who have shaped his professional path, particularly Dr. Perkins, whose guidance during his time at Cheney University helped him build the knowledge and confidence he needed to succeed. The lessons learned from these influential figures have had a profound impact on Joseph’s life, helping him become a better mentor, leader, and individual.

He also owes much to the institutions and organizations that have provided him with the platform to make a difference. The Boys and Girls Club, where Joseph served as an athletic director and mentor, gave him the opportunity to work directly with young people, shaping their lives and guiding them toward success. Additionally, his involvement in various policy reform initiatives has enabled him to contribute to the broader goal of educational equity and social change.

Lastly, Joseph extends his gratitude to the readers of this biography. Their interest in his journey has been humbling. He hopes that his story serves as a reminder that with strength, purpose, and encouragement, everyone has the potential to make a lasting impact.

Thank You
– Dr. Joseph Lee Wallace