Calvin alumnus Attah G. Obande gave a presentation on Monday about Spring GR, a local nonprofit, as a part of the multicultural student development office’s Black History Month program.

Obande’s talk, entitled “Dare to Dream,” detailed his own experience with defining success and God’s call since his graduation from Calvin College in 2003. Married with four children, Obande became focused on earning money rather than pursuing his passion: helping those in under-resourced communities realize their full potential. After a 10-year-long successful — but unhappy — career in banking management, Obande felt as though God was convicting him to quit his job.

“I realized that the Bible told us that work is a gift from God,” Obande explained. “My job did not feel like a gift. But when you align your goals with God’s, that’s when you find your purpose.”

Obande then assisted in the founding of Spring GR, an organization that empowers entrepreneurs in low-income communities to start small businesses. As a part-time speaker, Obande is able to pursue his dreams of inspiring others through his lectures.

“Don’t let your limited vision of what you want to do with your life stop you from what God has for you,” Obande remarked.

In the spirit of Black History Month, one of Obande’s examples of those who followed their dreams was Martin Luther King, Jr. Although he acknowledged that not all of us can be as great as Dr. King, Obande reminded us, “We could be the teacher or mentor who inspires the next Martin,” which spurs us on to invest in those around us.

Obande uses his banking management background to provide training sessions for aspiring entrepreneurs in mostly black and Latino neighborhoods that lack material resources but are rich in human potential.

“These people have constantly been told that they can’t fulfill their dreams of starting businesses. Spring GR challenges that assumption,” Obande explained.

Obande encouraged his Calvin audience to buy from the businesses supported by Spring GR, as well as follow their own passions.

“When God gives you a talent, the ‘how’ is none of your business. Just be obedient to His call,” Obande said.

A full list of the business services provided is available on their website: www.springgr.com.